For me, photography is about so many things, documenting what is going on, immortalizing my children and capturing the visual art that surrounds us.  I knew as a teenager, using a very inexpensive point and shoot camera in the 60's, that photography was to be an important part of my life.  I started out taking lots of point and shoot pictures of my family at gatherings or outings.  I have had numerous cameras since then, recently investing in a DSLR with many lenses and am happiest when I have that Canon camera in my hand.  I have come to appreciate the art and beauty of photography, seeking to improve my skills by taking classes at the Kansas City Art Institute and lots and lots of practice.  While I am still at those family events with my camera in my hand, I am often out looking for those colorful sunrises/sunset, or that landscape picture. Family and friends have encouraged me to put my artwork out there for others to enjoy starting with entries to the Johnson County Employee ArtsKC contest, where I was awarded the #1 People's Choice Award. I have displayed my artwork through the ArtsKC Now Showing program at several participating business in the metro area in the past couple of years. I still hesitate to call myself an "Artist" when I get so much pleasure out of being out and about with my camera, enjoying the people you meet and the beauty of the world that surrounds us. I hope to be able to spend more time out and about with my camera now that I am retired.