I first picked up a camera not at age eight, not at 18, but at 28.  The director of our preschool had provided each team of teachers with a very simple point-and-shoot to use to document life in our classroom.  I took to it immediately, couldn't put it down, and quickly became the camera hog.  A parent asked if I would be interested in snapping a few for their Christmas card.  After working through the self-doubt and performance anxiety, I agreed.  However, I couldn't use the school's camera to profit, so started the hunt for my first very own camera.  Overwhelmed by choices and on a strict budget, I spent the next few weeks buried in online reviews.  I ended up deciding on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8.  I couldn't recommend a better camera for someone just starting out.  I loved it so much in fact, that I wore it into the ground and purchased a second - though by that time, it was much harder to find.  I spent $300 on that camera, which over a span of 3 years netted me over 10k, shooting children's portraits as a side gig.  But by September of 2012 however, I realized I had outgrown this camera and was ready for an upgrade.  Again overwhelmed by the selection, I took somewhat of a gamble and settled on the Canon 60D body.  My research had told me over and over again to purchase a solid body, but to make the real investment in the glass.  And so that's just what I did.  Each new lens is a gift to myself, and broadens my world.  This being said, I am a firm believer that 'the equipment is only as good as the photographer who uses it.'  Nonetheless, a professional offers professional equipment.

My camera has been my best friend at times.  It has brought pleasure, provided therapy, lent satisfaction, and given me a sense of accomplishment.  My work never ends, and there will ALWAYS be more for me to learn.  Having this as an ongoing project is one of the best things that has happened to me - and morphing my love of photography from a hobby into a business is my biggest adult challenge to date.  The term PERSONAL REWARD is written all over the place.

signing off....xx