Not to dissuade you from reading the rest of my exciting background (sarcasm), but first, the serious bit: I reserve the right to block people for whatever reason (as do you, fellow user) but the most common causes for this would be someone who has no photos of their own to share or whose contacts appear questionable or just downright creepy.

Like most on here, my real purpose here is in appreciating photography but I recognize that may translate into professional opportunities. But I would only participate in such arrangements at my own discretion - anyone who interferes with that is someone I'd rather not have anything to do with.

Now with that out of the way, more about me: I learned photography as a reporter covering sports for a local weekly. I loved it so much that I never stopped shooting, wanting to capture as much of life as I could whether it was sports or anything else I found interesting.

I got up to speed on a digital camera, but what I've really grown to love is film. I like having the two side by side in my portfolio - burning a few more calories with the old-school way to get a desired effect, even if the difference seems small, is always well worth it for me.

All in all, I'm just trying to improve. I don't mind criticism or questions - If I'm going to move forward, I need to re-examine where I've been.