I have always enjoyed being creative. Growing up, my parents were photography enthusiasts, which introduced me to the world of photography. My siblings and I would spend our weekends exploring the mountains, deserts, and beaches of Southern California while our parents captured the stunning landscapes. Occasionally, I would be handed a disposable camera, and we would eagerly drop it off at our local photomat for film development. It feels like a very long time ago!

In 2022, I retired after a 35-year career in insurance, where my world rarely involved artistic creativity beyond the art projects I did with my children and their friends. One of my first purchases after retirement was a Canon EOS RP, just before embarking on a trip to Italy, where I learned the fundamentals of my camera while on the go.

I eagerly dove into photography classes and have genuinely enjoyed the challenge of mastering photography, light, and composition. I appreciate how photography encourages me to slow down and pay attention to the details when setting up a shot. It’s teaching me to be patient and present.

Photography motivates me to explore the outdoors and discover places I might not have considered otherwise. As a self-identified introvert, venturing out alone can be challenging, but photography has inspired me to go out on my own. In fact, I have grown to really enjoy heading out in the morning, by myself, when the crowds are sparse. I now view familiar places with fresh eyes and notice details I previously overlooked. Photography has also inspired me to start painting again.

I hope my photography inspires others to travel and seek out adventures, sparks curiosity, provokes thoughts, or simply brings joy to those who view my work. Some may even wonder, "What in the heck is that?"

My career has ended, and my children are grown, but photography has provided me with a new narrative that has helped to reshape my identity. My new story weaves together my journey as a photographer and artist, my travel experiences, and the life lessons I gather along the way. This new chapter is all thanks to my decision to buy my Canon in 2022.