Today we’d like to introduce you to Dan McGeorge.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story?
Studied photography in the 60’s, ended up as a PIO photographer with the 101st Airborne Div in Vietnam in 1970, later as photographer in the Navy Reserve in Coronado. Began gallery exhibitions locally in 2003, eventually opening own gallery in Coronado in 2010 specializing in scenic and nature work. Currently have a stand alone gallery in Oregon, a production studio in Coronado, provide select placements for collectors, wholesale work to retail outlets, and maintain a strong online presence. www.danmcgeorgegallery.com. I continue to create fresh work from throughout North America, Ireland and the UK, China, and recently returned from Nepal and Mt. Everest.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been, and continues to be an uphill challenge. In retail constant rent increases really make survival difficult, though I maintained a great local galleries for 8 years. I purchased a gallery location in Oregon to highlight scenic and nature photos and avoid rent increases as I am my own landlord. In Coronado rent increases were huge, relentless, and eventually insurmountable, however I saw this coming so began making a shift to wholesale, opened my Oregon gallery, and when the time came I was ready to make the shift from a Coronado retail gallery to a more sustainable business model. It has worked out for the best, and I’ve been very pleased with the outcome. Art of any kind is a tough business and I feel fortunate to have survived in the genre.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Dan McGeorge Gallery – what should we know?
I provide unique photographic art that is my own work from conception to production, though now, primarily due to prohibitive shipping costs, I rely on third party production, though all the image creation and preparation is my own. I am known for unique perspectives on subject matter, an intuitive understanding of light and composition, and for treating my collectors and customers well. I’m most proud of my selective and natural approach to photography, and I guess what sets me apart is my use of old school techniques which steer clear of unnatural image manipulation, as well as all single image work rather than composites that are so common with many photographers today. I also have taught hundreds of lessons and classes to budding photographers, and continue to do so on an individual private basis. I also write a narrative for every photograph I create, which adds perspective and insight into the work created.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Treating people well and developing relationships. I would rather have someone enjoy the experience of viewing my work and leave empty handed than to strong arm folks into something, having them leave having had a bad experience. Honesty and integrity in my work.
Contact Info:
- Address: Dan McGeorge Gallery
1330 Orange Avenue Suite S-1
Coronado CA 92118Dan McGeorge Gallery
155 N. Third St.
Jacksonville OR 97530 - Website: www.DanMcGeorgeGallery.com
- Phone: 619-390-0896
- Email: [email protected]
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/DanMcGeorgeGallery
Image Credit:
Dan McGeorge
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