In a recent article in B&W + Color Magazine, Daniel Ruf is quoted from a discussion that “…Like any other endeavor in life, photography is a journey of learning and developing, and not only of oneself. The process of drinking in the instruction of others enlightens the approach and vision of the artist, provided they are willing to accept the challenge of growth in the medium. Whether it is making a concerted effort to rise before dawn to catch the sun’s first rays or reading from piles of books and magazines on the night table, the development of a vision, approach and body of work is an unending, yet exciting journey…”

Though his interest in photography was sparked long ago after earning a B.A in art and biology, since retiring from farming in 2007, Ruf has devoted himself fulltime to the art of photography . He has tallied more than 50,000 miles traveling the Midwest and other states in the pursuit of telling visual stories that may otherwise be missed or forgotten. Along with these adventures Ruf has also maintained a “continuing education” program through attending workshops, teaching local digital photography workshops, continuing submissions to various calls to entry, and maintaining exhibit spaces in two galleries.

Most recently Ruf’s work has been included as a “Portfolio Winner” in the December, 2011 B&W + Color magazine, and he also has had two images chosen to be included in the permanent collection in the newly renovated Veterans Memorial Convention Center in Des Moines.