Photography

My interest in photography started when my father made us watch slide shows; ironically, at least 98% of my film prints today are from slides!!

My next source of photographic inspiration is from Clifton Matthews (Uncle Cliff); this man was far ahead of his time and showed me stuff I'm still learning today.  Uncle Cliff's spirit definitely lives through my photography and I strive to reach his level of expertise someday ... that man sure could compose a picture!!

My next photographic inspiration is from Milt 'Judge' Hinton.  In addition to being an angel and bassist, Judge was an excellent photographer.  Judge told me "Get yourself a good camera and shoot to document your travels because no one will believe where you've been and who you've met ... you will have proof!"  I still use Judge's advice today and shoot to document my experiences; I was recently given a picture of Judge holding one of his cameras ... needless to say, it is a keep-sake that immediately went on a wall in clear view!!

My next photographic inspiration is from Jim Krantz.  Jim is a world class photographer in Chicago; we met through a mutual friend (BC) and are good friends today.  The equipment and composition advice Jim passes along is invaluable; my pictures continue to improve exponentially since befriending Jim.

My latest inspiration in photography is Debra Mitchell ... this lady can shoot musicians; her spirit inspired an original composition to be featured on an upcoming CD.

I use a Nikon D50 and periodically my Nikon F5.   Other gear includes a Nikon 50mm f/1.4D lens, a Nikon AF-S 70-200 f/2.8G VR ED-IF lens, a Nikon 17-35mm f/2.8D AF-S lens, a Nikon SB800 flash, and a Nikon SU-4 flash slave to drive external flashes.  And we won't talk about Adobe PhotoShop CS2!!

Most of my pictures are family, friends, places, landscapes, and musicians; there are too many to post here, so check back because the lineup will change often.  I just started the early stages of planning a trip this year to a place I've always wanted to go ... stay tuned to find out and rest assured this site will be over-flowing with pictures!
 

Here are several fun photographic sites:
 

Photo SIG - this site features pictures from all over the world which gives great ideas for composition, lighting, portraiture, equipment, etc.
Calumet Photo - this is an great place to shop for camera equipment with excellent technical support and customer service.
B&H Photo - a great place to shop for all kinds of electronic equipment, including but no limited to cameras.
Nikon USA - this is the US site for Nikon which provides background on the company as well as the latest products.
Shutterbug - an excellent photography magazine with good reviews and editorials.
Use Film - a place where participants refuse to go digital; these folks may never change!
Smithsonian Photography - a great, FREE (that's right ... FREE) place for photography; ya gotta check this place out.