The Art of Dan Van Winkle

Dan Van Winkle

Member of Univers d'Artistes since 2007

His articles and his Interview

In 2008, Dan Van Winkle told me during his interview :

"Define my own style ? Never. My style is constantly changing, otherwise I'd be a static and bored photographer. I could never do the same thing over and over.

I guess if I had a style, it would be to attempt to use natural fantastic light whenever possible.

I also have to admit that I love the way that oil/water and skin play together in the righ light."

And that's true ! From 2007 to our days Dan has never done the same thing as you could see it during the years I have exhibited his wonderful photographs. That said, in his last works I saw his camera take a little more distance from his always talented Art Models. And in 9 years, he found some other poses and magic places as the outdoors addicted photographer he still is.

Dan Van Winkle is a warm and friendly man and overall a great photographer I am proud and honored to know. Thank you Dan from the bottom of my heart for your active participation for this 10th article.

Dan has shot landscapes for many years, honing his craft on many hikes in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, in the environs around his house in Marin County, California and in various places around the world.

About 12 years ago he got the idea (not that original of an idea to be sure) to start incorporating the nude figure into his landscapes and has been focusing on that mostly since then.

The feeling of being out in nature working with a free spirited female (or male) model, collaborating to create an image that evokes emotion, thought or just appreciation for the combined beauty is one that Dan cherishes and will continue to pursue for many years to come.

By trade Dan is an electronic hardware design engineer mostly focusing on high frequency circuit design.  He works at the prestigious SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory where some of his circuits enable scientists from all over the world to do cutting edge research.  Shooting is a way for Dan to relax and re-connect with nature and other likeminded people.

Dan asked me to choose among more than one hundred photographs ! I spent three days to watch them one by one... Thank you Dan ;-)

My latest shoot with Art Model Kaela

 (to see complete on his blog)

For many, many years, I’ve wanted to do a shoot in the High Sierra.  I did one once, but the area I chose to go to just wasn’t what I had hoped.  Plus, I was younger and less experienced at shooting nudes.  So, I don’t really count that shoot.  Just recently (the day after my birthday) I made plans to shoot with Kaela near her home base in Bishop, CA.  The following galleries the outcome of our collaboration over a day and a half.  I hope they are enjoyed as much as I enjoyed making them.

There were basically for parts to the shot, we started at 5:30AM at some hot springs near Mammoth Lakes for sunrise.  We then moved to Convict lake for a short hike around the lake.  We then caught lunch and rested in the afternoon.  Then it was up the mountain towards Bishop Pass with an end goal of Bull Lake just below Chocolate Peak.  Then, it was home, to sleep, and up again the next day to start my new project with my old canoe.  I’ve already done a post on the canoe project, but will include the gallery again here for completeness.  Please, do, enjoy!  I do this for the love of it and to share with others.

One of my favorite locations

Salt Point is one of my favorite places for environmental nudes (that’s what I’m calling them now).

One of my favorite models in one of my favorite places

A special trip to oceano

I end this article by a beautiful and realistic thought of Dan Van Winkle for the young photographers : No matter what difficulties you face, follow your dreams and be true to yourself.

Yes Dan, the dreams come true. Thank you again !



One of my "old" favorites with Art Model Vassanta :

"Natural"