I spent my youth in NW Pennsylvania and was graduated from Smethport HS in the mid 60’s. I received my BS in Math with a minor in Computer Science from York University after starting my college years at WV Wesleyan, and spending a summer along the way at MIT. Much later on, I received my MBA from St Bonaventure University (Go Bonnies).
I had taken some photos during high school and decided to join the college newspaper staff and yearbook staff. This was when I decided I needed to upgrade to a more professional camera and started with the Nikon F system. Most of my work was in black and white using the college darkroom although later on, I confiscated any cupboard or 1/2 bath that I could get. Any color work I sent out with the Kodak mailers.
As with many young photographers, I looked to Ansel Adams, Edward Weston, and others for inspiration, trying to adapt Adam’s zone system to the 35 mm camera, and even trying the Rawlins Oil Process after seeing some of Robert DeMachy’s images.
After graduation from York University, I moved to Rochester, NY working in new home construction and the Rock and Roll business. I was fortunate to work with artists like Lou Graham, Judy Collins, Chuck Mangione and many other nationally know rock, jazz, and folk artists. This was a great job traveling the country, but photography slipped to the background.
I moved back to Smethport and operated a cable television system for several years before joining a hospital. I finished my career at the hospital as part of the senior management team supervising four departments. My responsibility over the early part of my employment was Information Systems. When our hospital “merged” (was taken over), I moved on to a somewhat early retirement.
With Mary’s retirement only a year before mine, we looked to explore the country and took our RV on several trips, concentrating on the wonderful National Parks. We spent parts of eight winters in Florida before buying a house in N Ft Myers in 2021.
I got interested in photography again when I got involved in Scuba diving. This was pre digital, so we were carrying lead lined bags of 36 exposure film through airports and across the oceans.
Early on when digital became available, I got an entry level camera and was immediately frustrated with the long lag between pushing the exposure button and capturing the image. This made capturing sports or any action very difficult. Eventually, I moved on to more advanced Nikon cameras with improved capabilities.
I joined a few workshops in NW Pennsylvania with experienced professional photographers and credit Ed Bernik with helping me move from snapshots to images and helping me take my photography to the next level. Since then, I’ve attended numerous seminars, workshops, and outings. I hope I’ve taken something away from each of those opportunities.
I’m currently a member of several photo clubs in SW Florida and NW Pennsylvania. I think the various competitions, critique sessions, seminars, and outings are great for photographers. I’m always very pleased to share my knowledge, experience and to be able to offer suggestions or help to other photographers.
I enjoy creating things whether it’s an interesting image, a nice dinner, or something created in wood or metal. A number of years ago with the help of a friend, we built a home for Mary’s mother. Most of my woodworking now is small furniture or other small items. I have a good collection of recipes and Mary and I enjoy the fruits of my labors.
My wife Mary and I spend our time between our homes in NW Pennsylvania and SW Florida. We take the opportunity to travel either on “tourist” or photography trips whenever we can.
- photo by Shawn Murray