I've always loved capturing images with a camera. Even as a kid I had cheapy little film cameras and would take pictures of friends and classmates when we went on field trips or places I visited with my family, etc. In high school, I took a photography class and learned how to develop film, albeit black and white. Working in dark room wasn't really my thing, so I stuck with the cheap film cameras until digital came of age. For a while, I borrowed a friend's digital point and shoot camera and snapped away. I eventually bought my own digital point and shoot and kept at it.

I never thought much about true photography until my kids started playing sports. I realized then that I was frustrated by the crappy pictures the point and shoot cameras would take of sports action. It was then that I pulled the trigger and bought a "real" camera. I bought my Canon 40D in July 2008 along with an EF 70-200mm f4 L lens and shot every one of my daughter's soccer games. Aside from that, I kept shooting everything else... flowers, people, scenery, etc. I really began to learn how to work the camera to get what I wanted.

After really diving into photography, I've noticed that I look at the world a bit differently. I look out the window and think how beautiful the lighting coming through the trees is. I walk around outside and see how amazing the sky looks or the amazing colors of plants and flowers. I look at a photograph in a magazine and try to figure out where they positioned the lights. Photography has really opened up my eyes.

Every time I pick up the camera, I think of it as another opportunity to learn more about photography. I am constantly trying new things, reading about techniques, scouring flickr.com for great photos, and just shooting whatever I can. I've found that the best way to learn is to just go out and use the camera as much as possible.

I hope you like my photos and come back frequently to check them out and comment. If you want to see more of my work, check out my website at: www.scottbeattiephotography.com

Gadget geek info:

Canon 40D

EF-S 17-55mm f2.8 IS

EF 70-200mm f4 L

EF 28-135 f3.5-5.6 IS

EF 50mm f1.8II

EF-S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 IS

Alien Bees B800

Paul C. Buff Large Softbox

PCB 13' heavy duty ac lightstand

580EX II

LumoPro LP120 manual flash

Radio Popper JrX Studio transmitter, 2X receivers

2 X 45" Westcott reflector/shoot-through umbrellas

2 X 8ft Interfit lightstands

Westcott background support system

Gary Fong Cloud II Lightsphere

Stofen Omnibounce diffuser

Lastolite tri-grip diffusers and reflectors.

Manfrotto 190X PROB tripod with Manfrotto 488RC4 ball head