Jarred Walker – In Motion Staff Writer
The end of this spring semester will see the conclusion of Daytona State College legend Dan Biferie’s tenure after 45 years.
Current senior professor and Department Chairperson for DSC’s Southeast Center for Photographic Studies, Biferie’s time, effort and body of work over the course of his life is one to be commended.
Biferie, pronounced “bih-fairy,” was born in 1951 and first got into photography at age 12 when his grandmother gave him a box camera.
“I still have a copy of the first photograph I ever took with it and I liked the ability to just go and record things. It made me start pursuing it. My parents were always supportive of my interests and their encouragement got me going. In high school, I was a troublesome student and one of my teachers realized that when I had my camera, I was a different person. She encouraged me to get on the newspaper and yearbook which I did and loved it.”
He went on to explain how being at the front of football games, having an unlimited hall pass and seeing his work published really made him feel proud and accomplished.
Coming to DSC in 1969, Dan Biferie would find his future second home. As a student, he would graduate with high honors in 1971. Seeing his photography teacher’s passion and enthusiasm inspired him to become a teacher and an artist. “From here, I went on to Ohio University and graduated with the highest honors. Next, I got a two year fully paid scholarship as a graduate student and taught. It was the photography teaching at graduate school I found the most fulfilling. Around this time, I had many odd jobs, but the secret for students looking for a legitimate job after they graduate is to keep your foot engaged in the business in order to keep current and the passion alive. That first part of my life was not easy.”
When Biferie and his wife Kathy were on their way to The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, he decided to stop by DSC to greet some of his former teachers. It was at this time when they asked him if he would be interested in doing an interview for a teaching job. Biferie agreed and he was hired right on the spot.
“They couldn’t find anybody with a master’s degree. They had a new degree program that required that. I went outside to tell my wife, ‘honey, we’re staying right here.’ It was amazing how it all came together.”
Biferie’s accomplishments are endless and speak for themselves. The most important aspects of his career are his students and being the founding director of the Southeast Museum of Photography.
“The most significant thing I’ve done is influence the lives of countless photographers who have gone on, in one way or another in their lives, to be successful. Whether it be as photographers, creative individuals or work in other fields. I’ve learned from them too. We’ve had many photographers go on and do really big things such as working for National Geographic, the History Channel, winning multiple Pulitzer Prizes, etc. I started the Gallery of Fine Arts which grew to the point of having the world-renowned Southeast Museum of Photography opened that is now 41 years old. It’s astounding.” Biferie also introduced the digital age of photography to DSC and taught the first Photoshop classes.
He further explained how none of his achievements could have happened without the help of others.
“Nobody does anything on their own. There were presidents, students, volunteers, my wife, colleagues, staff, the curator, the community members, etc. They are all part of the success that the program has achieved.
“It was never easy, it was always hard work. You need tenacity and self discipline. My best advice is to have a positive mental attitude, learn from your mistakes, take advantage of successes and continue to have a creative life that’s separate from whatever it is that you’re doing. Eventually everything will come together.”
Although Biferie’s career is coming to an end, his love for photography will never fade away as he still gets joy and fascination out of it. He hopes to release an autobiography in the near future and have his work featured in public museums and collections.