I became interested in photography in 1978 after borrowing a friend’s 35mm camera to take some nature photographs. Needless to say the photography bug soon bit me. In 1985 after nearly 15 years working as a locomotive engineer in my hometown of Grafton, WV, I resigned to become a full time photographer. A decision I have never regretted.
My primary photography job is as a staff photographer for the West Virginia Department of Commerce. My work with West Virginia Commerce has allowed me the unique position of traveling and photographing the beauty and recreational aspects of West Virginia for advertising and promotional purposes. This photography is used continuously as a source for magazine and newspaper articles, brochures, posters, calendars, billboards, advertising, maps etc., which promote the state of West Virginia.
I also have a separate freelance photography career, which compliments my Department of Commerce work. This freelance career has allowed me to expand my photographic subjects beyond the borders of West Virginia, nature and outdoor photography. It has helped to keep my creativity fresh and innovative. Although because of my reputation as a 'West Virginia Specialist' many of my freelance assignments are in West Virginia. I have a personal stock slide library of over 30,000 slides on a wide variety of subjects. In 2000 I entered the world of digital photography and am now rapidly building digital image files, with over 40,000 as of 2007. My freelance clients include magazines, corporate, ad agencies, textbook companies, resorts etc. The variety of my photographic assignments includes such assignments as photographing the Kentucky Derby for Louisville Magazine since 1992 for their annual 'Derby Issue.'
