Bubba...

I came home from work one day and walked out to the mail box. On my way back, my neighbors dog- Bubba was patiently sitting in the grass. He was just sitting there, with the sun falling nicely across his back. I went inside and grabbed my camera, hoping he would still be sitting there by the time I returned. You know dogs... well, he is technically still a puppy! He's about a year and a half old. As I walked closer to him, he started wagging his entire body and wouldn't sit back down. I still got a decent shot...

Photography as a profession

I am really excited about having an image published in the NY Times today! In this day and age when it seems like "everyone" is a photographer with a digital camera, it really made me feel like my schooling and dedication to photography has paid off. I didn't get photo credit, and that isn't so much an issue, just knowing that I created something all the world can see! I have had plenty of images published before - 6 years in the Coast Guard, it was my job to document and tell the Coast Guard Story through words and images. The NY Times... Wow!

Okay, maybe I am making this too big of a deal. It's just the NY TIMES!!!

It's a G.A.S.!!!

Being able to do something you absolutely love to do for work is one of the greatest things.  I enjoy my everyday job very much, but when I have a camera in my hand and can just shoot for hours on end that brings me joy!  

This past week I was able to photograph the 39th Glass Art Society Conference hosted by my employer, The Corning Museum of Glass.  I photographed several amazing artists... doing what they love ~ creating beautiful art!  It was truly inspirational.  At the end of each day, except for Saturday, my legs were sore from the up and down but my mind and heart were very happy!  

Saturday was a long day, but it went by so quickly.  I hope that when Ashley is older she has a job that brings joy to her heart and mind.  

Since I haven't honored my New Year's Resolutions... I decided to go through my images and post a few of the them... Just to add something new...  The two pictures above are of Ashley Paige when she was 5 years old.  :o)  I do plan on taking photos later this week while my Mom is here visiting!  

Blogging and 2009!

I have pretty much not blogged anything since I started this.  One of my resolutions for 2009 will be to update this blog at least monthly and add several photos. 

2009 has started out to be a good year.  My resolutions besides "blogging" include communicate regularly with family and friends, stay active, cook more, seek new adventures where possible and work on my photography projects.  Maybe just maybe, I will try dating!  hahaha Yeah, that was funny wasn't it!  More on that subject later... 

Here is a photo from last night's pizza.  I was feeling pretty motivated, came home from work and made pizza dough... then made a pizza!!!

Welcome to My Blog!

Okay, so I am new to this!  Welcome to my blogspot.  I am a photographer!  I have loved photography since I was a child.  

Taking photography in high school, I was encouraged by my instructors and family.  After high school, I took the long and winding road to a career in photography.  At 24, I enlisted in the United States Coast Guard and waited for two years get orders to Public Affairs "A" school.  The course I took was at the Defense Information School at Fort Meade, Md.  It was a very intense program, and taught me the fundamentals I needed to work as a photojournalist for the Coast Guard.  

Spending 6 years, 2 months and 14 days in the Coast Guard, I made the decision to get out shortly after my daughter Ashley was born.  She became my favorite subject to photograph the day she was born, and now that she is 8 years old ~ she is full of character and fun looks.  

After leaving the Coast Guard in 2001 (a decision - I wish I hadn't made, but did)  I worked for a bank from 2001 to 2005 when I decided to pursue photography as a full time career, but needed the education to back it up...  So, that is when I found Hallmark Institute of Photography.  While I don't regret attending H.I.P. I do wish I had done things differently (but that is another blog, altogether)  

Upon graduating from Hallmark in 2006 I became gainfully employeed as a Digital Photography Assistant at the fabulous Corning Museum of Glass!  Which is where I currently work, and still shoot personal work on the side.  

With this blog, I hope to share my work and hope you enjoy it.  Hand is cramping now, so I will type more later!!!