Mala Wharf - Limited Edition 1 of 50 Photograph

From the time I could pick up and hold a camera creating images and bringing what I see to life, photography was a passion. I started with my old Minolta 201 A graduation gift from my parents and was snapping away. Through the years I have learned to always have some kind of camera on hand, I see the world as though looking through a lens and try to capture it as I see it. I like to see it come from the eye to the camera and back to the eye. I am primarily self-taught. I have taken basic classes in here and there, however spent many hours in the darkroom at the Contemporary Art Center in Virginia Beach The darkroom is a place I can go “not to think” and to focus on the image and it’s mystery. I shoot about 50/50 film and digital these days. For equipment I use an old Mamiya 645 and a Fuji GX617 Panorama camera and Canon 5D Mark III and 5D Mark II for digital work. I love black and white images for their contrast and mystery. My “Under the Pier” Series features various area Piers that are shot in color, turned black and white and then the color is brought back to specific areas. Although I have travelled around the world, I like to focus on familiar California spots and local icons. I am lucky to live and work in Laguna Beach which is a daily inspiration with it’s gorgeous coastline, fantastic weather and wonderful supportive people of the “arts”. I am an annual Sawdust Art Festival exhibitor (10 years) as well as a Board of Director, member of Professional Photographers of America and Professional Photographers of California, Panorama Photographers of America and the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce.