Dead Trees in Landscape with Mountains, Death Valley, 1 of 1, n.d., Silver print, 16x24 inches

Dan Dow, Photographer (1940-2024)

It was always difficult to get Dan Dow to talk about his own work. He was just not into promoting himself, be that to discuss his own work or even to make a lot of effort to show his work in exhibits or to get it published. He photographed and made art because that was what he did. He did not feel he needed anyone’s input or approval. After some substantial encouragement he would sometimes give in and show his work. As a longtime member of the Portland Camera Club he would show his work but had little interest in making his photographic art subject to their competitions. He did not feel art was something to compete with but he knew his photographs were good. He was a master photographer, with an Ansel Adams like advanced technique and an exceptional feeling for composition. He always knew what was in his compositions, what function every detail has. If something was in the photograph he wanted it to be there. After a long career as a fine art photographer Dan passed away in the spring of 2024. His work can be found in several collections such as the Stephen Halpert Collection at the University of New England. He did show his work in exhibitions at the Art Gallery of the University of New England and also at the Addison Woolley Gallery in Portland Maine and later in many regular exhibits with the Addison Wooley Group. His work was chosen for the 1979 and 1981 Maine Biennial exhibits while it was also, nearly annually, selected in the Maine Photo Show in Boothbay.

At the Maine Museum of Photographic Arts we are privileged to be able show his work.