I was bewitched immediately upon seeing the first black and white print "magically" appear in the developing tray in 8th grade and refused to leave the darkroom after that. Volunteered that I might spend more time in that place of alchemy. 

My first vacation from the fire service found me on a motorcycle heading south on CA route 1. Arriving in San Diego and deciding that it was time to take pictures again, I bought a Minolta body and a couple of lenses and rode into the sunrise looking for well, something. And I found it; 20 rolls of it. The Grand Canyon filing with fog to overflowing, Bryce Canyon guarded by its legions of water eroded sentinels, Zion flowing solid yellow chocolatey golden browns from here to eternity, cows on the road for no apparent reason, (why did the cow cross the road? So he could scare the shit out of a motorcyclist who wasn't paying attention) eagles eating rabbits, rainbows, sunrises and sets, clouds, crows, crosses, dead sheep, cactus reaching to the moon, highway 50 cutting across Nevada high desert swirling winds and dust streaking with the days last light, sun scorched bones laying in the relentless cycle of reclamation, the flame was lit upon the bunson burner of my photographic expression.

Many books, a couple of classes and lots and lots of film have brought me to where I am now. Could build a two story edifice to the god of shitty imagery with all the truly horrible slides I have exposed and that is part of the evolution. 

Did stop shooting altogether a couple of times, sold off most of my gear each time. I was getting the feeling that the camera was getting in the way of my experiencing life directly. I was documenting, observing, detached and separate. Cutting out a rectangle of life I wanted to show, thinking of it as something which stood alone and apart. 

Now I am learning to listen as well as look, to pay attention to the many levels of life which transpire allowing a moment to occur, everything in its place awaiting discovery. The evolution continues, the place I find myself is far more integrated, less of a difference in participation of life with or without a camera in my hand.

It is a kick in the pants to pick up my camera and see what Life will put before me to be noticed, esteemed, taught by, to recognize as a part of myself. Photography has bestowed upon me the gift of appreciation, a way of seeing the world more inclusively. The subtle shades of shadow are where the depths of life are found. Photography is a thing which continues teaching me of this world.