Hello all and welcome to my page.

I graduated from Eastern Nazarene College with a B.Sci in environmental science (ecology based). I have worked in a few various fields, hazardous materials, non-profit organizations, and private consulting. I currently work for an engineering firm as a wetland scientist. My job function is to make wetland boundary determinations based on hydrology, soils, and vegetation. I also interpret the Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act and make regulatory filings for private homeowners and industrial sites.

My interest in photography is much like many others, as in, I have an interest, but am not about to call myself a photographer. That would be an insult to actual photographers. I figure that I am in the woods nearly everyday for work and would like to show people what I come across.

I have no idea when I first got a camera. I was never a picture-taker.

For a camera, I currently have a Canon Powershot SX20 IS which came to me through a friend of the family who felt the need to buy a new camera. So I ended up with this one for free. It has been sitting in a bag for the past few years. I also have the trusty Samsung Galaxy S7 cell phone which is waterproof and always available. Interestingly enough, I have a GoPro which I use to take pictures of fish and other critters from time to time.

I have a tripod. I believe that I bought it at a yard sale with the intentions to use it as a shooting rest for long distance rifle target shooting. Never ended up using it for said purpose, so I can use it for this course.

Upon the completion of this course, I do not believe that I will be able to use my new found photography skills in my work. I am a wetland consultant and the only pictures I need, are of the sites, which only need to be a simple "phone shot" to show the land surveyors where to go. I am sure that someone will point out a use within my job and that I will also come up with one here and there.

I do however, wish to learn about photography and to be able to document my "adventures". I feel as though I have a difficult time explaining scenes and images to others, as I am color blind. Perhaps, a picture is in fact, worth a thousand words (that was tremendously corny). With any luck, I'll learn how to take a picture and will be able to inspire some others to "get out" and see some of the places I find on their own.