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Photographer

Arts: Don Frank Photography, Seaside, OR
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Do you want to become a Photographer?

Are you able to capture that certain smile or emotion with the click of the shutter? Does photography speak to your senses and your creativity? Would you rather see what develops in a darkroom than in a conference room? Then it may be time to trade-in your briefcase and iPod for a camera case and tripod. Join photographer Don Frank on the beautiful Oregon coast for a VocationVacation® dream job holiday and see what goes on behind the camera of a professional photographer.

“One of my first subjects was my golden retriever,” remembers Don, who from an early age enjoyed taking pictures of his pets and family vacations. In high school, he took a photography class and got his first glimpse of a darkroom and the magic of film. Then, while attending the University of Puget Sound pursuing a degree in comparative sociology, an unexpected photo opportunity presented itself. “I saw a flyer recruiting a photographer for the college newspaper. I applied, and since I was the only one who did, I was made photo editor,” laughs Don.

Although Don’s interest in photography continued after graduation, he did not immediately pursue it as a career. After he left college, Don spent some time working in the juvenile court system, but soon realized he wanted his career to take a different path. He wanted to feel passionate and fulfilled in his work and realized photography just might be the key to his happiness and satisfaction. He decided to pursue his passion.

After spending a brief time as a school photographer in Idaho, Don moved to Oregon where he received professional training in photography, and in 1998 opened his own studio in Portland. Don eventually moved to the Oregon coast where he now operates his studio and specializes in portraits, architectural and event photography.

He is also an accomplished travel photographer and photojournalist and has contributed to publications such as AAA’s VIA, a travel magazine for AAA members in the western United States. Don enjoys doing lifestyle, travel and “good times” types of photos.  His photos have been displayed in a number of exhibits including the Contemporary Museum of Photography in Chicago.

Whether shooting family portraits, weddings, or the interior of a nearly designed room, or a unique travel destination, Don strives to tell stories, create emotions and unlock secrets with his photos. “When photographing people, it is important to connect with your subjects and make them comfortable with the process,” explains Don. “The best shots are often on the last roll of film when people are more relaxed and natural.” Don’s architectural photography also focuses on connecting with clients about the project and the purpose for the photos. “I try to understand the design and concept so I can capture on film the style and feel of the architecture.” His travel photos bring places to life and create a “wish I was I there” feeling.

The adrenalin-pumping thrill of a 10-hour photo shoot, the anticipation every time he develops a roll of film, the interesting people he meets and places he visits, and the independence of being his own boss, keep Don behind the camera and happy with the quality of his life. Don loves what he does. However, he readily admits there are challenges. “The photography business is very competitive, and you have to be perseverant to survive,” says Don. “You can’t be shy, you can’t give up, and you need to be proactive in marketing yourself.”

So what is Don’s favorite camera? “The Hasselblad. The same camera that went to the moon to photograph pictures of the earth,” says Don. Photography truly can be an out-of- this-world experience.

While on your photographer VocationVacations® dream holiday with Don Frank, activities will include some or all of the following:
  • Participate in scheduled photo shoots or develop and implement concept shoot
  • Discuss various techniques, particularly with on-location photography
  • Focus on marketing ideas
  • Practice customer and vendor relations
  • Utilize self-promotion techniques in establishing professional identity
  • Engage in philosophical talks of art and commerce
  • Shoot with a variety of equipment, especially Hasselblad
  • Portfolio review of Vocationer’s work
The photograper VocationVacations® holiday with Don Frank includes:
  • Two days of one-on-one mentorship in your dream job as a photographer
  • The opportunity to participate in a total of one hour of pre- and post-VocationVacation career coaching from an accredited, affiliated VocationVacations career coach
  • A pocket-size VocationVacations journal so you can document your dream job becoming a reality
  • Light lunches with your mentor

Available: All year based on mentor's availability

Price: $949 Per Person

Book This Career Mentorship



Suggested Accommodations

Gearhart Ocean Inn

Oceanview Resort

(Not included in the price of your VocationVacations adventure)

Other activities and tourist destinations while on your VocationVacations adventure:

Reservation, Cancellation and Rescheduling Rules and Conditions:

Full payment of the VocationVacations dream job holiday is required to make a reservation. A $100 non-refundable fee is assessed if a VocationVacations experience is cancelled or rescheduled prior to 14-days of the scheduled VocationVacations holiday, based on the approved availability of the mentor to reschedule. A VocationVacations adventure cannot be rescheduled and is non-refundable if cancelled within 14 days of the scheduled VocationVacations holiday. Written notification of cancellation or rescheduling is required in all cases. In the US, Grounded Nomads, LLC and VocationVacations holidays encourage all customers to acquire travel insurance to cover any unforeseen expenses due to cancellation or rescheduling. In the UK, Grounded Nomads, Ltd and VocationVacations holidays must require all customers to acquire travel insurance to cover any unforeseen expenses due to cancellation or rescheduling and provide verification of such travel insurance to Grounded Nomads, Ltd.