I originally picked up a camera because at 15 you want to be just like the person you most admire. I admired Gina. She started a scrapbook using a 110 camera so I did the same. The 110 turned into a Canon 35mm in high school where Bryn Alan staff photographers showed me how to take candid photographs and other tricks of the trade. Here I got to shoot sports, group shots and lots of candids! I served on the highschool yearbook two years and as editor my senior year. On Yearbook I learned layout and design. (Way before photoshop!) I also worked on the college newspaper as a writer and photographer. My next door neighbor, John Gontner was one of the three original Daytona Beach News Journal photographers. He also served as a mentor and inspiration. Our work is very different, but you can't cheat the basic principles of lighting and construction.
I chose to seek education away from photography and earned a BA in psychology. Retail and management and then sales in banking all are under my belt of experience. Total years behind a camera are about 30. My then husband encouraged me to go professional with weddings and I began doing that about 15 years ago. I then developed a friendship with a man who had a passion for photography but no training. He and I together began doing much of the style you now see on this site. After four years he departed and I am working mostly on my own. (Although, like many things do, he's coming back so more of that later.)
I still use the Canon camera for many things but have finally crossed over into digital. I once left that for my partner but now I have given into the lower cost of digital. Being old school, I will never totally give up print.
I also have some skills as a makeup artist and some of the photos will reflect that work.

I like the above photo Charles took of me because it is so typically me on top of something to get the right photo.