My photos represent a very straight forward look at the world; nothing fancy, altered or enhanced. I grow or have grown most of the flowers I photograph. Taking photos of my flowers becomes personal. I reminisce as I look back at photos taken in prior gardening years like I look back at family photos of a Christmas past.
I have been very fortunate to have lived in two places full of history and beauty. I was born in Spoon River country in central Illinois, which also lies near the Illinois River. I spent my childhood and returned later as an adult to an area near Oak Hill Cemetery which is a prominent location in "Spoon River Anthology" by Edgar Lee Masters. My current home, in Chester, is steeped in early Illinois history, and is located on the Mississippi River. Both have offered many photographic opportunities to capture its historical structures and sites, people, activities and scenery.
The family cat, DS, and my daughter's cat, Shadow, provide me with indoor photographic activity and amusement. They have taken the place of constantly photograghing my two, now grown, children.
I also find it very important to photographically document my vacation destinations. They represent places specifically chosen for the purpose of relaxing, learning and enjoying. Places I must remember.
I am a back rack, having been raised in a large family with limited income; part of the "you never know when you are going to need something" personality group. My photos represent my greatest treasures. They reflect my family and pets, surroundings, life and me. Plain old, nothing fancy, straight forward me.
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