*updated January 2008*

Unless otherwise noted, I am the maker and owner of the images within this album and in various places on the internet where photos by "javanutmom" have been linked to/used. I respect and extend thanks to those who've contacted me prior to using my images. Please send me an email through Flickr if you are interested in using/purchasing any of my photographs. A portion of the proceeds from any sale are donated/gifted, and the remainder helps to fund additions to my current (and quite modest) collection of photography equipment and its maintenance.

Thanks also to each and every person who visits my page, leaves a kind word behind, comments, faves a photo... I read each and every one, and it's appreciated more than you'll ever know!

Though my formal education encompasses the business side of illustration and design, just a relatively short time ago I found that I had a knack for and interest in, photography and graphic enhancements. My experience in the medium of photography was best described as little and my past education included none, but I havent let that hinder me from learning as much as I can over these past couple of years. I credit the many contacts and friends I've made on Flickr, in my local photography Meetup group, the marketing team from our local church, and those that I've met as a result of my current job as a portrait photographer. I truly hope that one day I can pay it forward.

I discovered the joys of Flickr in the fall of 2005, went pro a month later, and have been scouring this great site (when time allows) as a source of inspiration ever since...

MY NEWS!

I've just recently purchased a Nikon D80 and began using that in late December 2007. It's my first personal DSLR, and to be honest I was almost too intimidated to take it out of the bubble wrap once I received it! (no kidding) But through the encouragement and loving nags of my friends and supporters, I am using it. My first attempts can be viewed in my set titled "REVOLVER", and some winter photography posted in Dec/Jan in my photostream. I honestly cant wait to learn as much as I can about this camera, as I've felt technically suppressed for some time now and I wish to move forward. I have a feeling that the Nikon will give me that growing room that I've been longing for.

Most of my photographs posted between January '06 and December '07/January '08 were taken with my 4.0 mp (yes... just 4) Kodak EasyShare Z700. Many of the photos you'll find prior to January 2006 were more or less experimental, and taken with my very first digital, a Sony Mavica which was never truly meant for "real photography". Any photos prior to 2006 with ANY amount of clarity to them were taken with a film-loaded 35mm and scanned or were post-processed as an attempt to salvage.

The photo software that I been using most in my photos to date is PhotoImpression4 by ArcSoft (a very basic, older program). I have PhotoShop 7.0 on my system, but havent yet figured my way around that one so I rarely use it. One step at a time I suppose. I've had my eye on some of the updated editors that Adobe offers, and may just bury myself in that a bit once I tackle the Nikon.

Regardless of a measureable lack of photography experience, I've been fortunate enough to have sold rights to some of my photos, have been published in 3 consecutive volumes of a magazine, have had my work used in various print and online brochures/newsletters, and have been included in a fantastic, high-circulation 2007 calendar which features my photography in 3 of the 12 months. I dont share to brag, I share because I want others with a growing passion to have the courage to try - despite any lack of experience or confidence. I'm very blessed to have met so many supportive people in person and online that have been generous in their doses of encouragement to me, and it's kept me going! Thanks to my friends, I've continued on the road. My current work as a portrait photographer provides my "bread and butter" as I continue to follow my passion to learn more, do more, be more within the context of photography. I've been offered several private jobs and have been asked to photograph for individuals, families, churches, and businesses. I'd turned down several opportunities this past year due to my desperate need for equipment upgrades. Now that I've invested in something just a bit more substantial, I hope to accomplish much more as an artistic photographer over time, and will no longer have to turn down the shoots that I'd truly love to accept.

When time USED to allow, I enjoyed acting as a co-admin for several groups here on Flickr. My very favorite is:

"Look at me" flickr.com/groups/hellolookatme/

I also started a great top 20 group on March 21, 2006 for lovers of minimalism and negative space: www.flickr.com/groups/top20minimalismandnegativespace/

Find me on MySpace as "java", or run into me by accident via the many other places I travel on the www :)