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Dale Lear
Photography
Dale Lear’s love of Photography began around 10 years of age when he was shown how to use his Mother’s camera. After setting up a home darkroom at the age of 12 he was hooked. He photographed his first wedding at age 17 and has photographed more than 1000 weddings since. Dale owned successful photography studios in several cities and after thirty years of the “commercialization” and “high production” requirements of keeping businesses alive the artistic satisfaction that could have been realized from the craft was almost non-existent. He earned many titles and awards at local, state, and national competitions but it was only after selling the last studio in 2005 that he has been able to concentrate more on the artistic development and self expression from photography. He has found particular interest in old barns, old homes, graveyards, sunsets and scenic photographs.
“I often wonder what happened in the lives of the people who lived in the old homes, and am reminded of the hard work that took place within the barns. My photographs of these subjects stop time, even though the barns and homes will continue to decay and will one day disappear.The graveyards serve as a reminder that we are only here a short time and the stones represent a feeble attempt to remind those that remain of who we were. I am fascinated by the various shapes and inscriptions on the stones. Those whose bodies rest beneath the gravestones will be forgotten by generations who become more removed from them. Sunsets and scenic photographs serve as a reminder of the emotions felt when I was present and take me back to those times. It is my goal that the viewers of my work will receive enjoyment from them by making connections with occurrences in their lives.”
Dale is currently professor of management at Ohio Christian University and also teaches professional photography while residing near Rio Grande with his wife and family.