Introduction to My Photography Journey

Born into a family with a significant love for photography, I was exposed to the world of capturing moments through a lens from a very young age. My grandfather, who was one of the earlier photographers in the Olympic Mountains of Washington, left an indelible mark on my interest and love for photography. Despite the scarce resources and the challenges he faced in his later years, his passion and dedication fueled my own journey into this art.

Self-Taught Photographer

My educational journey in photography started by taking countless pictures. This hands-on approach was crucial in developing my skills and understanding the fundamentals of photography. Later, I attended school, but the real learning experience came from the numerous experiments, failures, and repetitions of capturing photos. The core of learning lay in the practice itself. I even built my own darkroom in a rental space to afford the luxury of making my own prints.

From Darkroom Novice to Professional

After graduation, I managed the darkroom for the Communications Department and taught beginning darkroom technique. This was a pivotal period, as I read extensively about photography and learned about the darkroom techniques such as wet-plate collodion and other historical methods. Influential works from the Time Life series on photography further enriched my knowledge. My transition into a professional photographer/videographer in a generalist small town studio provided me with a wide range of experiences, from portraits to industrial photography.

Teaching and Expanding Skills

Teaching photography at the high school level for 20 years was a significant milestone in my journey. Not only did it force me to expand my skills, but it also allowed me to troubleshoot and refine student work. This period was the best decision in my professional life. I was constantly learning and experimenting with both analog and digital photography, which was crucial in the transition to digital.

Retirement and Continuous Learning

Even now, in retirement, I continue to work on my photography skills every day. I strive for mastery every single day, as I believe there is always room for improvement. My work is the best it has ever been, and I hope to become even better tomorrow. Photography is not just about the technical skill, but it is also about the passion and the artistry that comes with it. While there are some aspects of my life and career that I might change, my path in photography is something I would do all over again.

Final Thoughts

Photography has been more than just a hobby or a profession to me. It has been a journey of self-discovery, challenge, and endless learning. From the thrill of building my first darkroom to the routine of managing a busy studio and the satisfaction of teaching, each step has added value to my journey. No matter how much I have learned or achieved, the passion for photography remains strong, and I look forward to every new challenge and opportunity that comes my way.