“My images reflect my passion to capture the essence of what I see, reduced to its simplest elements, uncluttered by distraction,” states Dr. Nathan Dean. Former Dean of Science and Emeritus Professor of Physics at Florida Atlantic University, he took up photography in retirement while he continues to teach physics and serve on the College’s Advisory Board in between travel and photo shoots.
Nathan believes that he was born with a knack for math but that it took years of study to develop the skills he needed to teach physics. Now he is investing time similarly in the study of photography. His dad gave him his first camera over fifty years ago. From the beginning he realized that he loved taking pictures and had a good eye. He didn’t get into it seriously, however, until a few years ago when he began studying with Arnie Zann and Margo Pinkerton, the Barefoot Contessa. Since then he’s traveled the world to Spain, Africa, Yosemite and elsewhere to study the art of the image.
"My first workshop, in Savannah, showed me it's possible to be more than a snapshooter and gave me an idea of what an image should be. My second, in Andalucia, helped me consolidate and elevate my vision.” But he found his trip to Yosemite to be the most rewarding. “I began to be able to understand things about the art of the image that until now I had glimpsed but never fully understood. I left the workshop with better images than I've made before, but less satisfied with them, because Margo and Arnie and all my fellow shooters helped me realize how much better they can still become.”
Dean’s work is already riveting, so it will be interesting to see what he continues to achieve. In addition to viewing his work on his website at nwdphoto.com, you can see six of his original photographs currently on display in the "Vivid Art" exhibition at the 110 East Gallery, just across from Old School Square at 110 East Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach. The show began on Monday, April 4, and continues through Friday, June 3, 2011. He is also planning a one-man show in the fall at the FAU Library in Boca Raton. For now enjoy the slideshow.
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***© 2011 all rights reserved Maxine Schreiber.
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