Before becoming a photography teacher, Ian Danielson had many jobs over the years that taught him many real world skills he applies to teaching photography, he said.
“I’ve had a lot of second jobs over the years; photography has always been one of them,” Danielson said.
Outside of school, Danielson works as a photographer, covering events such as weddings, portraits, and family shoots, he said. While client-based work is rewarding, Danielson prefers fine art photography, he said.
“My preference is the art side of photography with old film cameras and black and white kind of the old vintage darkroom process,” Danielson said. “It is my favorite.”
Danielson uses traditional film cameras and darkroom techniques, which he finds more meaningful and creative than digital photography, he said. Photography is not just about work, he added.
“Photography has always been both an outlet and a cause for burnout,” Danielson said. “But for me, it has always been more of an outlet.”
Not all aspects of photography bring the same experience, Danielson said. While artistic photography serves as a creative escape, client work comes with added pressure, he said.
“For clients, I have to focus on the theme they want for photography when they get photos taken,” Danielson said.
In addition to photography, Danielson has been building and selling furniture, he said. He got that idea after receiving encouragement from others, he said.
“Recently, I’ve set up a small business on building cement, top furniture and other kinds of home decor items,” Danielson said.
Balancing multiple responsibilities – including teaching photography, furniture building, and family life – presents challenges, Danielson said.
“Staying motivated while being tired and staying busy all the time is hard for me,” Danielson said.
For Danielson, teaching is a priority; he values teaching, Danielson said.
“I love having a positive influence on future generations,” Danielson said.
His real-world experience helps him connect with students and provide insight, Danielson said.
“When students are interested in photography as a possible career choice or as a side hustle, I have a lot of valuable information for them,” Danielson said. “Lots of my students in the past have definitely made money as a photographer.”
Danielson’s teaching style is very laid back; you can talk to him very easily, junior Ash Joshi said.
“He talks a lot about his experiences and uses real-life examples from photography jobs to explain concepts to students,” Joshi said.
Danielson’s photography class encourages students to explore photography in unique ways, junior Vera Loui said. The class lets students have creative freedom, giving them the opportunity to approach assignments in their own way, Loui added.
“I learned how to use film, which I did not know before,” Loui said. “At first, it was scary, but it ended up being really fun. It is very open, so everyone’s work can be different.”
The most important skill that he has gained from his experience is the ability to connect with people, whether it is working with students or clients, Danielson said. Communication is important, he added.
“Connections with people are a big deal, especially with the way we are heading; being able to have great interactions with people is a big deal,” Danielson said. “People skills are really important,” he said.
Students interested in photography or starting a business must be dedicated , he said.
“It’s not going to be easy, but you have to push through the challenges,” Danielson said. “If you have any questions, feel free to swing by my classroom.”
