Previously to 2005 I did not take artistically composed photographs for any reason other than to use them as a base composition for painting. After studying Ansel Adam's original prints up close I started considering photography as a means by which I could learn more about composition and lighting that would apply in parallel to painting. Since then I have done my best to learn the art of photography in a variety of contexts and sub-disciplines.

I started in 2005 with a Sony DSC-707, which was ok for a non-SLR. My second (and current) pocket camera is the Casio EX-Z750 which has full manual controls and is surprisingly capable, understandably limited only by its tiny lens.

In 2008 I got serious about equipment and bought my first SLR: a Canon 40D. I shoot with a variety of Canon lenses from 17mm to 300mm, fixed and variable focal length. I prefer to avoid the use of a tripod, partly as a challenge and partly to keep my materials and reaction time more flexible. Being adept at maximizing the potential of pocket cameras I have a variety of techniques that allow me to do more without a tripod than many friends consider possible.