Panning Photography officially started January 1, 2000

but my photography career started long before that when I followed my kids around with a camera. Now I enjoy doing the same thing with my grandson. I've learned a lot about my profession over the years. The first wedding I photographed was before digital cameras were available. I was very anxious until I saw how great all 11 rolls of film turned out. The experience taught me how to think through a project before I pull out my camera. I really like using digital cameras now because the results are instant, but that early training was invaluable.

One of the things I really enjoy about my work is that I get to do many different types of photography. I might do a photo shoot for a "Baby Bits" collage one morning, work on business portraits or a product shoot in the afternoon, and, in the evening, prepare for a wedding photography session the following day.

Photographs help us remember the special moments in our lives. My greatest joy comes from photographing newborns and continuing through their school years until I photograph their weddings -and then repeating the cycle with their families. In this way, I help families create precious memories that last a lifetime - and beyond. Photographs are a link to history that will help future generations understand their past. With my skills, I can capture better images than family members can, even if they have a good camera.

My Studio

My home studio has a full range of backdrops, props, and professional lighting that work great for babies, grandparents, and everyone in between. But I also have two acres of land with many beautiful backdrops that are perfect for outdoor portraits. Of course, I also do photographs on location for weddings and at clients' requests.

A Favorite Memory

One of my favorite wedding photography sessions took place in January 2008. It was for an elderly couple who met before World War II and married 68 years later. The two dated during their youth until he joined the service and they lost contact. Decades later, after each of them was widowed with grown children, they finally were married. She was 85 years old and he was 89. There wasn't a dry eye at the ceremony.

Working With Me

Some people have trouble relaxing in front of a camera lens, but I am able to help them feel at ease so we end up with an image that exceeds their expectations. After all these years, it still feels great when a client tells me how well I captured his or her personality in my photographs.

For product photography, it's especially important to listen to the client's needs and understand the look and feel he or she wants to achieve.

• "How will the final image be used?"
• "Do you need to include certain angles or features of the product?"
• "Do you want to have certain items grouped together?"

These are some of the questions I ask before a product photo shoot so I can get the look the client wants.

Experience and Training

I earned my certification as a photographer from the New York Institute of Photography. In fact, my first project won a merit award for creativity. Since then, I have taken classes to develop my artistic photography skills. For my personal enjoyment, I am building my collection of art photography. It's an added bonus when others find value and enjoyment from the images I create.