Discovering Photography.

When did you discover photography.

I discovered photography in high school; back when there were darkrooms, negatives, and chemicals, being free to take pictures of what I envisioned then developing the film in the darkroom, watching them come to life on a piece of photographic paper.

The process of developing my own film and seeing the results was so cool! I spent quite a bit of time in that dark room. It was during those times I was bit by the photo bug.

Everything I looked at I saw in a different light. Trees popped out from the skyline and I could see layers and shapes I hadn't noticed before, not just a flat looking object against a blue background. That! was amazing and I was awed by what I had discovered within myself.

Digital Photography - Onward and Upward.

Have you moved on to digital photography yet? If you haven't, you should. You will be amazed at how easy it is to learn about your new digital camera and how nice it is to have your pictures at the click of a mouse. You don't even have to spend alot on your first digital camera ... so ... what are you waiting for?

I will admit I still have a film camera. It's a Yashica-Mat LM Twin Lens Reflex camera and it takes 120 film. I know you don't here much about those anymore, I still have quite a few roles of film in my freezer and it all works great!

But along with other photographers I have evolved from film cameras to digital cameras; from a point and shoot digital camera to a digital SLR camera (and quite a few lenses - which makes photography for me more interesting).

If you're just starting out with your first digital camera or if you haven't made the leap yet, don't wait. Recording your family memories is so much fun with digital photography. I have photographed my kids through various stages in their lives, birthday celebrations, holidays, family gatherings, and much more. I have been honored to photograph babies, weddings, first birthdays celebrations, graduations and more.

I have just about every image from years ago up to the present stored on my computers hard drive, backed up on CDs, DVDs, and they are all easily accessible to me and anyone who wants to look at them. Some we have stored in a digital picture frame (with music) and it's always showing a slideshow of family memories at every family event or holiday.

Photography has been a creative form of art for me and many others. I find it rewarding on many levels and very satisfying to find what inspires me and to photograph it, then share my work with others.

I create memories and capture moments for those who will either hang these precious gifts on the wall or for viewing them on their digital picture frame.

Creating a Photographer and a Passion.

My brothers and sister grew up in front of the lens (and my Mom) as our Dad took photo after photo of our family. We have vacation photos, Easter photos in front of our house(s), birthday photos, casual photos. We have photos of great Grandparents, Uncles and other family members. Thankfully we know who most of them are.

We have a living memory of most of our lives on slides (remember those?), in photo albums, and now on a digital picture frame for all to see. We are lucky to have so much of our past to visit whenever we like.

And now that I'm the photographer the tables have turned and I'm behind the lens taking the family pictures (making my Dad pose - only he doesn't have to stand still as long as us kids did).

I have not received a degree in photography. Through my life's experiences, studying other photographers, reading books and taking a class here and there, a Lot of passion for what I do, and some experimenting over the years; I have grown as a photographer and a teacher for my own kids and other family members.

Not only was I lucky enough to be influenced by old family photos and vacation photos, I was also influenced by all the artistic talent within the family.

It's never too late to learn digital photography and get the most from your digital camera and start making lasting memories for your family.

Photographing on Location.

I try to be versatile; and as such I have had many studio locations. Not the kind of locations that has four walls and a ceiling but green leaves and blue skies.

I might be driving down the road and spied a spot which (I know) will be great for a photo shoot. I take out my trusty pen, jot down the location and directions and then I have a great location for a photo shoot for future use. These are the places I especially like to visit for senior portraits. Graffiti painted trains or a really cool old oak tree, an old bridge, and so much more, just let your imagination run wild and have fun.

I like the backdrops that nature offers, or an old brick building downtown. Even the shed in the backyard has a purpose other than storing tools.

I have even painted the walls of our garage (a different color for each area) in an old masters style look; a couple of which are used in some of the photos I have displayed in my photo gallery.

So you see .... you don't necessarily need a set "Studio" location. You can have your studio anywhere, it just depends on you and what you want to do with your photography.