While my work will tell you much more about me than a few paragraphs ever could, here is some additional background information.

Raised rural Maryland, at one time or another, I have lived in Richmond and the DC metro areas of Virginia, the Kitsap Peninsula and Vancouver in Washington. I am now back in Maryland.

I recently "traded" all my Canon film bodies (7) and lenses (14) for one Canon 40D and a 28-200 zoom (am I a wheeler-dealer or what?!!!!). And I'm finding that using today's digital cameras is more like learning a new computer operating system than traditional film photography. Stumbling through its intricacies has opened an entirely new chapter of humility for me.

Amateurs show ALL their photos (mistakes included), 'professionals' (serious) photographers display ONLY their best.

I always liked darkroom work as much as the actual shooting. I started out as a 'realist,' but I have come to realize that there's a large part of me that wants to see beauty where that beauty might not be readily apparent. To that end, I consider it silly NOT to utilize whatever tools we have at hand to show our work in the best light or to match our wildest imaginings. Hence, I consider PhotoShop post-processing to be a most helpful tool.

Often I merely use it just to bring the image back to what my mind perceived initially. But then I can do in PhotoShop in a split second what it would take me a week to do in the darkroom.

I am TRULY humbled by the incredible photography that literally abounds on Flickr !!!!!!!!

I am COMPLETELY OPEN to communicating and working with anyone who has the courage to be open (via their profile). However, I am not likely to respond to those who allow themselves to be ruled by fear.

Be sure to check out my contacts' photostreams. They all amaze me.

Mike Flynn