I started doing photography at the age of nine. I was getting ready to go to summer camp, and my dad bought home a little Kodak Instamatic camera to take with me.

I majored in art in college. My specialty was drawing and painting, and one of my elective courses was a basic black and white photography class. Our first assignment was to purchase an 35mm SLR camera, so I found a Nikkormat FT3. I used that camera for decades.

Another course requirement was to develop our own film and make our own prints, so I spent a fair amount of time in the darkroom. I loved it. There's nothing quite like watching your images slowly fade onto the photo paper. Several friends suggested I switch my specialty from drawing and painting to photography, and in hindsight I wish I had. However, most of what I learned in my drawing and painting courses also applies to photography; how to use light and shadows, and how to create interesting compositions.

My art business has been designated as a "Trusted Art Seller" with 

I switched over from 35mm to digital photography in 2005,  starting out with simple DSLR cameras. Over time, as I got better, and as digital cameras improved, I upgraded my equipment. I also started doing videography. However, what makes a good photographer isn't having the most sophisticated and up-to-date gear. It's about understanding the basics of photography; using lights and shadows, and knowing how to frame a good shot. I've captured amazing images with my iPhone camera as well as my latest DSLR cameras. It's not the tool. It's knowing how to use it.