Hello. My name is Chris. My interest in photography began at age 13, when I picked up my Father's Kodak 120 bellows camera, that he purchased while in College in England. After signing out some books at the local library (my age is showing!), I bought some film. That began my initial interest in photography. My skills grew as I got more involved, and more passionate, about photography.
I have worked in two camera stores, one as assistant manager. I served in the military for 7 1/2 years, and while overseas, I purchased my first SLR,an OM-1, and took a lot of photographs. I left the service, and enrolled and graduated from our local college in Film Production. After working for a local community advocacy group for 2 1/2 years doing video and photographic projects, the group closed due to lack of funds, and I was to be married in three months. Yikes! I quickly found a job as assistant manager in one of a chain of camera stores. I spotted a 2-year consultant position at a small school board, working with children in video and photography, and media literacy. I applied and got the job on the spot. I had a lot of fun working with kids.
A school board in my local city was setting up a video studio, as part of a revitalization of the "Tech Wing". Tech was no longer just construction, metal-working, or automotive, apparently. I interviewed for the position, and won the job. I was a high school teacher. Never thought I would end up teaching high school! Along with video production, I also taught digital photography. The 24 years I spent teaching video and film to 13-18 year-old's were the best, most interesting, most challenging job I had ever had. I had about 200 of my students over the years continue their studies in film, video, and photography. I keep in touch with some.
I am very proud of the job I did, introducing these young people to alternative career choices, and passing on my passion for photography and video production. It was a privilege to have that job.
Now, as a retired teacher, I have more time to pursue a craft that I have been engaged in for the last 53 years. I have long been a Nikon shooter. When my wife and I took a short trip to Tofino in November to see the storms the area was famous for (we had four days of sun and calm waters), I was really feeling the weight of my D850 and 12-24. I sometimes would have a 150-600 with me. It had been getting more tiring carrying all that equipment around. I left my SLR stuff in the hotel room, and got out my D Lux-6. Small and portable. Then while shooting some tidal pools on a rock outcropping,I slipped, and dropped my Leica on the rocks and into the ocean. What a day. I was upset, to say the least. Thankfully I had all my equipment insured against loss or damage. I filed a claim the same day. That evening, I decided I was going to move to a smaller system. Thus began my switch to Fuji. I knew the only local, independent camera store owner, so went to his store with all my kit. He would sell it for me, and the money would go towards my new Fuji gear. The insurance cheque for my Leica arrived, so more to spend. He sold some of my Nikon kit quickly, and I started shopping!
So here I am, with a new X T5 and some primes. Glad to be here, and hope to be a regular.
Sorry to be so long-winded, but I'm excited!
Chris
