Gearhart photographer fi nds inspirati on locall y
BY ISA KAUFMAN-GEBALLE
Don Frank is a professional photogra-
pher and documentarian based in Gearhart.
His most recent gallery exhibition “Sum-
mer of Letters” opened last spring at Imo-
gen Gallery in Astoria.
Throughout the coronavirus pandemic,
Frank has continued shooting photos for
his commercial photographer business.
He also has documented local people and
businesses affected by the pandemic.
Coast Weekend: How did you get
started with photography?
Don Frank: It was always a hobby as
a child ... I became the photo editor for
the college paper, which was the fi rst real
responsible photography thing I did. I
just really enjoyed being in the darkroom.
What I realized was that photography gave
me access to places backstage at political
rallies or concerts that I would not have
normally been able to see.
CW: How did you transition into your
professional career and how did that bring
you out here to the Oregon Coast?
DF: After college, I started working
and that kind of stuff in another fi eld and
realized I didn’t really enjoy that as much.
I had a come-to-Jesus moment. Like,
“What do I want to do?” I decided I want
to be a photographer. Then, I started try-
ing to fi gure out how to do that ... And so
I wound up becoming a photo assistant for
a couple of studios in Portland, and that’s
where I learned how to be a photographer
and a business person. Then I went out
on my own in 2001 and moved out to the
beach 19 years ago.
CW: How would you describe your
photographic style?
DF: Well, most of everything I shoot is
out in the world. I’m a commercial pho-
tographer. I shoot for businesses, hotels,
cities, golf courses, restaurants. The hospi-
tality industry is one of my biggest clients,
so that’s on location ... I have had studios
out here. Now I can set up space for peo-
ple for those kinds of things. But I usually
travel to where they are.
CW: Can you tell me about your pho-
tography exhibition at Imogen Gallery last
See Page 10
A self-portrait of Don Frank.
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