Dan’s photographic style steps away from the typical photo-accurate and steps into the abstract. A scroll down Dan’s feed is like a dream, a splash of color, shape, and bold stories. This week marks Dan’s 179th frame!
-Yosef
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Name: Dan Stokols
Current All-Time Streak: 159
Joined 52Frames: August 2020
Your “walk-around” gear right now:
The place you call home:
Irvine, California
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Your life in 30 words or less
Son, brother, husband, father, uncle, grandpa; educator, writer, photographer, musician, nature lover. I enjoy photography as a form of creative and artistic expression. I’m continually inspired by the creativity and kindness of fellow framers each week.
Can you share 2 images, one from your past, and one more recent, that show your evolution as a photographer?
What has been your favorite style of shooting lately?
I bring more of an eclectic rather than a singular style to my photography. That said, I’ve definitely noticed some interesting shifts in my photography since joining 52Frames in 2020. When I joined 52Frames during the Covid 19 lockdown, I was taking a lot of nature photos while walking around my neighborhood or hiking in more remote areas. The weekly challenges at 52Frames have nudged me to expand my repertoire of photographic subjects and techniques, and to combine my love of nature photography with my interest in capturing the aesthetic and often abstract qualities of human-made environments and objects. In recent years, I’ve also embraced the challenges of iPhoneography in contrast to the greater level of manual control afforded by more sophisticated SLR and digital cameras. As a personal challenge, I’ve tried to push the boundaries of what I can achieve photographically using a smartphone camera.
What was the first photo you ever submitted to 52Frames?
How did you find out about 52Frames?
from my neighbor across the street in Irvine
What submission are you most proud of and why?
I’m not at all sure that this photo is the one that I’m most proud of among all of my 52 Frames posts – but what I do like about this image is its portrayal of certain artistic, almost abstract qualities of scruffy old basement stairs laden with dead leaves (taken at my son’s home in Washington DC). Before I joined 52Frames, I was not familiar with Wabi Sabi photography. The Wabi Sabi and many other 52F challenges have afforded me valuable opportunities to frame my everyday surroundings in new ways, and to appreciate the beauty inherent in many seemingly run-down, dilapidated objects.
One tip you’d like to share?
Don’t let the aspiration to achieve artistic perfection prevent you from trying out new and often highly-experimental approaches in your photography. Also, start early in the week to take as many photos of different subjects as possible for each of the 52F challenges, to increase your chances of creating at least one image that you’re willing to share with others by the end of each week.
Why is 52Frames meaningful to you?
52Frames is the most collegial and supportive online community I’ve ever encountered. One of the topics I study in my research as a behavioral scientist is the rise of the “cybersphere” and the ways that digital technologies like social media and online communities affect people’s emotional and physical well-being (summarized in my book, Social Ecology in the Digital Age). While many social media platforms and virtual communities can be divisive and toxic, I have found 52Frames to be unique in its capacity to build community and support its members–kudos for that to Yosef, Susan, and the entire 52F team! 52Frames is also one of the most educational and informative communities that I’ve participated in. I have truly enjoyed learning from so many talented fellow framers each week about a wide variety of photographic styles and techniques – from ICM, DoF, negative space, Wabi Sabi, leading lines, abstract, editing of one’s photo by a fellow framer, photographing strangers (an immensely powerful strategy for strengthening sense of community at local levels), and so many others. Sincere thanks to you all for sharing your wisdom, creativity, professionalism, and kindness with me over the past three years and into the new year!
To view Dan’s profile on 52Frames, click here:
I am fascinated by your comments about online communities. I would love to read your book!
Thanks Erin for reaching out and for your interest in the book. Here’s a link for more info about it: http://bit.ly/2uqjqlz
If you want, I can email a digital copy to you.
All best,
Dan
So interesting reading your Blog Dan. You’re so right about the 52 Frames community being one of the only positive and mentally ‘healthy’ ones on the internet, fed by inspiration, creativity and encouragement. Your pictures are really inspiring and your work sounds incredibly interesting. Many thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much for your kind comments, Rachel – much appreciated!