My contacts insist I update this again now that I've moved again. I am a teacher in a small First Nation community in northern Ontario, called the Ojibway Nation of Saugeen. I am originally from Ottawa.

I only got my first DSLR in March of 2008, but have been having a blast with it ever since. I feel I have learned an amazing amount since I started, but I also know I have a lot more to learn. My favourite subjects are birds and landscapes (although I am better at the former, I think.) I also have started some macro of insects in particular, and I love that.

I find the biggest hurdle for me becoming better is my patience and my lack of preparation. I often wake up at 7:00 am and decide it would be a good morning to take some scenic photos of the lakeshore and colourful skies. So then I'm running out the door and racing to my location all the while watching the sun get higher and higher and less and less colourful.

My other hurdle is the fact that I take my dog Friend everywhere I go, and she makes bird stalking challenging (or at least it's convenient to blame it on her.)

I have made a few very excellent contacts here, people who offer kind words and helpful suggestions. I appreciate both. I also am learning from their terrific work. I've picked up some good techniques and inspiration as well as ideas for what to shoot.

Well, that's all for now. Feel free to comment on my work, even to criticise :-)

Kevin Dempsey,

Saugeen ON