DANIELSON continued from 17
participates in art shows occasionally, and his work is regularly displayed at the Ferrer Gallery in Nashville.
Danielson has expanded his repertoire to include photographs of anything that catches his eye in the natural world.“ It might be a spider on a sheet of ice, butterflies, sunsets. I have a particular fondness for mist, which my wife does not share. I’ ll exclaim‘ What a wonderful mist!’ And she’ ll say‘ Are you kidding me? It’ s depressing!’” he said.
About eight hours of Danielson’ s week is spent hiking with his dogs, looking for inspiration. He is dazzled by how often a familiar location takes on new life owing to a change in the light or season.
“ There are probably three groups of photographers,” he said.“ Some people are just in love with the technology. They love the cameras and they take pictures so they can use the camera. There are other people who are fascinated with forms and shapes. For me, the camera is simply a tool, but I need it to capture those moments that I think are so wonderful.”
Danielson is currently working on a book exploring such moments in southern Indiana and discussing his transformation from restaurateur to nature photographer.
“ I live out in the country, and there were moments that just seemed outrageously beautiful, so I thought that others would be out there taking advantage of it. I was surprised to learn that there isn’ t a single book about the natural side of this area,” he said. He will soon be looking for a publisher.
While Danielson has enjoyed the challenge of teaching himself the art of photography from the ground up, he recognizes that his approach might not work for everyone. The point, he said, is just to recognize and appreciate the natural beauty that is all around us.
18 Our Brown County • March / April 2014
Jeff Danielson has a fondness for mist.
photo of Jeff with Alphie and Drover by Cindy Steele
“ Get out and take the time to walk around and look around. Take your time and find those moments,” he said.
You can purchase Jeff Danielson’ s photography at Ferrer Gallery in the Village Green Building, downtown Nashville, and view samples on the web at < browncountyphoto. com >.
See the center spread on pages 34 and 35 of this magazine for some additional shots. •