My passion for photography was ignited by my deep love for the Southwest. In 1958, during a journey to California with my family, I was captivated by the extraordinary landscapes that unfolded before my eyes. Initially taken aback by what seemed like a barren wasteland, my perception shifted as I discovered the intriguing plants, animals, and adobe architecture that adorned the region.

As we continued our trip through the deserts of the Southwest, a strong desire to know more awakened within me. However, our family soon relocated to Germany, where a different kind of beauty surrounded me. While I gained some appreciation for the landscapes of Europe, it never moved me in the same way as the Southwest did.

During our time in Germany, I had the opportunity to take art lessons from a talented German artist, which helped me develop the "art of seeing" and honed my creative skills. Upon returning to the United States and settling in Oklahoma, I was too skinny for sports, but I found myself drawn to photography, joining the camera club at Eisenhower High School.

I embarked on a journey of experimentation, starting with an underwater photography endeavor in a swimming pool using a Kodak Instamatic camera encased in a plastic bag. This experience led me to continuously explore and experiment with different cameras.

As I entered adulthood and began working for Public Service Company of Oklahoma, I realized it was time to lean into my interests. I enrolled in the School of Modern Photography correspondence course, which provided me with a solid foundation of knowledge in the art of photography.

While attending Cameron University as an art major with a minor in journalism, I took a photography class where the instructor preferred to avoid darkroom work. With my own darkroom experience, I found myself assisting other students and delving deeper into the craft. It was around this time that I acquired my first single-lens reflex cameras, two used Nikon F's from a former Army Times stringer who had documented the Vietnam War. These cameras became loyal companions throughout my journey, enduring years of use and still remaining in my possession.

It was during this period that I discovered the awe-inspiring work of Ansel Adams, a master of black and white photography. His images captivated me like nothing else ever had. I invested in a signed edition of his renowned book, "Ansel Adams Images, 1923 to 1974," which became a cherished treasure despite its cost being a significant portion of my monthly earnings at the time. Ansel Adams' work solidified my love for the Southwest and fueled my passion for black and white photography.

I embarked on countless trips to explore and photograph the Southwest, including many river trips throughout the Southwest, to include the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon, capturing its unique essence through the lens of my Nikon cameras. Eventually, I reluctantly made the switch to digital cameras, although I clung to film photography until the very end.

Today, my love for the Southwest and my dedication to photography remain intertwined. The allure of the region continues to inspire me, and I find joy in immersing myself in its breathtaking landscapes. Armed with my trusty Nikon cameras, I am ever ready to capture the beauty that surrounds me, preserving its essence through the art of photography.