Elliot Erwitt, once said “I’ll always be an amateur photographer.”  He also said “Be sure to take the lens cap off before photographing.”  Therein lies the essence of my quest to become a good photographer.

The several blogs and websites I belong to are full of tack-sharp, breathtaking photos.  I admire them, and I envy the people who made them, because I frankly have no idea how they got to be such top-notch photographers.  What books did they read?  Did they take any courses or attend any conferences?  How do they know when and how to twist and tweak the exposure triangle?  What equipment do they depend on — and what would they never buy again?  How long did it take before they could reliably size up the light, compose the shot, and actually produce a photo they could be proud of?  None of the websites I’ve followed reveal any of these secrets, they only show the fabulous results that I, too, could obtain if only I could figure out how.

That is what this blog is all about — the books I have read, the equipment I have played with, the techniques I’ve tried, and all the other features that have shaped my journey toward excellent photography.

And because I am an opinionated old lady who is passionate about nature, this blog will occasionally feature opinion pieces about what I find and photograph.

Another famous modern-day photographer, Henri Cartier-Brisson, said:  “Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst.”

I’m not discouraged, I’m well on my way!

I realize I am not making this journey alone — I am sincerely interested in how you, the reader, are faring on your own journey.  Together I think we can move the mountain that keeps us in the beginning stage. . .and if not, maybe we can take a gorgeous photo of it.  🙂