History: Oh How Times Change

By the end of the 1980s, I had concluded my film photographic endeavors. I had sold all my photography equipment, including cameras and darkroom apparatus, as family and career became my primary concerns. Photography had lost its allure, and I had little time for it.

A decade passed before I entertained the idea of owning a camera again. During that period, however, I would occasionally find myself composing images in my mind’s eye. But without a camera, those images remained merely imaginary.

With retirement came the opportunity to learn, practice, and hopefully make captivating images. The landscape of photography had undergone significant transformation since I last owned a camera. Film, chemicals, and darkrooms had been supplanted by pixels, megabytes, and computers. The digital photography revolution was well underway.

My initial steps into digital photography were cautious. I was uncertain whether I desired or required the investment in the equipment I had utilized for film photography. As a Mac user, I already possessed iPhoto on my computer, so all I needed was a camera. I commenced researching and exploring digital cameras.

My first digital camera was a Nikon 4300, a point-and-shoot camera. It was not excessively expensive, and I reasoned that if my interest in photography did not resurface, I would not incur significant financial loss.

A road trip through southern California and Arizona, coupled with the arrival of our first grandchild, kept my little camera busy. However, I quickly recognized that it was insufficient. Clearly, I had re-entered the realm of photography.

As I approached digital photography, I made a deliberate decision to prioritize education, skill development and practice. My foremost objective was to acquire knowledge about light and composition. Subsequently, I required an understanding of how computers functioned as digital darkrooms. I am still actively working on this aspect.

Joining two local camera clubs and the Canadian Association of Photographic Art provided me with the opportunity to connect with individuals who shared my passion for photography. 

Online courses offered by Betterphoto.com and Lynda.com have been instrumental in enhancing my photography skills. Notably, several workshops I attended at Image Explorations on Vancouver Island provided me with exceptional instruction.

I have had the privilege of having my work displayed in the Ballantyne Gallery, Unique Captures Gallery in Penticton, and various art and photography exhibitions. I am particularly proud of my record with Artwalk in Lake Country, B.C. Over the past 16 years, my work has been juried into the photography section of this show, resulting in some of my images finding new homes.

Currently, I use a Nikon D750 digital camera as my primary camera, with a D300 as a backup. I have a combination of zoom and prime lenses, which gives me the flexibility to capture a wide variety of subjects. I don’t specialize in any particular subject; instead, I photograph whatever interests me at the moment. 

Lake Country’s Artwalk 2026

Earlier this year, I submitted the images below to the jury committee of Lake Country’s Artwalk 2026.  A positive evaluation would allow me to participate in this annual art exhibition, which takes place on the second weekend of September.

Artwalk attracts up to 7,000 visitors over the weekend.  Having been juried into Artwalk 12 times, I’m thrilled to have my work accepted again this year. I’m now preparing the images I’ll be exhibiting.