I AM A CAMERA

I am a camera. Well, maybe not a camera, but I am the extension of one. I am a photographer. I am proud to call myself a photographer. But, what does that actually mean?

 I've been taking photos since I was a small child. My grandfather was a photographer and an amazing artist. Through him, I found my love for photography. He encouraged me and mentored me to become the person I am today.













          First photos I took with my new camera. 1974


 When I look around me, I see things that many others might not. I see how they would look through my lens and in doing so, I capture it and present what was going through my head when I took the shot. I've been told I have an eye for photography, whether it is doing portraits or taking pictures of what is going on around me.

                                                     But, when did that become the stone age?

Everyone nowadays has their smartphone via Iphone, Ipad, Android, etc. We are inundated every day with photos on Instagram, Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter being taken from a phone and uploaded instantly to the internet. From that, more and more people are having their friends take their photos from their phones and shooting their weddings, portraits, graduation cards and special events happening in their lives.

But are they getting the pictures they really want? Their friends will shoot for free so why not?




A photographer understands lighting, shadows, drama, innovative ideas so that they don't have to spend all their time in Photoshop correcting everything.


A photographer has years of learned experience either by schooling or the school of hard knocks. A photographer understands that multiple shots need to be taken to make sure you get that "good" one.

A photographer wants to commemorate that special moment in time with pictures that convey emotions.

A photographer has the love, passion and drive to make sure that what is seen through the lens is what you will receive in your photo.




A photographer has worked and sweated to save and scrimp to get the equipment they want and need to create their images. They spend hundreds if not thousands of dollars throughout their career to perfect their craft.

Those who have regular jobs are paid for the work they produce whether it is the CEO of a large company or working at a fast food restaurant. But there are many people who don't realize that being a photographer is our job. It is our love and passion, but it is also what puts food on the table for our families.

Sometimes we're asked to do something for free. Would you do that to a chef? Would you go into a store and ask that same question?

I am a photographer. I live and breathe in images. I see the world through my lens. I enjoy creating special moments for people.

I am a photographer.  

Yes, I charge for my services, but it goes back to that old adage. You get what you pay for.