---------- How I started in Photography ----------

I have been into photography since I was about thirteen.

My mother started *strongly* encouraging me to start taking pictures for a contest between my school and other schools like mine in the New York, New England area.

I won first, second, and third place with a number of different pictures over a number of years with my pictures. At the time I was using an old Canon T70 film camera.

I guess I enjoyed actually taking the picture, but I hated with a passion all the paper-work that went with every picture as well as my mothers prodding.

Years later I am using my own camera, which makes it so much more enjoyable to me. I use a Canon 50D and I love it.

The paper-work is still a pain even though I graduated high-school.

As for mom, Well I owe her a HUGE "THANK YOU" for teaching me all she knew about photography and, even though I hated it at the time, the prodding and

pushing me to do what was right.

---------- Flickr ----------

Flickr is a HUGE source of inspiration for me. If I have added you as a contact it is because, in one way or another, You have inspired me to be a better photographer. If you add me as a contact, I will check out your photostream. Please don't be offended if I don't add you back.

I love comments. (who doesn't) I love feedback. I love complements and constructive criticism (if respectful)

I love to give nice comments to people who inspire me (those who I make contacts)

I love to help people and share the things I have learned through experience.

I love testimonials, but as you can see, I don't have any yet. (hint, hint)

---------- About my Name ----------

"Why Just Basic?" you may ask. I wanted to have a name with my initials (J. B.) in it and "Just Basic" just happened to be a programming language I was researching at the time.

It also has a connotation of being simple, elegant and easy to understand. Traits I find attractive in photographs as well as people.