I have been involved in freelance photography for thirty six years, and photography in general for fifty three. I used a camera for the first time at age thirteen (a Kodak Brownie 44a 127 roll film camera). Since then I have worked with small, medium, and large format film cameras. In 2004 digital technology had matured enough for me to invest in my first DSLR. My current front line equipment comprises 2 medium format DSLRs, a late 1970s Pentax 67, and a Pentax Spotmeter V. Photography is more than just photocopying. The purpose of photography is to create, not just to replicate. The art of painting will often lead an artist to look for essence rather than the detail of a subject. Photography should do the same.
