I have had a camera in my hand since 1985 when my grandma gave me my first Kodak Disc the summer before sixth grade. Over the years, I took pictures everywhere I went, but didn't see photography as a means of expression, rather as a way to document life. I kept searching for the perfect way to express myself artistically and tried my hand at drawing, painting, writing, pottery, knitting, wool felting, drumming, and sculpture, and then at some point realized the camera could do what those other mediums could not. It could express my mood, the beauty of nature, etc. in a much more succinct way because, while I have an eye for details, I had never found the patience to record them. What is important to me in taking a photograph is the light, then subject, focus and color. For the most part my images are light and bright, unless I am in a really dark mood. My favorite subjects are the sky, trees and flowers, butterflies, food, and children. I like blurred backgrounds, soft focus and rich, vivid colors. I want people to feel joy and hope when they see my images. Photography has gotten me through some of the darkest moments in my life. It reminds me of the beauty of nature, of light, even when I feel dark. It is my meditation.

When not photographing for fun, I can be found doing freelance photography and working as the food photographer for Perfectly Produce.

Thanks for visiting my stream! And thanks to the Flickr community for your continual inspiration! I have learned so much from all of you! All images are copyrighted and may not be used without my permission.

Cameras:

Nikon D300

Nikon D7000

Canon S95

iPhone

Polaroid Spectra

Fuji Instax

Nikon FE

Ricoh Diacord L

Lenses:

Nikon 18-200 mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED DX VR

Nikon 60 mm f/2.8 D

Nikon 50 mm f/1.8D

Nikon 85 mm f/1.8D

Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8D

I absolutely love photography!