C&T Publications Eye On Fine Art Photography - October 2014 | Page 12

1st Place – Halloween Decoration American Style
Daniel Thompson with “Jacks O Plenty”

I was born and raised in south (Downriver) Detroit, and I still live
there. I grew up as the 4th of 5 kids to a teacher and stay at home
turned real estate agent mom. I owe who I am and all my skills and
artistry to them. My parents put a camera in my hands almost right
from the beginning with my dad’s wait 60 seconds and pull inst-o-matic, then to my own 110 with a cube flash, and finally a point
and shoot 35mm. To say the least I was hooked. My 3 older brothers and younger sister added their own special touch to making
me the photographer I am.
My oldest brother, Dave, earned his degree in Math from Wayne State. What he taught me was work smart and to work out the
problem (shot) in advance using the tools you have to work with. My second brother, Larry, introduced me to the magic of a SLR.
He showed me how to use it, and what I could do with it. My youngest brother, Gary, was/is an artist, and taught me composition
and creativity. My sister Lynette, well like it or not was more times than she would have liked was a modal for my learning. They all
made me possible. I ca n’t thank them enough.
Since my start in freelance back at Carlson high school in Gibraltar, MI. After graduation I went Eastern Michigan University. I
worked my way through school with 2 important jobs. The first of these jobs was with The Henry Ford (and Greenfield Village), of
which I am a member, and fan of their annual Hallowe’en Nights, to this day. My other position was as a staff photographer and
sales rep for Auto Trader. I couldn’t believe it. I got paid to shoot pictures…a dream fulfilled. I was also doing other freelance work
for others, too. After I graduated I landed a studio manager position with a big box store photo studio. I both loved it, and hated it.
I got to go to work and shoot pictures all day. The problem I was
having was that I was limited what and how I was shooting. It was
becoming too much a job and was killing my passion. I left to
something else, and decided to limit myself to shooting what I want,
and working with people that will accept letting me do that for
them. I am much happier now.
My life has much more to offer than what I have put here. I am
currently working in the insurance industry to pay the bills, and help
people at the same time. My photography work can be seen at fine
Art America, and on how-to blog, “How to take great pictures the
Dan Thompson way.” I’m much happier being free to shoot when
and what I want. Life is good.
Visitors to my site are always welcome, so please stop by for a look.
http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/2-daniel-thompson.html

The Scarecrow © Daniel Thompson.
http://fineartamerica.com/featured/the-scarecrow-daniel-thompson.html
8