I am a sociologist and a photographer.  I have been behind the camera since I was a teen.  I did not get serious about photography until a professional photographer told me I had a “good eye.”  Shortly thereafter I invested in my first DSLR which was a Nikon D40.  While attending a conference, I had a chance conversation with a photographer that was hired to document the event.  I told her about my camera and my desire to become a better photographer and first thing she told me was, “Take your damn camera off of automatic!” I took my camera “off of automatic” but I did not know how to control it.   I would get good pictures here and there, but it was luck…I was guessing.  Later, I was told by another photographer that “photography is mastering light and focus.”  About two years ago I began the journey to learn how to master light and focus.  I have been reading everything I can get my hands on about photography.  I respect the craft and I learn as much as possible.  In the very near future I will be working on social projects that will blend sociology with my love for photography.  I now see the world differently.  I am getting better at drawing with light…photography.  I have been inspired by the works of James Van Der Zee, Roy DeCarava, Gordon Parks, James Nachtwey, Zun Lee, and Khalik Allah. -DCS3