​Tell us a little about yourself:

I am an ordinary average American guy with a wife, two kids, and a dog. I work as a technical product manager in the steel industry. I've taken plenty of vacation photos and pictures of the kids in the past, but not much beyond that. A year and a half ago I purchased my Nikon SLR in preparation for a vacation to Vancouver. The photos were great, but I realized I knew nothing about the camera. Therefore beginning this year I took photography lessons at a local photo club and the rest is history. I have been striving to improve ever since. I love how photography challenges the both the left side of my brain with the technical aspects as well as the right side with all the creative possibilities.

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Are you an amateur or a pro photographer?

I am an amateur and an enthusiast.
 

What do you like to photograph?

​I am still finding my way hence one of the reasons I like DPS Challenges....something different every week. However, I find photographing people is most rewarding for me. Lately I've started the '100 Strangers Project" on Flickr and I am absolutely loving the street portraits and hopefully improving along the way.

 

​What is in your photography kit?

I have a Nikon D3100 but I am already saving for a full frame camera. Besides the kit lens I have a 70 - 300mm telephoto and a 50mm 1.8 prime lens. I also have a set of lens tube extenders for macro shots. My next lens will be a wide angle in preparation for our family vacation this coming summer. And finally I've asked Santa for a SB700 external flash for Christmas.

 

What's your favorite lens?

Definitely my 50 mm prime. I love the sharpness and the DOF and I use it for nearly every portrait I take.

 

​Any favorite photographer(s)?

I have been studying famous photographers lately, but it is hard for me to pick just one. If I consider who inspires me most I have to say it is all of the photographers I see on Flickr and DPS. I mine these sites constantly trying to learn what it takes to be a better photographer. Just today I discovered Pete Zelewski on Flickr.....he takes amazing portraits in the Soho District of London.

 

​Which is your own favorite picture?

I become totally attached to my images so it is very difficult for me to choose favorites. I am going to email you my "Super Shot" picture I took at a carnival this past summer. It is an image of kids on a thrill ride, and I think it perfectly captures the moment of shear terror and delight each of the kids feel at that instant.

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What is your dream?

​I hope to continue along the portraiture path that I'm currently pursuing. I don't really desire to be a wedding photographer persay, but I desire to build a reputation where I might be able to get some contract work as well as make extraordinary photos for arts sake.

 

​Any advice or great tips to share?

I am not good enough to offer any technical or artistic advice, but the one tidbit I might offer is that I often face fear when searching for photo opportunities....especially when dealing with people. Whenever I face up to those fears I am usually rewarded with pleasing results.