Photo Art By Dan

In the everyday hectic world we live in today, we often forget the simple things God has surrounded us with. For a short time, as children, we interact with the world and take joy in the everyday moments…dancing with butterflies, lying on our back and seeing the dragons in the clouds, making a wish upon a dandelion.

Over the years, I too forgot to slow down and look at the world of wonder all around me. Now, I try very hard to see the beauty in the commonplace and capture in a photograph that brief, fleeting moment when time and space merge.

Some have said I have a “good eye", but I think I have actually taken the time to open my eyes and heart to the grandeur of everyday life. Yes, I have been privileged to be at the right time and place to see that instant when light and image are perfect. The photograph is more than a representation of shape, color, light and shadow. It is the physical manifestation of that moment when I marveled at that before me...knowing that not only had my eyes been filled, but also my soul. I make the photo in my mind before I bring the camera up to my eyes.

I use the term "make a photograph" because it better reflects the creative process of photography, which involves not only capturing three dimensions (width, height, and depth) in a two dimensional way, but "seeing" light and shadow, cropping spatially (capturing a small portion of the overall scene), cropping time, and telling the story.

The images I create capture the emotions of that moment when I pressed the shutter button. Maybe, just maybe, while looking at my photographs, you too will be able to experience that emotion, as though, you were there with me, looking over my shoulder and saying as silently as I did when I took the shot, “wow, look at that".

I have been photographs since grandfather gave me my first camera - a Kodak Pony. I learned photography hands-on and spent many hours in the darkroom, coming out into the light and always smelling like rotten-eggs; Now I use a digital darkroom. My camera of choice is Nikon. I exhibit at non-juried and juried events through out the year. Please check my show schedule for the venue and date.

One of the nicest compliments I ever received came from a woman who walked into my booth, and after looking around told me, "Your photographs make me smile." May God grant me the privilege to continue to bring a smile to all who take the time to see. Simply put: inspiration by God, photographs by Daniel J. DiBernardo.