I stumbled into photography by way of a search for serenity, rejuvenation and restoration.   After a bone marrow transplant and seven years of immersion in the world of medicine, and the accompanying losses and expenditures of strength, I found I needed to match the physical healing that had occurred over time with mental, emotional and spiritual healing.

With that in mind, I purchased my first camera in January 2008.  I’ll never forget 'our' first outing into nature.  I fell in love with the viewfinder and the sound of the shutter.  I was transformed by the beauty of the great outdoors--its sounds, smells, colors, elements and animals.   I realized that when I was out tramping through the countryside and composing images, I completely abandoned all else that was constraining.  The freedom for me was intoxicating, as were the images.  I found the whole experience of photography to be exceedingly restful and life giving.

There came a day when I decided to take my camera into the streets of  Charleston to see what I could capture amidst a landscape filled with buildings, streets and people.  That day I discovered what may be my passion... encapsulating moments from the people around me.  Just as there is great beauty in all the elements of nature, there is great beauty in each and every individual.

As I continue to develop my photographic interests, I hope to do so with the goal and result of make lasting impressions and representations that reveal the beauty of nature and individuals.  With each photograph, I want to foster the accompanying respect and love which we all should hold for both.

I do not have much of a resume at this point, nor do I have formal art schooling; but what I do have is a Nikon, a passion, and time--as well as great support from family and friends.  I am most fortunate.

Many thanks to my family - Jack, Jack III, Lara, James and Park, Alan, Sue, Mom, Dad, Mubber, Poppy, Lori, Kelie, Aunt Martha, Dave, Rachel, Dan, Helen, Bill, Martha, Susie, Rod, Anne, and Scott for their steadfastness, love and support over the past several difficult years.  Also my deepest gratitude to The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle as well as to the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) and the Hollings Cancer Center.   The doctors and staff along with my family were my saviors.  And last but hardly least...my deepest gratitude to Kevin Mulholland, my donor.  Kevin, your life literally runs through my veins.  I will never find the words to describe what that means to me.  How many people get to have their life saved by another?   

To my many friends, and to my mentors in photography. I cannot tell you what your offers of time, support, instruction, grace, encouragement and love have meant.  You are my saviors as well.  I am not deserving.

 P

"The excellency of every art is its intensity, capable of making all disagreeable evaporate." - Keats

"Your aspirations are your possibilities" - Samuel Adams