"Why?" with Daniel J. Cox

Image copyright Daniel J. Cox. All rights reserved.

That's Dan in the middle with his folks during the taping of this new episode of "Why?"

by Skip Cohen
 
I started "Why?" as a new feature on the SCU site to help more photographers understand the stories behind the favorite images of some of the most respected artists in our industry. I can't turn back the clock and chase down photographers who are no longer with us, but I can introduce you to so many of the movers and shakers today.

This is number thirty-one in the series since we started in April. Dan Cox is in the spotlight with what many will agree is the perfect reason for an artist to select his/her most favorite image. The image launched Dan's career as an artist. He was seventeen when he captured the photograph above, which became his first published piece as an Eddie Bauer catalog cover. They ran it as a front to back wrap, essentially becoming a double-page spread!

But, there's more to the story. Dan's parents were visiting him in Bozeman last week when we recorded his "Why?" backstory, and we included them in the podcast. His parents were his support team, and as you listen to him tell the story behind this image, think back to the early days when you were getting started and the people who were your biggest fans. Like Dan's folks, they were hopefully the ones who helped you stay focused on your goals.

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Eddie Bauer's publication of the image became a family project when the image was offered as a limited edition print. Even more important the image launched the career of one of the most talented outdoor/wildlife photographers today.

When Dan and I started working together almost two years ago through Panasonic's Luminary team, I had no idea of the depth of his experience or his passion for the craft. Dan and his wife Tanya spend approximately ten months of the year on one photographic adventure after another. As a result their trips have had an impact on thousands of photographers through their company Natural Exposures. On their website there's a sentence I want to share. It so appropriately describes their business:

Natural Exposures, your connection to the world of photography, nature, conservation and the conduit to fulfilling your lifelong travel dreams. 

Check out more of Dan's images and the trips he and Tanya offer the photographic community with a click on any image above. Then, check out The Corkboard Blog for some of the exciting stories about their journeys and Dan's passion for education and images of the outdoors and wildlife.

I have yet to follow one of his trips that wasn't on my own personal bucket list!