My interest in photography started early in a small town high school while mentored by a professional photographer. This ignited my passion for black and white photography and the creative venue of the darkroom.
My professional career started when I joined the Marine Corps. Initially I started in the infantry continuing my passion by purchasing my first camera and shooting operations though that was not my job. Upon reenlistment, I moved into the photography field still shooting operations, but now in an official capacity. I managed daily operations of the photo labs mentoring others in the art of photography and darkroom creativity. I supported the mission of Public Affairs with my photographs and was published in several military publications. After a 20-year rewarding Marine Corps career, I continued in multiple commercial photographic labs across the country moving with my military spouse. The highlight of my civilian career was working for Army Times Publishing Company as their lab technician and freelance photographer receiving many by-lines over the course of four years.
Over the years my love of cameras drove me to expand my camera expertise. I started with Canon moving to the several versions of the Nikon as my professional camera choice. Due to my love of nature I started in the world of landscape photography. A purchase of a Mamiya RB67 helped me refine my landscape photography skills and continue with film as my favorite medium. Exploring what nature has to offer and looking for the unique perspective in my photos allowed me to expand my love of the darkroom even more by eventually building my own home darkroom. This afforded opportunities to display my work within group exhibitions, galleries, and online venues.
With the advent of digital formats and changes in the industry, I finally transitioned to a Nikon D750 as my daily camera. I hope that my lifetime passions are communicated in my photos even to this day.
