I began my life-long love of photography with my father's Pentax 35mm camera, a 50mm lens, a 300mm Vivitar lens, a copy of Ammerman's "Amateur Photographer's Handbook" (which I cannot find anymore on the internet), and a three-week road trip with my family.  I would read a little, try to get my family to stop so I could photograph a little, get back in the car, travel some more and repeat the process much to my family's dismay.  As a mother of two, you can imagine how difficult it was to eek out some time for serious photography while traveling.

My dream was to be able to master the camera and capture the beauty I saw before me in a unique way.  This journey began forty years ago.  I am still taking classes, chasing technology, always looking for the tool that will allow me to capture the Holy Grail photograph.

Today, I use several cameras each for a different reason.  I love my iPhone because I can play, do quick edits and share instantly with friends and family.  When taking all of my professional gear is not an option, but I want a better image, I use my Nikon P7800 for scouting future shoots and experimenting with light, composition, time of day, etc.  I even have a tripod for this camera.  When the image is so important and I want the best shot I can get, I use my Nikon D800, which is a full-frame, 36-mega-pixel camera, along with my various high-end lenses, tripods, wireless shutter release...  By the way, my favorite places to buy great gear are B & H Photo Video in New York and Really Right Stuff in California.

The piece de resistance occurs when I upload my images to Adobe Lightroom and put the "icing on my cake."  Lightroom is where I add my vision and use my "painter's brush."

During my film days, I took several classes that allowed me to learn processing and printing.  I literally sweated out my first experience loading film on a spindle in a darkroom, knowing I could not leave the "small and suffocating" room until the task was complete and the film safely ensconced in its black container ready for developing.  Practice made the task easier and faster.  I learned so much during my film days that I still apply these concepts to my digital photography today.

I have been fortunate to take classes and go on workshops with Kit Frost who is a Durango-based photographer and fabulous teacher.  She has held me accountable to the goals and high standards she models and teaches.  Her critiques have been gentle, and her praises sincere.  She is an awesome example to follow.

Inspirations have also come from other photographers and friends who have been willing to share their vast knowledge and answer all of my numerous questions.

Many times I have had to photograph subjects that have been way out of my comfort zone, like photographing events and people.  However, I use these areas to challenge myself and improve my skills.

I think I have passed on this part of my legacy to my daughters because one daughter has developed into an outstanding portrait photographer and the other one has developed a great eye for good compositions.

This journey is really not about me, but about the blessings I have received from God that allow me the resources to continue my passion for photographing His Reflections and sharing them with people.

Thank you for taking the time to visit my site and read my story.

 

Carol Lewin