For over 40 years I have developing my photographic skills which is a never-ending task for any serious shooter. While learning the ropes I started my semiprofessional career shooting events and spot news for local papers, stock photography as well as custom darkroom work. Also, no stranger to large format work either which the plan as I free up more time with my upcoming retirement in a year or two.

As a purist and believer in producing quality detailed images which draw the viewer into the scene it's a dying art. Learning photography during the film and print age has a huge advantage the skill level needed to survive exceeds the skills need today by far.

With a mechanical background which puts food on the table while working contract jobs which have put me in some interesting environments to explore with cameras in hand. as most photographers will admit 75% of a good image is being at the right place at the right time. Working contract gig jobs keeps me in some awesome photographic areas of this country and get paid for being there is a lot better than just a short visit with less than favorable conditions. Keeping up with advances in the photography world has held me back from making photography a full-time adventure, my photo business is able to sustain the upgrades but not enough dive in full time. The writing was on the wall with camera phone images replaced a qualified talented photographer along with public domain photographs. It's been an interesting challenging rewarding journey looking back I was blessed to be given the opportunity to share my view of the world from my perspective. In the end it worked out for the better life is unpredictable the is no way to predict the future I passed up some incredible avenues to follow looking back glad made the choices I had.

Photojournalism is a style of photography which in a nutshell is story telling with light which is my style, basic and to the point grab the viewers into the scene. Starting out in photography in the film age were getting it right in the camera was first and foremost due to the many steps involved in producing a physical image. With film any mistake you made won't be noticed until the film was dry. Basic editing programs are the only method of editing on my images there is no photoshop or AI.

There are a lot of life lessons to be learn which result in a confident member of the photographic community. One stands out that I learned early on trusting one's gut instincts which requires being in tune to your surrounding and feel the energy of the scene. One memory comes in mind from the film days. Took on an assignment for a football game it's the fourth quarter tie game 15 seconds to go ball at 4th and goal 3rd down the play is going to epic and your left with 4 or 5 frames before running out. Took the chance to continue to shoot and got the shot, made the deadline it could have ended badly and missed the shot. Take home message here trust your instincts.

The journey isn't over by far the plan includes a few more years preparing for an epic photographic adventure Across our great country and beyond.