An amateur photographer since childhood (like my Dad), my interest in “artistic photography” began with attendance at a number of seminars in New York’s Adirondack Park, followed up by several workshops with renowned macro photographers Nancy Rotenberg and Michael Lustbader.  Photo impressionism workshops led by John Wazeter at the New York Botanical Garden piqued my interest in in-camera techniques such as multiple exposure and photo montage; and a nature photography program at Westchester Community College taught by Elinor Stecker-Orel was the impetus for my interest in landscape and nature.  Additional workshops with professional photographers such as Mark Bowie (Adirondacks), Alan Dietrick (Chanticleer Gardens), and Tom Murphy and Pete Bengeyfield (Yellowstone National Park) further enhanced my techniques in nature/landscape photography.

A former member of the Westchester Photographic Society and Bronx Photographic Society for many years, I honed my skills with the help and inspiration of fellow club members through field trips, presentations, exhibits and competitions.  Earning my way up to the top (“Salon”) group after only 2-1/2 years, I proudly ended my first Salon competition year in first place.  Having retired and relocated to the Capital District in 2012, I am now an active member of the Schenectady Photographic Society and the Greene County Camera Club.  I am also enjoying honing my “PJ” skills as the volunteer photographer for the Capital District Humane Association.  

I have participated in several juried shows including The Carol Kurth Gallery, Katonah, NY; “Visions of Nature” at the Native Plant Center, Westchester Community College, Valhalla, NY; The Harrison Public Library, Harrison, NY; the Weill-Cornell Medical Center in NYC; and The Rockefeller Preserve Nature Center in Sleepy Hollow, NY; and, most recently, the Fence Select in Troy and Pine Bush Perspectives in Albany.  

A devoted Canon full-frame analog “hold out” for many years, my transition to digital opened up a new world.  I have recently “downsized” to an Olympus OM-D E-M1 (Micro 4/3) and OM-10 as my “spare.”  

This “photo bio” would be incomplete without giving credit and inspiration to my dearest friend, Stanley Benerofe.  It was he who bought me my Minolta Himatic F point-and-shoot back in 1972, and with whom I attended numerous workshops (including Yellowstone) and photo clubs.  Our love of photography transformed both our lives and brought us great joy.   For that I will be forever grateful.