Mourning 2 & 1

'Mourning 2' - 1986                                                                                                                                                           snake

'Mourning 1' - 1986                                                                                                                                                             snake

Change. The prospect of change is intimidating enough that the very idea might keep you from trying something new. It’s completely overwhelming, yet absolutely necessary.

When I decided to hunt with a stick (or recurve) bow, I was apprehensive about shooting an arrow without any aiming devices such as those offered on my compound bow. But, through the usual means (practice, patience, and more practice) I was able to overcome the daunting task of relying purely on my instinctive hand/eye ability to hit my mark. Now, I am comfortable using both types of bows in the woods and it has made me a better hunter.

Digital scanning and printing gave me that similar, uneasy feeling. However, to move my work forward, I knew I would have to learn to scan my negatives and digitally ‘dodge and burn’. I asked a long-time friend, Kris Merola, to tutor me in my digital quest and thanks to her skills as a teacher, photographer and all-around technical advisor, I have finally eased my pig-headed notions that analogue methods of black and white photography are the only ones that are valid.

Many thanks to Kris. Her willingness and patience to teach, in addition to her knowledge and talent as a photographer, have been keys to moving my work into its next phase.