Looking back at the artistry Dan Urbanski created in the all-too-short time he spent exploring U.P. highways and byways, there were a number of words that kept popping up... beautiful, stunning, awesome, WOW - just to name a few. Yet through all the praise heaped upon Dan's talents, he stayed ever so down-to-earth and humble. Case in point, the third picture here today - "Rays" Sunset - After receiving a glowing compliment, Dan replied, "Thank you! There was volcanic dust in the air, causing a long afterglow following sunset. Here clouds on the horizon broke the glow into rays. Typical of the man, the artist, giving credit to causes other than his own steady hand and patience to capture the right instant. We will always be grateful to Dan, for showing us these Upper Michigan moments of peace and tranquillity!

Good Morning, all. Take time today to enjoy everything around you. No one knows how short our own time may be. Have a great day!

GOOD morning from the harbor....mighty awesome pictures.

Incredible eye behind the lens....at the time. Now just try to imagine what that eye is seeing! God Bless! Love and Light!

Mornin', a true reflection of the man's eye. Again, Wow!

The man's artistic eye was marvelous and he
was able to use it to help us to see the glories
of God's creation.

Good morning everyone. Beautiful pictures! Have a great weekend.

Today I visit my friend who has come up with her husband from NC for the Woodward Dream Cruise. She has MS and is wheelchair-bound. Like Dan, she has an inspiring, positive attitude, a joy to be with.

Last year's cruise was during the big blackout which makes me think of FL and be grateful for electricity, running water, security, my little belongings by me.....

We often hear from folks who catch up with the Pasty Cam on Friday or Saturday morning if they're not able to tune in each day. If you are one of those weekly visitors, you may just be discovering this morning that we have lost a good friend and co-worker Dan Urbanski, who passed away at the age of 50.

Besides the memorial expression this week on Cam Notes, we have received numerous emails telling of Dan's inspiration to both amateur and professional photographers. Over the past 25 years he advanced a standard of visual quality which influences hundreds of seekers of beauty, each time they snap the shutter. Like this note I received from Jon Jacobson of Picture Michigan, who has some shots back there in the Cam archives as well:

Dan not only left behind a legacy of art and image, he also left indelible influence and inspiration. The following image was taken mere days before his passing. Unfortunately, it marks the last time I drive by his studio while telling myself "I should finally go in and introduce myself to Dan."

Life is too short whether you're eighty, seventy, fifty , thirty, teens, or an infant. These past days have been a wonderful tribute to Dan. His pictures show a true love of lifes' wonders and should be a reminder to all of us readers to help spread peace amongst all of human kind. When you pass a person, say hello. Try to perform an act of kindness atleast once a day. We all have a loved one that has passed on and it is up to all of us to continue to spread that loved one's love of life and humanity.

Do you think the picture of the hairbells could
be added to the calendar picks? Imagine
being able to capture that vision during the
last days of life. A tribute to excellence, a love
of beauty and the human spirit.

Today's top photo would have been a perfect Fall entry for the calendar...sorry it wasn't one of our choices. Both of the two top photos truly captures the essence of Fall. Fantastic!

Wonderful Pictures from Dan today.

Speaking of fall... When we were in the UP last weekend we noticed some tree's beging to change colors, and I have even noticed some downstate now this year. What a crazy summer it has been! Have a great day everyone!

Kosk in Toronto, a good idea. Pasty cam, how about as the cover of the calendar?

Just wondering if there will be a winter shot this week that Dan took?

Tune in tomorrow.

Thanks Kathy. There's something about it that
reminds me of that song--"Beyond the blue
horizon.."

Just checking in. What a wake we have had this week, eh? I hope it has helped Patty U.

Wish I could be at the Memorial on Sunday, but I will be there in spirit.

Awesome pictures!

Dan sure had an eye for beauty. I think the calendar is a great idea, but also wish there was a fall photo as above.

Dan inspired me to capture the powerful beauty of the UP through a lens. I will continue to enjoy his photographs and will sadly miss the images he had yet to capture. God bless.

Tammy W. - Hey, Neighbor!

Anyone know where the top picture of the flowers with the lake behind was taken? It's great. So very sorry to hear about Dan's passing. Peace to his memory.

Good Morning-

Hope everyone has a great day! I am really looking forward to purchasing the 2005 calendar, I know many people who will love one as a gift too!

Jeff@Illinois,
Those are red maple leaves, not flowers. Unfortunately, I don't know the lake.

I just looked over the remains of yesterday's post, and someone mentioned a coffee table book of Dan's pictures. I know that I would buy one for sure. I love anything to do with Michigan, and I share it with people here in Houston who have no idea of what BEAUTY is.

