Photography

Photography was always an art form that fascinated me. The ability to capture a moment in time and to simultaneously tell a story was an ability that I wanted to possess. 

I knew that from past experience with my learning style, if I were to commit myself to learning photography back then, I would be spending a lot of money. Not just on equipment (camera body, lenses, etc.) but also on film and film developing. I had enough hobbies that required money (see the VWs and bicycles...) so I put it on the back burner, as something I would eventually try. I really didn't think much of it until the advent of the digital camera and meeting a friend who would become my photography mentor.

Thanks to Scott, I was able to work with some pro-grade photographer gear, learn some techniques to recognize and create a great photo. I soon became a Nikon guy and invested into my own equipment.

During my time working at Yucaipa High School, I developed an interest in photographing the school's water polo team games. I started to do this with my own equipment, but I shortly discovered the limits of the equipment I owned. Scott turned me on to what would become my go-to item for photographing the games: a Nikkor 70mm-200mm/f2.8 lens. With my 18mm-200mm lens, I couldn't get a fast enough photo to stop the action and capture the action. With the 70-200, I could stop the action and get razor sharp photos. It was amazing!

Initially I shared a few of the photos on my personal Facebook page, but I was getting friend requests from the athletes and their parents, just so they could see the photos I was sharing. This demand led me to create the Slider Photography Facebook page. Now the athletes and students could just 'Like' the page and they would be able to see the photos after I edited and uploaded them.

Life since I left California has not allowed me to fully explore this hobby. I hope that I will be able to do some photographing in our new home, Wisconsin!