My interest in serious photography was generated when I moved from Indiana to Colorado in 1962.  Prior to that time I was strictly a snapshot photographer with a fixed lens view camera with no professional training.  The first step in getting serious was to invest in single lens reflex equipment and a tripod.  I then tutored with a professional photographer and instructor for two years with a focus on nature, landscape, and fine art images.  The next step was to complete a course in professional photography in the art department at Red Rocks Community College and learn some skills in portrait, wedding, and model photography.  At that point I felt I was ready to apply and be juried for membership in the Shadow Mountain Gallery resident artist and ownership group.  
  My tenure with SMG has included many different responsibilities and offices and I still cherish the role as coordinator and organizer of the annual Youth Art Month Show in March every year (since 1993).  I still reflect my primary interest in nature, landscape, and fine art photography in my displays and through the fine tuning of skills in those areas through ongoing workshops.