A LIFE OF PHOTOGRAPHY
I starting taking pictures when I was 13 and I was immediately hooked. I've always loved science and back then the process of shooting film and printing my own images fit right into that love.
Then, I realized that I could focus on small details or areas of a larger scene and even manipulate the image to achieve certain ideas, messages, or convey a feeling. Now it became more than just snapping a picture, it was freezing an idea in time. I was always experimenting, even from the start with multiple exposures, composites and anything else that would tweak my images, to make them "mine".
Later I went to school for photography and earned two degrees. Then I stated working commercially for other photographers to perfect my skills. I learned my craft during the age of film photography, when there was little room for mistakes or reshoots, you relied on experience. You were limited to the number of exposures on a roll of film or the number of sheets loaded in the film holders, the exposures had to be crisp and exact and you didn't know the exact result until the film was processed (unless you had a Polaroid back).
I've always printed my own images (both color and b&w) and knowing how to get the best out of the negative, slide and print helped me grow even more as a photographer. Now I use that knowledge in my digital imagery and I thoroughly embrace the wonders of technology. Digitally, I've worked with Photoshop since Version 4 (1997) and I'm fully capable and comfortable within the "digital realm".
COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY
As I mentioned above I have a lifetime of "hands on" experience. I've worked for newspapers, magazines, commercial studios and owned my own studio. I've photographed people from all walks of life, from "the girl (or guy) next door", to models, actors, professional athletes and even Playboy models. My images have been published on the covers of five national magazines and inside many other magazines and books. You can view some examples of my commercial work in the gallery.
I've also had the pleasure of being a professional master printer of both color and black & white photographs for professional portrait, commercial and motion picture photographers and of course, this has also enhanced my own imagery.
Note that I'm currently not accepting any commercial assignments due to focusing on my personal fine art photography, but I may make exceptions based on the project, travel and scheduling (feel free to contact me).
FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY
My fine art images have been exhibited in one man gallery shows and written up in national magazines. Everything that I've previously done finds it's way into my images at some point, and unlike some photographers I've always taken photographs for my personal satisfaction. I also don't limit myself to certain subject matter, so you'll see a range of subjects that may seem unconnected but hopefully my vision makes the connection. What you see here are images taken over my lifetime, some recent and some well..., not so recent.
My imagery represents a lifetime of dedication to art and craft..., and I take it seriously.
TESTIMONIALS
Joe Farace - ShutterBug Magazine (on my Fine Art Photography)
"Frame's images are not what I expected, they run the gamut from unexpected to beautiful. There is no doubt that his images could be called anything but art, proving that it's not the tool that creates the image but the artist behind it. His black & white images are startling because he clearly sees the world in a unique way, his vision takes you into dark, mysterious places. His color images range from landscapes that could be called traditional to those that are purely lyrical, almost as if you're seeing a different person making these images compared to his black & white work. This same emotional approach is on view with his images containing people, but seldom are people "front and center". Instead they're often tiny elements in the photographs. In my opinion, his image of a young girl on an empty beach almost perfectly expresses the poetry of E.E. Cummings.
James Yarger - Industrial Designer
"Dale is a can do, get things done problem solver. He has an expert eye for what can be achieved graphically, and works tirelessly to help clients get the results they are looking for. He brings a level of professionalism that is unparalleled in graphics, he's easy to work with and always cool under pressure."
Brian Dever - Director of Operations RTL Creative
"Dale displays an uncommon amount of attention to detail when working with even the most complicated projects.
John Otsuki - CEO Creative Cause Solutions Inc.
"Dale is a skilled and talented professional. And perhaps the most direct and appropriate recommendation I can give is that I'd hire him again if I had the need."
Jane Adamson - CEO Sherpa Advisory
"I'm pleased to recommend Dale Frame to any organization who is looking for a highly ethical and hard working contributor. It was a pleasure knowing Dale both as an individual and as a colleague. His goal was always to do what was right and he exercised good judgement in that regard."
Regan Mahoney - Environmental Branding @ Image Options
"Dale is very detail oriented and has an excellent understanding of client's needs. He's very thorough in translating what the client needs into images that are easily understood and accessible. I recommend Dale as a well organized self starting individual with a great sense of responsibility and work ethic."
