My journey.....

I am a self-taught "traditional" photographer.  I received my first SLR, an Olympus OM10, in 1980 and that started me on my journey.  Today I still shoot with my OM 10 and an Olympus 4T.  I tried my hand at shooting weddings and special events in the beginning and although it was good experience, it was not what I wanted to do with my camera.  I am an artistic person and wanted my photos to reflect my artistic abilities.  I love taking pictures of nature and flowers and my neighbors are accustomed to seeing me in the middle of their flower beds with my camera and tripod.

I was born in Springfield, Illinois and still reside there.  I have two grown daughters, Jen, living in Albuquerque, New Mexico (an attorney, teacher and avid mountain bike racer), and Jodi in Chicago, Illinois (a marketing and design account exec and marathon runner).  It was through their urging that I began to show my photographs in 2004 at juried art fairs.  A close friend, Susan, gave me that final push by entering me in my first juried art fair in Taylorville, Illinois.  There was no turning back!  Boy, did I ever have a lot to learn and do in a very short length of time....I had to learn how to cut mats, choose framing, buy a tent, walls, and other equipment.  It was both scary and exciting and I was sold!  I thank them and all my other friends and patrons who continue to encourage me and support my work.

My camera has taken me to many beautiful places, both near and far.  Please enjoy the view through my lens.