Nick Dantona
Nick has been making photographs since 1975. He started his career as a TV cameraman on the soap opera The Edge of Night. One day on set the Technical Director gave him an old 35mm Yashica SLR with the instructions: take a lot of shots and make good notes. That process continues to this day. Currently, he has mostly stopped exhibiting his work domestically and internationally unless there is some under the table payola involved. This finances all the pieces he donates to charity auctions.
Occasionally, Nick will make a stunning photograph or two, sufficient enough to convince him to continue his career as an artist. His love for photography is so deep that no one has the heart to tell him any different. Mercifully, foundations, museums, corporate offices and private collectors acquire his work for real money.
He is not fond of the expression, “award-winning photographer,” but is completely captivated by people (especially British people) who walk funny. If you’re ever in downtown Nashville, Naples or NYC you might catch him practicing.
Apart from his own selfish endeavors, Nick is a founding member of SouthLight Salon, is an Honorary Nashville PhotoGirl and sits on the Board of a couple of photographic societies.
MOST MEMORABLE SOUTHLIGHT MOMENT
At Folly Beach, going undefeated at the pool table in the house we rented.
FAVORITE NICK DANTONA MEAL
Out of fear of being tarred and feathered, I haven't cooked it yet; but it would be a Costco ¼ lb hot dog with a steamed roll, sauerkraut and deli mustard.
PHOTOGRAPHIC EVENT THAT IMPACTED ME THE MOST
Seeing the first box of slides I ever shot. There were a couple of killer images from that roll and I've been trying to make pictures that good ever since.