I have loved photography since I discovered what a camera could do. I worked my way through Brownies, Instamatics and assorted 35 mm over the years. When I was 11 I was awarded “shutterbug of the year” at camp for my persistent documenting of camp life. Horses were a favorite subject but I also enjoyed shooting landscapes, nature and candids of people.
Over the years I kept pursuing my photographic interests. I took some classes, studied magazines, worked in labs and decided to pursue stock photography. It took years to develop a professional and varied portfolio. I learned to write tiny Latin names on tiny labels for the slides the agencies wanted. Eventually, I was accepted by 3 agencies and I made sales with all of them but it certainly wasn’t predictable income.
In the 90’s, my husband Tony and I bought a horse at a local farm. Soon the children found out I did photography and that led to “glamour shots with horses” and all sorts of other barn and outdoor related photo shoots. I decided to pursue horse showing at a higher level and took lessons at a more formal barn. They needed a show photographer. I started working the Sea Island Circuit and the Charleston Steeplechase. This lead to being offered the role of official photographer for the PSJ (Progressive Show Jumping) based out of Aiken. In some ways, this was a dream job! In spite of the heat, rain and unpredictable sales it was always exciting, social and varied.
The day came when everything went digital and we knew this was not going to be feasible for us. At our last PSJ event I was awarded The Chessman Trophy given for outstanding contributions to the equine community. This was truly one of my greatest lifetime honors!
Within a few years, photography had all but disappeared from my life. I had a little digital point and shoot for vacation or holidays and that was it until the move to Sun City.
We moved to a lagoon lot in 2018 and there was plenty of wildlife right in the backyard! Frustrated with capturing wings and feet with my tiny point and shoot, I invested in a Canon kit and later a Nikon. It’s been a huge learning curve but the rewards have been great! Bird photography has become my new passion and I love getting personality shots of birds, especially couple and chick shots. I’m always thrilled to have a photo in Sunsations and I love communing with my neighbors and fellow photographers at First Saturday Sales. I am grateful for all the help, advice and assistance of The Photography Club!
