When legendary aerial photographer Dale Fisher first learned of 5-year-old Chad Carr’s DIPG diagnosis in 2014, he felt compelled 
to do whatever he could to help.
“I knew I didn’t have thousands of dollars to give,” said Dale, “but I wondered how I could use my photography to help make a difference.”
Dale discovered his passion in the 8th grade. His love of photography grew during high school and throughout his service in the Navy. When he returned to Ann Arbor after the Korean War, Dale began utilizing his aviation skills to capture incredible aerial photographs from low-flying helicopters.
For nearly 7 decades, Dale has been producing stunning landscapes from across Michigan. He’s also become popular for his vast selection of stadium photographs, including the historic “Fans Flood the Field” from the Michigan-Ohio State game on November 27, 2021.
What Can One Person Do?
Dale, who turned 90 in April, is humble about his success. He still resides on a 200-year-old farm in Grass Lake, Michigan, and can often be spotted outside mowing his lawn or picking up fallen tree limbs.
Dale is quick witted, and you’re sure to get a joke or two every time you see him. But when remembering Chad Carr, Dale’s crystal blue eyes tear and fill with melancholy.
“He was only 5 years old,” said Dale. “His life was cut so short and that seems really unfair. With the time I have left here, I want to do what I can to help make a difference.”
Dale began donating some of his prized photography to ChadTough early after the organization first formed. The items have been sold throughout the years at various foundation auctions, generating thousands of dollars for childhood cancer research.
In 2022, working together with his partner Joanne Ackerman, Dale published a 288-page coffeetable book called Washtenaw County Visions of the Eagle, “a visual representation of what makes Washtenaw County one of the best places to work, play, or call home.” The book is outfitted with a custom dust jacket featuring a photo of Chad, and it includes a special section highlighting the ChadTough Defeat DIPG Foundation.
“Chad’s legacy has impacted the lives of thousands of people,” said Dale. “I’m so happy to use my work to create awareness that might help in some way.”
The Dale Fisher Galleries are located at the Eyry of the Eagle farm, 1916 Norvell Road, Grass Lake, MI. For more information, call 517-522-3705 or visit www.DaleFisherGalleries.com.
Photos courtesy of Dale Fisher
