When I first exhibited an interest in photography at the age of 20, my Uncle Chris gave me an ounce of gold. “Take the money you get from selling this to buy a good camera,” he said with a grin. I couldn’t wait to get started. It didn’t take long to realize that the excitement I felt taking photographs was the birth of a passion. That same year, I photographed my first wedding.
Starting out with nothing more than that camera, I cradled my old Nikkormat FTN like newborn child. It was as tough as nails and build like a tank, because it needed to be. I think I only dropped it once. With it, I sharpened my skills and learned the nuances and finicky ways of light. That’s what it’s all about, light. Learning how to paint with it using this little box…The Camera; the Latin name means dark chamber. Sounds Kind of lonely, perhaps that’s why I clung to it so tightly. (and never dropped it again) Photography has changed my life, gave me direction, and allowed me to find myself. I began freelancing at first, taking a variety of small photography jobs, and then shooting magazine covers. Later, I worked with Evin Thayer Studios in Houston, Texas as a production manager and photo journalistic wedding photographer. My talent blossomed as well as my expertise from shooting on a daily basis. As the digital revolution began fundamentally changing photography, I worked with Gittings in digital retouching and mastered complete control over my images. Now I viewed the world with a skillful eye that could transform the ordinary into something exceptional. 14 years into my profession, I am still continuing to expand my knowledge while still holding onto my enthusiastic mind. I have the right tools, technique, and passion to create even more innovative imagery. For the last five years, I have been exhibiting my favorite abstract images on large canvases around Houston. The camera I got with the gold? It rarely leaves the shelf. It still reminds me, though, that the treasures I have found with photography are worth much more than any precious metal. The gift of photography is priceless.

- Patrick Bertolino

Armed with an incessant amount of curiosity about the world, I realized early on that my life was headed down a creative path. My father gave me my first all manual Pentax when I was in my second year at university and from that point photography has been part of my life in some form or another. After completing my undergraduate degree, I returned home to work in graphic design for almost 10 years. During this time, I continued my education and was able to explore photography as a career path. Every day with my camera is a new and welcome adventure. In 2008, I opened my own company and started shooting professionally.

- Allison Wilkins McPhail