Photography

For many years, I've enjoyed taking photographs. I got my start in this hobby when I was 10 years old using a 110 pocket camera. In the 8th grade, I received a Pentax K1000 manual 35mm camera as a Christmas gift. At that point, I began to use my school's darkroom facilities to develop and print my own pictures. By the time I entered college, I had my own darkroom at home. While I mostly worked in black and white, I did occasionally process my own color photos. However, unlike black and white, color processing required me to work in complete darkness with much more expensive and noxious chemicals. As a result, I usually leave color processing to the professionals. You can view samples of my work in my gallery.

Graphics and Digital Art Production

In the course of other hobbies outlined here, such as web publishing, photography and video production, I enjoy creating my own graphic elements. While some of these creations are standalone art projects, most of them are used within web sites and videos I create. At times, I incorporate my photography into my graphics projects. You can view samples of my graphics work in my gallery.

Web Publishing

Since I created my first web site in 1998, I've enjoyed the process of web publishing. It's a perfect fit for me as I enjoy both the technical side of computer code as well as the artistic side of graphics and layout. Including this site, I have created several web sites for myself and others over the years. Some of them include:

Video Production

Even when I'm not at work, I enjoy the tasks associated with video production. From scripting and storyboarding to shooting and editing, I'm driven by the entire process. In addition, I enjoy creating DVD presentations of my productions. I have my own non-linear editing computer utilizing Adobe Premiere, Pinnacle Studio and other multimedia programs.

Bowling

Each Fall, I take part in one of the weekly company bowling leagues. I have been bowling since I was 9 years old and usually maintain a 165-170 average.

Model Railroading and Miniature Construction

In addition to my other hobbies, I enjoy building scale models and other miniatures. My favorite part of this hobby is the construction of scale model railroads. One of my latest projects was building a small N-Scale model railroad inside my coffee table.

Reading

Though my busy schedule limits my reading time, I try to read a bit whenever possible, whether it's magazines or novels. Most of my magazine choices tend to be computer or hobby related. The subjects of books I choose tend to be mystery or horror from authors like Dean Koontz, JD Robb, John Saul, James Patterson and Stuart Woods.

Computers

I've had an interest in computers since my father bought our family's first computer in 1983 (which is still in working condition and displayed in my home office). Over the years, I've taught myself a great deal about both software and hardware. I've built computers, including my own web server where several web sites reside. I have excellent knowledge of Windows OS, from 3.1 to XP. I have also learned several versions of Mac OS and have basic knowledge of Linux.

Movies and Music

I enjoy many types of music and movies and have large collections of both that I have built over the years. I prefer to collect DVDs rather than rent them and I usually buy CDs in place of buying individual downloads through the various providers.