My photographic journey began 35 years ago. In a high school class entitled "Visual Studies," Gordon "Diz" Bensley revealed that photography was first about learning how to see.
I dove deep into technique. I painstakingly learned about Ansel Adams' "Zone System" from Donn Snyder. I took and processed dozens of test images using awkward large-format equipment until I could produce the ideal negative with the greatest possible tonal range from any available-light scene.
For many years, however, I left the community of active photographers. I pursued a career in the software industry, and raised a wonderful family. My job gave me the opportunity to travel the world, and to ride the roller coaster of perhaps the last major industry to form and mature in the 20th century. Technology marketing remains my primary vocational pursuit.
I resumed my interest in photography in the digital era, but for many years the technology was so painfully awful that I simply couldn't bear it.
At the encouragement of a friend and colleague, I hung in there, and a couple of years ago I joined the on-line photography community, Flickr. Once again I dove deep into technology. At first a sceptic, I am now convinced that the image capture and printmaking possibilities today are if anything more empowering than the old school methods this purist within once loved.
Judge for yourself. Browse my Synopshots portfolio.