April 12th, 07

So it's basically been since September 1st, 2006 (when I purchased my first DSLR) that I've really begun taking this photography thing as a bit more of a serious hobby. I've been shooting whatever tickles my fancy , and yes it's a big fancy. *snicker*

I tend to shoot everything. I've lived my entire life in Wisconsin, the majority of it along the Mississippi river near and around La Crosse. That's where my passion for the rural and rustic side of Wisconsin takes it's roots. However, I'm also a bit more progressive, as I've lived in Madison, Wisconsin, New York City for 3 years, and now near Milwaukee, Wisconsin - not to far from the rural life.

It didn't take me long to find a love for the better glass that fits on my camera. Thanks to that evil inexpensive little Nikon 50mm f/1.8D, I've now acquired much better optics.

Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8G ED AF-S

Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED AF-S VR

Nikkor 20mm f/2.8D

Nikkor 35mm f/2D

Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G AFS

Nikkor 60mm f/2.8G AFS

Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D

Nikkor 105mm f/2 DC

More equip

2 Nikon D3 bodies

1 Nikon D50 <~~~ vacation camera

SB800 - with Lumiquest Pro mini-soft box

SB800 - with Lumiquest Pro mini-soft box

Lenses that have come and gone:

Nikkor 28mm f/1.4D

Sigma 30mm f/1.4 HSM

Nikkor 35mm f/1.4 AIS

Nikkor 45mm f/2.8 PC-E

Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D

Nikkor 60mm f/2.8D Micro

Nikkor 105mm f/2.8D Micro (non vr)

Nikkor 180mm f/2.8

-The duplicate gear was purchased for wedding photography.

...Which brings me to, my newfound love. I happened to stumble upon an opportunity to be a second shooter at Weddding in Steven's Point, Wisconsin. I absolutely loved the experience. So much so, I took my entire pack of camera gear to NYC to also photograph my Sister's wedding. And I loved it even more. ...the growth from the first to second weddings was tremendous, and I've also begun optimizing my post production workflow. I've always had a love for passionate expressive photography, and weddings are the perfect environment for capturing such subjects. ...I'm also a hopeless romantic at heart, so this just feeds the addiction. :)

- craig s

PS! I just have to add this note. If you fave or comment on one of my photos (in particular, one of a fair maiden), and you're very own flickr stream isn't public, nor you have any faves public, I will block you like Jim Rome. BLOCK-BLOCK-BLOCK-BLOCK!!! Regardless how up-and-up you are.

Thanks,

c