I left a career in engineering with the local rocket ranch to become a professional photographer and opened a portrait studio over 20 years ago. This change enabled me to stay home with my 2 boys because my studio was in my home. This was way before this kind of thing became popular, so I guess you could say I was a pioneer in that endeavor. Also, specializing in babies and children just wasn't done. Most photographers wanted to be as broad and as general as possible, and in those days, most photographers hated working with babies. My studio was small so it worked out perfectly for me. I was very good with those little people and developed a very good hand eye coordination and learned to work quickly because the little cherubs faded fast. I could do three set and outfit changes in 20-30 minutes. I loved that phase of my life, I learned a lot and really grew as a photographer. I also did weddings in the beginning and would highly recommenced that every photographer spend some time in weddings because it forces one to work with all lighting conditions and all kinds of people. I was a member of WPPI for many years, participated in the print competitions and attended many classes by professionals in the field. The experience I gained in those days has made me the photographer I am today.
Transitioning out of portraits I set my sights on stock photography. Again, another highly valuable learning experience as I learned how to create the best possible image digitally by how the agencies accepted or rejected my images. Today, I am no longer involved in stock photography because I feel the prices for the art are just too low.
Today, I am completely immersed in the love of my life (and I believe my purpose as a photographer), which is fine art photography of nature and wildlife. I feel I am Mother Earth's photographer, conveying Her beauty and energy to the world in order to bring awareness and love to Her. I love and value this position, as I want to inspire people, the world, to take care of Her.
I use Photoshop for processing the images that I capture on my Canon EOS, and I have learned how to paint images in Corel from industry greats, Jeremy Sutton and Karen Sperling.
Personally, I am a voracious student self-evolvement, spending most of my spare time, when not in nature or processing photos, reading, learning and growing; mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I believe we are all co creators and responsible for creating our lives, and I am learning to create on purpose.
I hope to learn more about how to market my work and make a living being Mother Earth's photographer
