I was born and raised in a small rural community in, Missouri, with seven other siblings. We din't have much when we were growing up, so getting a camera was not an option. I turned my interest to art, in which I excelled in during my high school years.
I married soon after high school graduation and had two sons. I bought my first camera and began taking photos of my sons. I found that I could create artistic photos without a paint brush and canvas. I had a friend who worked as a photographer for a local newspaper and he helped me with purchasing my first camera and equipment. I won my first photo contest at a local department store.
I started with a Minolta 35mm and had many trial and error experiences. It wasn't till the fall of 2000, I decided to go back to college and study photography and found that I could put my artistic background into my photography.
I updated my equipment to a Nikon F100 then I took the leap into digital photography and purchased a Nikon D70 and a D200. Even though, digital photography is amazing I still like to do black and white film because I enjoy working in the darkroom.
I love taking photos of my grandchildren, people, flowers, and old buldings and cities.
BetterPhoto.Com. has been a great experience for me. I enjoy the feedback and the many photographers who share their photos. It is a great place for everyone who love to pick up a camera. I plan to be with you for many years to come.

imagesbysharonmaessen.com