Prior to 2006 all of my photography was using 35mm format. Now my photography is primarily in digital format. I do still use my 35mm now and then, but mostly for authentic black and white film footage. I pride myself in producing “raw” photography, without frills or modifications of any kind. I do not use Adobe Photoshop or any kind of manipulation software. When I do editing, I do minor editing or crops only. I like to use natural light. Living in the beautiful state of West Virginia has been all the inspiration I have needed during my life. I have tried to capture as much of Rural America, its birth, its beauty, its growth, and even its deterioration, as I can. Some of my photography is composed of historical items or places that are not often photographed. I like to be different and take photos outside the normal realm of identity. I want to show people what they are missing, what they may never have seen, what they cannot see.

Biography

I received my first camera at 10. That was when I began my love affair with photography. My first formal training was at West Virginia State University.  I spent 13 year in the U.S. Army Reserve. I attended more training and worked for Public Affairs as a photojournalist. My two degrees are in Communications, and my career has been predominantly in Public Relations and Journalism. Since returning to WV in 2001, I have worked as a photojournalist at WV Daily News, Greenbrier Valley Ranger, Western Greenbrier Report, and as a professional photographer in my own company. I juried into membership with Allied Artists of WV in 2011. I have exhibited at West Virginia Symphony Orchestra in Charleston, Alpine Shoppe in Crawley, WV Women’s Commission, Granny’s Restaurant in White Sulphur Springs, Kanawha County Fair at Camp Virgil Tate in 2010, WV State Fair in Lewisburg, and Alt Art Walpurgis Exhibit at Mike Winland Studios in Charleston April-May 2015. I have exhibited at many locations during ArtWalk in downtown Charleston for years. I currently work for the WV Department of Environmental Protection’s Watershed Improvement Branch in Charleston where I do outreach and photography as well. Currently, I am studying with iPhotography.com in a one-year online program to refresh and hone my skills to be a better photographer. I have won many awards and have been published several times, including Wonderful West Virginia Magazine.

Other Creative Skills

Photography