Initially I picked up a Pentax K1000 to take photos of the area to later sketch. My primary artistic outlet at the time was graphite and charcoal. In this case, being equally cavalier yet ignorant worked to my benefit. I’m primarily self taught behind the lens and in the darkroom. Though I quickly add there have been many teachers (both living and “dead”) who have shared their knowledge with me. Through this uphill struggle I’ve gained an appreciation for the Art of Photography which extends further than just the image produced. LightBox offers me a chance to develop as an artist. Through the exchange of other members’ ideas and work I get to see their approaches, expanding my own methods and appreciation of the art form.