My career in photography came by the same winding path that most of the great experiences in life do.  My mother was a prairie elementary school teacher who became a farmer's wife. Her great love of photography produced many many boxes of black and white photographs that were the record of our family history and a great sources of entertainment during the very long very cold Nebraska winters. Her love of photography, the vast prairie landscape, the dramatic weather and witnessing the stages of life created a visual sensitivity that is still with me today.

College in the 1960s was a mixture of taking course for a degree to teach communications, living through the darkness of the Vietnam War and having fun while trying not to have too much fun. Studies at Brooks Institute began in the mid 1970's and my dreams of becoming a professional photographer gave way to family responsibilities. 1989 I moved with my young family to Traverse City, Mi and where I became a full time photographer.  It was based on those responsibilities that I chose to go into commercial photography. My clients have and do include: General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, US Air, New York Port Authority, Fairmont Hotels, Delta Faucets, Formica Corp, WoodMode Custom Cabinets, Wine Spectator, Architectural Digest, Robb Report, Cakebread Cellars, Merry Edwards Wines, Chalk Hill Estates and a variety of client's nation wide.

Three years ago I began working with young photographer / artists and my love for teaching and my love for photography connected to bring about the creation of the Center. The programs that I am now involved with range from Community Literacy through Photography to Adult mentoring in Photoshop techniques and the now organizing Photo Treks.  I was never able to complete my degree in Education, 12 hrs short, but now the teacher and the photographer are now combined as one passion and it is great fun!