I am originally from Curtice, Ohio (near Toledo) and am the youngest of 13 children.  For as long as I can remember I was always doing something artistic.  I would always be drawing or coloring, and my Mom often encouraged me to enter art contests as a child.  I haven’t done much drawing lately, instead channeling that creativity into photography.  Rather than come up with my own creation, I can take the amazing Creation that God has already perfected and show it in an artistic way.  I could be the best artist in the world and could never create a butterfly or a sunset as beautiful as God can.  The best I can hope for is to capture that butterfly or sunset for others to enjoy.

I’ve enjoyed taking pictures with a point-and-shoot camera since I was a child, but was never really into photography until 1998 when I got my Canon EOS Rebel 35mm SLR camera.  With that, I realized I could control more of the focus and other settings, giving me the result I wanted.  I’ve always had more of an “eye” for photography than necessarily the knowledge of all the camera workings, but I continue to learn.  My first digital camera in early 2003 was the Olympus C-3020 digital zoom, which comprises a large portion of my work.  In mid-2005, I moved up to a digital SLR, the Canon EOS 20D, and continue to enjoy the "instant gratification" and convenience of the digital format, as well as being able to take many more photos.

I am an Air Force Reserve captain at Kirtland Air Force Base (AFB) with the Airborne Laser (ABL) Program Office, after having been on Active Duty for 7 and a half years.  I first worked at Edwards AFB on the B-2 and F-22 test programs, then at Kirtland with the ABL.  I started entering the annual Air Force photo contests in October 1999 at Edwards AFB.  Since then, I’ve had a number of base-level 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishes, as well as Honorable Mentions in the various categories.  I’ve also had two first place and two second place entries at the Air Force Material Command (AFMC) level, for a total of $350.

I have been a member of New Mexico Veterans Art (NMVA) since fall 2003.  In my first NMVA show in November 2003, I won first and second place in the photography category.  I received a second place in November 2004.  Other awards include an Honorable Mention in the 2006 New Mexico State Fair.

I hope you enjoy my photographic art.  Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any comments, questions, or suggestions you may have.  Thank you.