I began my infatuation with photography at eight years of age when my father trustingly put his new Kodak Brownie camera into my hands. I was hooked! My first subject, however, which I enthusiastically shot to the dismay of my father, was the sun. Needless to say – an ominous beginning.
During the ensuing years of childhood and adolescence, my interest in photography continued but my experience in camera handling waned. My next serious venture into the craft was in my early adult years. After purchasing my first 35mm single lens reflex camera and two lenses (quite the investment for me at the time), my love affair with the art was rekindled, and I enthusiastically began my life as a serious amateur photographer (this time my first shot was not a portrait of the sun!).
After moving to Oregon in the early 1980s, I studied photography under the tutelage of Jim Flory for several years and began working with him in his Photographic Resource Center and Photographic Workshops. We began a professional relationship and personal friendship both of which we enjoy to this day.
In the mid 1990s I began teaching photography at Chemeketa Community College in Salem, Oregon, where I continue to teach. Besides teaching photography, I have a practice whereby I freelance shooting portraits, professional portfolios, events, performances, product presentation and studio work. I believe strongly in being connected with and proactive in my community (“think globally, act locally”). The community supports my endeavors on many levels; therefore I must support my community by volunteering photographic work for non-profits, businesses and organizations. I love photography and I love teaching – and I get paid for both! Imagine that!