Good morning,
I re-read yesterday's posts and definetly agree with Fran's idea of a coffee table book. Dan's picutes on a heavy, glossy paper is a wonderful idea. Not only would it be a great fundraiser for Still Waters, but the book would preserve memories of your area and Dan's work. What a tribute!
Take care,
Cindy

What a great idea -- coffee table book, calendar and a way to remember a great friend.Even Dan's winter pictures were hopeful -- something I hope that passed on to Patty and those who loved Dan in this rough time.

This may sound rather strange or out of place. But looking thru Dan's gallery with the beautiful shot of Cosmos, I know from experience, that our four-legged companions miss their friends too.

So beautiful!

I, too, just re-read yesterday's notes and found that some needed to see the swirling leaves photo.

Here it is.

http://pasty.com/pcam/dannyu/LeavesInCreek

Tammy from Glen Ellyn, I just saw your guest album of winter photos. Beautiful!

Jeff in Illinois... that's up on the bluff near lake of the clouds in the Porcupine Mountains... there is a lake down there but you can't see it in the pictures ... I think maybe you can see a little of superior out there... but maybe not... could be just trees... lots of wildflowers grow on the edge of this beautiful bluff - Dan captured the spot beautifully....

jk

I love the idea of the coffee table book! Hi to neighbors Chris K.Lombard,IL and Tammy W. from Glen Ellyn,IL.

Ok, I am probably asking a question that has already been answered, but its easy to miss things when there are alot of posts...

Is there anything that we can do for his family? Shouldn't funds go to help the family as well?
I know Still Waters was mentioned, and I agree that its worthy, I just know how it was for my Mom when my Dad passed on, and I wanted to know if we should do something for his wife?

coffee table book! What a great, lasting memorial that would be. I also like the 15 month, and the 365 day calendar. Maybe put the winter photos on the summer months/days, and the summer months for the winter days. That will allow us to dream about the alternate season.

I didn't know Dan and only recently became familiar with his work on this site. As someone who tried to capture the UP's beauty and did not really succeed very well, I can truly appreciate his work.

Dan, wherever you are, you will be missed

Coffee table book sounds like a good idea. May also be cost effective, depending on the press run (number of copies).

You may want to contact Seagull Publications for a quotation, if you're serious. emailto:SeagullPublications@comcast.net

Oh boy Charlie.... how are you going to choose the WOW this week?

M.T.U press and the Book concern{assuming they are still around} ought to be checked out for qoutes..

Hi to west suburban Chicago UP fans! I would buy a coffee table book of Urbanskis in a heartbeat. Anyone want to lift a glass in Dan's memory at John's Buffet in Winfield?

To Steve from Warrenville - I'm game. It would be nice to meet some fellow fans of the UP.

To the Western Chicago Suburbs Posters -
Cool to go out sometime. But, I don't know where John's Buffet is.

We all need to put our emails out there. Steve - what is yours? I will contact the "girls".

Tammy W. - How does Sunday at 1pm sound? Anyone else? I will be the bearded one in the new bar having a Bell's Oberon.

Chris K - John's Buffet is on Winfield Road just north of the train tracks, in Winfield.

Thats so neat that you all will be able to meet!!

Maybe other groups could meet on Sunday in their respective areas! What a nice tribute that sould be to Dan's memory!!;)

Looks like I will have to check this at home. I am leaving work now.

I have emailed my IL neighbors re: a tribute to Dan meeting.

Sorry to keep posting like this, but word has to go out - John's Buffet opens at 3pm on Sunday. Therefore the meeting will be postponed until then.

Thanks Jeff K. for the location of that great picture of Dan's.
To Steve in Warrenville, John's Buffet is a great place to lift a few or try their meatloaf. Just like Mom's.

My vote would be for a coffee table book of photos submitted to Pasty.Cam by Dan Urbanski, with profits shared equally by his estate and Still Waters.

would anyone have any newspaper articals or the obituary of Sylvia J Eskola . Or know of any of her relatives. I have a photo of her father and would be glad to scan it if someone in the family wanted it or even to send them a copy.
I would also like to find any story written about her career to add to my scrapbook
Also very sorry we lost such a photographer as Dan He had to be some person to see the world like that

I just looked through the collection of Dan Urbanski's pictures and I'm so glad I took the time. What an amazing talent!

Has anyone thought of a 2 year calendar, or a 1 1/2 year desk calendar?

What would happen when the 1 1/2 year calendar ran out...would there be another one or would we have to wait 6 mos?

Hopefully another one would have been planned and off the presses.

That fall road pix *really* needs to be in the calendar, either Sept. or Oct.

Dan Urbanski touched my heart and soul in more ways than he will ever know... The world is a much better place because of his gift and his willingness to share it. His passing has brought sadness to so many but his life has brought joy that will not end. May you be in a safe and peaceful haven with the presence of beauty and love surrounding you, Dan. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with Patty and family...

I have just recently found Dan's beautiful pictures of the U.P. He was surely a gifted photographer and will be a jewel in heaven. My condolences to his family. He will be missed.