Welcome to my blog, where I write about photography, life, technique, tips and tricks for amateurs, and more!

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. I love helping beginners and amateur photographers improve their skills.

Here are a few questions that I answered recently:

Q: How did you get into photography/what inspired you to pick up a camera and start?

A: I have been interested in photography since I was very young, about 2-3 years old. I was always fascinated with my Grandma's camera, and I wanted one of my own very badly.
I bought my own point-and-shoot film camera when I was about 9 years old, and took pictures all the time. I still have many photo albums filled with my photos from my childhood.
It was not until after I graduated high school that I decided I wanted to be a professional photographer. At the time, I was thinking very hard about my career choices, and I just couldn't see myself sitting in an office cubicle for 8-10 hours a day for the rest of my life. I wanted to do something outdoors, and since I have always had a passion for photography, I decided that would be my career. My passion for photography only grew from there.

Q: What do you shoot with? As well as what type of lens (or lenses) do you bring with you into the field/one an assignment?

A: I have quite a modest set-up right now, I use a Canon EOS T2i, and several lenses. I have a Canon 18-55mm, which I am upgrading to a Canon 10-22mm as my primary wide-angle lens. As a landscape photographer, it is the most important lens to own. I also have a Canon 75-300mm zoom lens, for shooting wildlife, and a Sigma 105mm Macro for shooting flowers and other small objects. (It also takes lovely portraits).
I also have another lens, a Canon 50mm f 1.4, which is good for basic shooting and low-light situations. It's the closest lens to actual-size shooting, without the wide-angle effect, or the zoom effect.

I usually take all 4 of those lenses with me on photography trips, but the one I use most is my wide-angle. I shoot more landscapes than anything else.

Another essential piece of equipment to have is a good sturdy tripod. Especially if you want to shoot something like waterfalls, because long exposures are a must for smooth water effects. Manfrotto, Ravelli, and Vanguard are some good ones.

Q: Do you by chance have an tips for an amateur?

A: My advice to any amateur getting started with photography is to take a couple of classes, or an online course in photography, especially if you've never used a DSLR, it can be quite challenging at first. If you're an advanced amateur looking to become a professional, first be sure you know which field you want to be in. If you're a portrait photographer, read a couple of books about the portrait business, same goes if you want to become any other type of photographer. The more you learn about your chosen field, the more successful you have to potential to become. Check out your local library before you buy anything, they may have just what you're looking for.

Another good idea is to join some photography sites to put your work out there and get some constructive criticism from other photographers. I have learned most of what I know just by talking with and observing other photographers in my field.

I recommend RedBubble.com to start. It's for photographers of all ages and skill levels. It's a wonderful community full of friendly photographers and artists.

I hope that helps you. Feel free to ask if there is anything else you'd like to know.