I have a deep passion and respect for animals and a love of nature that has enriched my life. I bought my first real camera, a Nikon F3, in 1981 and found it to be a wonderful creative outlet. Friends, family, carousels, strawberry fields, and backyard butterflies all became film impressions and, often, darkroom challenges. In 1982, I completed a degree in photography In 1985, I put my camera away to focus on Home, raising a family, and establishing a management career.
In 2005, I was diagnosed with a life-threatening illness and pursuing everything that keeps me passionate and alive became a necessity. What better way to do this than by combining two great loves, animals and photography? I invested in a Canon Digital Rebel XT, am taking Photoshop classes, continue to add to my lens and filter collection, and always have my camera in tow. As a Southern California woman, I am surrounded by sunshine, beauty, and endless photo possibilities. As often as possible, I’m in the car and on the road, in search of the perfect photograph.
I am not a fan of animals in captivity and have left more than one zoo in tears, but I photograph the animals wherever I can find them. I think that captive creatures are every bit as beautiful as their wild brothers and sisters and I attempt to honor their presence by spending as much time and patience photographing them as I would if they were in the wild. Hopefully, the more familiar I become with an animal, the better my photographs will become. I fear that some of these species will not be here in the near future.
I sincerely hope that my photography reflects my passions and that you will enjoy viewing these photos as much as I have enjoyed taking them.
