In 1977, my dad bought me a camera; it was a Konica with all the bells and whistles that were possible back then for a film camera, and for the next few years, I took photos in my backyard of flowers, butterflies, and my friends. Fast forward 30+ years, and there I was, with a current advanced digital camera, in my backyard of the Rocky Mountains, finding my creative voice. Sadly, my dad passed away before I could show him what his one small gift did for me.
Each gallery represents my work as I have driven across the United States, state by state, on some extensive road trips. Going south and north, traversing east and west to hit each coast and crossing the mighty Mississippi River well over 25 times. In those miles, I have captured small towns, endless byways, and some high mountain passes, too numerous to count. I have knocked off 49 states, but Alaska still seems to elude me.
I have travelled internationally also, but have yet to capture any of it as a photographer. I hope to change that soon.
One of my favorite photographers is Sally Mann; she eloquently stated once, “Unless you photograph what you love, you’re not going to make good art.” It seems simple enough, but it’s a lesson that comes into play every time I set out to take a photograph.
My days are long, starting early morning and then driving mid-day to find that late afternoon or early sunset picture – I constantly chase the light. Sometimes, the effort outweighs the results because many variables are at work in making a picture, but the feeling you get when you have captured something special is all worth it. Be sure to check out my blog, where I have frequent trip journals of my past travels, recent trips, and where I will be headed on upcoming excursions.