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Name: Dan BallardLocation: La Junta Colo.
Hometown: Kim Colo.
College: Decided to travel instead.
Family: Jean, Jeff, Doug
Camera used: Nikon D700
So, what started your interest in photography? I started traveling, and of course I wanted to take memory shots like everyone else. Each trip I got a little more serious about it, and now its a big part of my life.
You are so young, how did you get so good? (laugh) I would argue that. I have a long, long way to go before I will consider myself good. But in reality, photography is more about hard work then anything else. Willingness to get up at 3 am in the freezing cold over and over again is half the battle in getting a good shot.
Is this your forever career goal? Definitely
Racer at Tanner Time event in Rocky Ford.
How many places have you been? Around 40 countries, on five continents.
What was your favorite? Very, very tough question! I can narrow it down to three, but one is impossible. Turkey, Laos, and Bolivia (in no order)
Why? A combination of amazing cultures, stunning landscapes, great food, and just plain good vibes.
Is there any place you'd never go back to? No, I can't even think of a place I didn't like.
If you could live anywhere forever, where would it be (or could you do that after being a gypsy?)?Staying in one place is hard for me:) But to be totally honest, home is home. I have no plans to leave Southeast Colorado permanently.
What is your day like? Traveling (laugh) -- things move much slower at home! (but that's okay, it's nice to have a warm bed and more then three shirts:) Normally I'm out taking photo's at least four or five times a week (early morning and late evening). And I work as graphic design artist/laser engraving tech in my parents business during the day to pay the bills.
How did you get into barrel racing photos? I'm really interested in western photography in general, and barrel racing is a great part of that. It's great for action shots and wild expressions.
Do you like it (I like your shots btw)? It depends. If I am just doing it to get a few keepers for my gallery, I love it. If I have to get every racer and have to forget about being an artist because I'm getting paid, no not all that much.
Is barrel racing something you are going to pursue or is it just something that was close and they needed you? I basically try to go where the cowboy/cowgirls are. There's as much chance that a favorite image will come from the parking lot when everyone's loading up as from the race or rodeo itself.
What are your future plans (just in general)? I would love to see Africa, so that's my biggest plan as of now. Hopefully I will make it over within a year or two. I also want to publish a book (of images) on western photography.
On 2-7-10 we lost an awesome horse “Jewels” ridden by Tiffany Dziuban. I have seen some of the best barrel horses in the world and this mare was right up there with them. She had so much heart and she loved her job and her rider. Tiffany loved riding this mare so much she would come home after work and saddle her up in the dark and ride when it was below freezing. She took such good care of her, putting laser lights on her for hours the night before she would run her and much more. She was a friend and companion and she will be missed very much! ---- Lynette Pritchard
What are your prices like? I have the prices for prints on my site, but if someone wants to hire me to take racing or just family pics at the ranch they can call me at 719-469-0608. If they want creative shots and I can do my own thing my prices go way down.
Thanks Dan - very, very impressive for 23!!
