I was born in Arkansas but spent my formative years in Alaska, where I was inspired by the majestic beauty of the state. I left Alaska at the age of 17 to attend college in Arizona. It was there that I began my venture into photography, working in strictly a black and white medium. I followed this approach for many years, with photographers such as Edward Weston and Minor White as my major influences. I began using the medium and large format cameras, shooting in the Southwest, Alaska, Central and South America, Thailand, and the American South. Eventually, I was drawn to express a vision that was more uniquely my own. Although my work continues to be based in black and white photography, some years ago I began to paint my images with oils to create what I describe as mixed media art.