Ovation TV

I'm 52 and call NC home. For the last six years I have been married to the most amazing woman you could ever want to meet. Leigh Anne & I live in Boiling Spring Lakes, NC, just south of Wilmington & just a little north of Myrtle Beach, SC. We live on "The Big Lake" so there are endless photographic possibilities. We like to take the paddle boat out on the lake in the early AM just as the sun is coming up and depending upon the weather, we'll set paddle in the PM. Nothing like a nice paddle on the lake to relieve the day's stress....of course, we usually hook up the trolling motor...it's a lot easier than paddling. I was born and raised in Wilmington, NC, but we moved to BSL to escape the "Big City" life and have never regretted it.

I started taking pictures when I was stationed in Yokosuka, Japan in 1977. I bought an old used Minolta XG 1 from a shipmate of mine for $43.00 and he threw in a 205 telephoto.My very first shot was of the "Great Buddah" in Yokohama. I was hooked from then on. I got into developing my film soon after. We had a darkroom onboard the ship that probably measured 10 X 10 feet...but it sufficed. I would take photos of anything & everything & then rush back to the darkroom to see what I had captured.

I never thought that digital would change my life the way it did. I love it. No more chemicals...no more waiting in line to use the dark room, just a quick up-load on the 'ol computer and you're done. Some of my friends use editing software to change their pics...that's fine for them...sometimes it's fun just messing around with it but, I never change or enhance my work. I like to see what the camera see's...that's the real deal to me. It "don't" take an eye to change a photo but, it takes an eye to take one. I'm still using an old Canon Power Shot Pro 1 digital camera and will continue to use her until she breaks or good 'ol GW sends me another stimilus check to update. I still use the 'ol' Minolta occasionally...just for 'ol' times sake.....nuff said?....

We also have three cats that we live with...Alfie...the " Hateful One ", Oliver..." White Boy " and Winston..." The Teribble " . Everyday is a hoot and a surprise with these three Stooges.

To me...if the shot "moves me" or "makes me tingle"....then it's worth taking and more importantly worth sharing, regardless if I get good ratings or comments.

Oh...did I mention that I love Cocoa Krispies....it's a kid thing 'yall...

Artist Statement
I believe any shot is worth taking. Photography can be surprising too. You don't always know what's in the picture untill you take it...example...my photo of "Incoming". I was shooting the light house & never saw the seagull...I love this thing called photography.... Please feel free to rate or comment on my stuff...good or bad. Hopefully it'll make a better photographer of me.

Favorite Medium
Photography. I still love film, but I'm now hooked on digital.

I Would Like to Network With
Anyone in photography that can make me a better photographer.....

Occupation:
Armed Security Officer

Company:
Securitas' Security

College:
None

High school:
Graduate

Interests and hobbies:
Fishing, boating, working in the yard and of course, my passion, photography.

I would like to meet:
Dr. Phil,to see if I'm as much of a nut as my wife say's I am.

Favorite bands and musicians:
The original Platters...God, what a voice...

Favorite movies:
Jack the Giant Killer

Favorite TV shows:
Discovery, Military channels and Modern Marvels, Bio, Ovation TV......

Favorite blogs and websites:
Ovation TV.com

Favorite places:
Perth, Australia

Favorite artists:
Bambi Chappell, also from Boiling Spring Lakes, NC. That girl can do amazing things with pottery... it's like it's an extension of herself...see her stuff on this website and you'll agree...

Education:
High school