Today we’d like to introduce you to David Salomon.
Thanks for sharing your story with us David. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
At a very young age, my father bought me a used camera. I have been taking pictures ever since and pursued photography as a passion. Years later I met a professional photographer and through her guidance I learned about the skills and techniques of professional photography. One of her first lessons was that a photographer must keep a photo and the film (today, the digital file) of every picture he shoots. My father fell ill at a young age and the burden of supporting the family fell on me. I chose the real estate business, because it fit my personality. I spent years thinking what would be the best way to publish some of my pictures. About seven years ago I decided to embark on a journey to document and publish a book on all 17 species of penguins. The success of Penguin-Pedia opened new doors for me. Since then, my love of photography and wildlife has commanded more of my time. Penguins, a book for the very young readers, is being published by Random House and is about to hit the stores in the fall. I have written other book projects for children in different stages as well. All the photographs in these books are from my own travels. I decided last year that opening an art gallery would be a distinct way for me to share my accomplishments along with my written efforts.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Pursuing a professional career in photography, and being published is never easy. Especially when you take on the daunting mission of documenting wild animals spread across the southern hemisphere. Challenging myself with the job of documenting all 17 species of penguins and creating an encyclopedia was not only time consuming, but dangerous at times. For instance, while taking pictures off the coast of Antipodes Island in New Zealand, the motor of our small Zodiac boat stopped and waves were sending my guide and myself directly towards dangerous imposing rocks. Luckily, we were able to paddle away to safety. Another challenge in the search for penguins was the weather. Planning for Antarctica trips proved elusive and frustrating. Yes, the penguins were always where they supposed to be, but the weather many times kept us away from being able to photograph them.
Please tell us about O.R.D.A. Gallery.
The career I chose over photography is real estate. My company, O.R.D.A. Corporation, is more than just a typical real estate company. We are a vertical development/management company and we do everything in house. From real estate purchasing and financing to redesign and construction. Since the beginning of my career in 1974, I have been renovating buildings, improving tenant experiences, and converting losing projects that no one wanted into profitable, high value properties. I started in Brooklyn, New York with a dilapidated neighborhood apartment building; I renovated each building with Government assistance. When I was 27, New York City’s late Mayor, Ed Koch, visited one of my projects to congratulate me on the job I did. I now focus on shopping centers in secondary towns. I look for centers that are rundown and 20-40% vacant. I enjoy fixing the problems associated with the building and creating profitable outcomes.
Contact Info:
- Address: 15400 Knoll Trail Drive
Ste 350, Dallas, TX 75298 - Website: www.ordagallery.weebly.com
- Phone: 214-960-2003
- Email: ordagallery@yahoo.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/ordaartgallery/
- Yelp: www.yelp.com/biz/o-r-d-a-gallery-dallas?osq=orda+gallery
Image Credit:
David Salomon
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