Although travel has always been a priority in my life, 16 years in the travel industry and a Bachelor of Arts degree in nonwestern history opened my mind to a world of adventure and exotic destinations. In 1999 I discovered how exciting that world could be looking through a Nikon F50 with a Phoenix 100-400 zoom lens.

As a photographer, the variety and abundance of wildlife throughout Africa was always exciting, although at times it could be overwhelming. For me it was calming and rewarding to discover unique opportunities to view the kind and gentle people that actually live within the economic realities of their country, including the lions, cheetahs and elephants that share their backyard.

One of my favorite pictures was taken in a remote Tanzanian village where a toddler girl was adorned with beautiful jewels of the region. Having the balance between the animals that attract tourists and the people that actually live in Africa has been an important focus of my photography. Several trips to Africa prepared me for Asian experiences to Thailand, Viet Nam and Cambodia where people, rather than animals were my photographic emphasis.

In all of my travels, nothing compares to the culture and luxury I experienced on my trip to India. As a photographer the combination of the people, the arts, history and of course, the Taj Mahal provided a photographic extravaganza that will be difficult to surpass. In every city, village, market and temple I was warmly welcomed.

Always I try to remember that life is a journey, not a destination and, with my camera, try to imprint every wonderful moment.

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