I'm a mechanical engineer, based in Nevada and now retired. I've spent much of my career working within the engineering simulation industry in various roles for software vendors. I have to say that I always felt blessed because I really enjoyed my vocation. Now in retirement however, I have more time and energy to devote to another passion of mine - photography.
My interest in photography started at the age of 8 when I received a camera as a gift - a Kodak Instamatic 50 in fact. While the camera was very simple to use with few controls, it taught me the basic techniques of photography and served to open up a whole new world with its ability to capture and record images of my choice.
This interest increased over the years with the acquisition of more capable cameras, and with those my knowledge and experience expanded. Real life though has a habit of interfering with leisure time pursuits, as obligations such as family and career take priority. So photography became relegated to an occasional activity and even forgotten about for many years.
After moving to California a few years ago, outdoor interests like cycling (and by extension mountain biking) were rekindled, along with hiking. These activities took me along some beautiful trails close to my home in Southern California and I remember thinking that I should capture this natural beauty somehow. What better way to do that than with a camera of course?
And so after many years I came back to photography once again, but by this time a lot had changed with the advent of digital technology. Nevertheless the basic concepts remain the same as does my interest and passion for this pastime.
