My photography journey began in the 3rd grade.  My mom and dad owned and operated a small photo shop in northern New Hampshire and one year they gave me a small Kodak Brownie 127 for Christmas . I had a ball clicking away at what ever struck my fancy..animals, friends, scenery in the Connecticut River Valley..whatever. In time Mom and Dad had me learn to process the film and print the tiny photos. As I grew older I went through numerous 35mm cameras before moving to digital and finally my current Nikon full frame digital.  Being a career Air Force officer, I was fortunate enough to travel  to many places around the world ( some not the friendliest place on earth but all beautiful in their own way).  Initially my photos were intended to record memories of those far off places for myself and my family and to show friends some of the sights Pat and I had seen in person.  In most cases, I felt many of the photos were not much more than large postcards and usually fell short of being worthy of mounting and displaying on our walls at home. Light Room was not yet part of my post shooting editing process, unfortunately!

Today, I am a transplanted New Englander, living a short distance from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, a place that blows my mind every time Pat and I go for a ride. Living where we do and having lived in the White Mountains of New Hampshire for a number of years, nature, landscapes and wildlife have pretty much become my favorite subjects, but I also truly love historical locations, regardless of where they are located in the world.  They all have a story to tell and that’s what I try to capture  with my Nikon.

The challenges I face every time I go out with my camera seem to grow rather than decrease. Learning my newest camera, the Nikon Z8, let alone mastering it, is a project in and of itself. Watching YouTube videos and reading the writings of some talented experts (mentioned below) is helpful, but the trick is practicing their guidance. Progress is being made, I get more comfortable every time out, but as I’ve told a few friends, “That camera frequently feels smarter than I am”. Another lesson shooting over the last year or so has taught me, narrow my vision…see that broad scene in front of me but also take time to see the smaller aspects of what’s there. A look across the valley at the Tetons is stunning but often there is beauty much closer, perhaps even at my feet. Unusual rock layers, small clumps of flowers, the patterns in a dead trees bark or the way water flows over rocks in a stream are easily overlooked. Message to self…”Don’t rush, take time to see everything…enjoy what is right in front of you”.

Several outstanding photographers have inspired me and certainly deserve mention; 

Jay Goodrich, a neighbor and terrific multi genre photographer. Jay’s adventure photography is world class!

Nigel Danson, a great woodland and landscape photographer

Mark Denney, a tremendous landscape and nature photographer

Mads Peter Iversen, another very talented fine arts landscape  photographer.

I also must include David Brookover from here in Jackson, Wyoming. His work is amazing and if you are ever in Jackson, Wyoming stop by his gallery……outstanding work! And, Dave is great to chat with.

Take a look at all of these really good photographers web sites..you will be impressed.