If you would like to see / download Original Size images, please let me know by contacting me (unless you're already a "friend," in which case . . go ahead.)

I LOVE hiking/camping, the arts, reading in cafes, and TRAVEL in general. I have spent 7 of my 38 years living in Europe and Africa; I have taught and lived in the Czech Republic, Kenya and Sweden. At the moment, I teach part-time in Berkeley public schools, which is punishing and rewarding in its own ways. To complement this, I work part-time at Trader Joe's, which I appreciate and really enjoy, for the most part.

I discovered my passion for photography in 1997 and then attended a summer photography program in Montana. Since then, I've been a semi-professional photographer on the side.

My dream job would be to teach in second and third world countries, take National Geographic-esque photos, and write captivating stories that would have a significantly positive impact on the world. That exact plan has not quite congealed, but I did take portraits of the Dalai Lama while working for a foundation in San Francisco, photographed a traditional Maasai wedding in Kenya for a possible documentary, and volunteered as the photographer for a homeless organization in San Francisco.

I'd say I'm pretty open-minded, genuine, confident, humble, capable of upholding both ends of an intelligent conversation, spontaneous, impulsive and that I tend to be enthusiastic and hyperbolic. But my quality of life would be reduced without a camera, computer, and photoshop in order to explore and document my complex, always elusive and ever challenging mental, emotional and spiritual exploration. I am energized by participatingly experiencing new people, places and things, but I need to balance this time connecting with others with time alone in order to decompress and recharge.

finsthwait@gmail.com

For musical influences / inspirations / interests, please see:

www.pandora.com/people/finsthwait

Fr33 Count3r

Stat3s through which I'v3 driv3n (or visit3d: Hawaii)

create your own visited states

Places I've been to

create your own visited countries map

www.emusu.com/emusuplayer/sigurros/player.html