Butler Beginnings

Circa 1900, Kodak’s Brownie camera is named after cartoon characters that were as well known in that era as Walt Disney’s are today. It was the first camera released to the public for personal use, and the first camera ever used by five-year-old “Danny” Butler on a kindergarten field trip. His passion for photography grew into opening his own photography business in a beautiful Victorian located in Bon Air, as classically aged as the Brownie camera.

Now, with an award from the Southern Women’s Show, national recognition, and more than 40 years of professional experience, Mr. Daniel Butler has achieved his lifelong goal of perfecting the art of fine portraiture, in-house creating a higher level of emotion and quality than standard “photography.” 

Since what is now Butler Portraits moved from Bon Air to its current waterfront location on Brandermill’s 1700-acre lake, Mr. Butler has not only adapted his Camera Room to become the indoor studio with the most special effect capabilities in the region, but he has also built three unique and spectacular outdoor studios to adorn the property. His clients are able to interact with their surroundings while taking pleasure in, and benefitting from Mr. Butler’s lively, genuine expertise. He has assembled a zealous team of portrait artists and enthusiasts to continue to raise the bar of portraiture.

Even as an expert in the field, he continues to travel the U.S. between clients to grow and develop his knowledge and skill, and keep up with modern changes of the portrait industry.