About me, Rod Daynes

Rod Daynes

Hello and welcome. Here’s something about me. I was one of those kids who could draw well. My mother was a gifted portraitist and painter. My dad, a decent pianist and otherwise immersed in the music business, built a studio for mom in our home. As early as elementary school, she allowed me to “critique” her work in progress. I think she listened, but I’ll never know. My undergraduate degree, a BFA from the University of Utah, was in painting, and that’s where I learned about light and shade. I went on to get an MA in television and film at SDSU, did some pioneering work with laserdiscs at the University of Nebraska, and worked as a producer in the Nova Unit at GBH/Boston. Although I’d been taking pics since the ’60’s, while living in New England, I finally became comfortable with my identity as a photographer. When I returned to Utah from Boston in 2007, I re-acquainted myself with Utah’s out-of-the-way places, namely, the sublimely beautiful San Rafael Swell, in South Central Utah. My photographs are mainly from the “Swell,” but I’ve also selected some favorite shots for this site from the Wasatch Range, and from outings in the deserts west of Salt Lake City, Southern Utah, Nevada and California. This site, therefore, is a retrospective of sorts, gathered from the last several years.

All of photos you see are watermarked, but I imagine that it won’t stop some people from stealing them anyway. On the other hand, you can do the right thing and click the “Donate” button under each photograph, any amount you’d care to donate. If you do, 100% of your donation will go to the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance (suwa.org). In return, you’ll get an un-watermarked rights-free high-res print-quality (tiff) file that you can use however and wherever you wish, guilt free. BTW, I’m not making penny on any of this. I’m dedicating my talent and skill to something much more important than making a buck. Thanks.