Craig has been a member of BetterPhoto since January of 2008.

What kind of photography do you most enjoy?
I most enjoy landscape and nature photography. I have done a little still life but mostly love to be outdoors searching for that image that really creates some emotion in the viewer. I often find that while I love the beautiful vistas and celebrated photo locations, I get most enjoyment of the more subtle finds, scenes that others don't immediately recognize because of thousands of previous photographs that are simply variations of the same scene. My image "Morning Walk" is an example. I believe it was successful in creating a mood or feeling that is not tied to some recognizable iconic photo location. Don't get me wrong, though. I do like many others, and still enjoy trying to get the unique variation of those beautiful vistas. But it is the more subtle images I find most rewarding.

How long have you been a photographer?
I have been photographing for over 20 years as a serious hobbyist and am largely self-taught through hundreds of rolls of film in various camera formats, voracious reading of photo magazines and books, and studying the styles and techniques of various photography icons (Eliot Porter, Ansel Adams, John Sexton, Art Wolfe, David Muench, and others). I would always try to study images to understand what elements made them successful. At times, I would even turn an image upside down, as seen in a 4x5 camera, to better focus on the patterns, lines and composition elements that contribute to a successful composition. Then most of all, I understand that the best way to improve and develop your own technique is to take a lot of photos. I have gone through dry periods of photographic inactivity because of other more pressing priorities (i.e., making a living). Nevertheless, I am always drawn back to the camera.

What got you started?
It seems I have always had some fascination with photography. As early as age 15 or 16, I can remember the Polaroid b&w cameras that were popular. I loved watching the images slowly appear after being exposed. My first 35mm camera was a Petri with a fixed 50mm lens. I acquired this second-hand and started using a hobby photo lab to process my own black and white. Later, I got more serious and went through periods with my own darkroom, and explored various camera formats, including 645, 6x7, and 4x5, in addition to 35mm. About two years ago, I transitioned totally to 35mm digital. I am both amazed and intimidated by the rapid advancement of photographic technology.

What inspires you?
Nothing is more inspiring and motivating than being behind the camera. It is all too easy to get trapped behind the computer working and reworking images and doing other mundane photographic chores. If I really want to get away from it all, there is nothing better than a short photo excursion to re-energize your creativity and remind you of why you do this at all. And, of course, when you come home with that perfect image, it makes you want to get right back out again.

I think photographing all of nature is like that. With a camera, I experience the beauty in the world around me in ways I had never even noticed before.

What are your photography goals?
I want to continue to develop my technical and creative skills, along with the entire digital workflow. I have a long way to go to get to where I really want to be, both technically and creatively. I would love to publish, at some point, a quality collection of images. I do not expect to really make a living at photography but some return to help pay for my habit would be nice. Competition is extremely high, though. I guess the good news is that I don't have to depend on it to pay my rent.

How has BetterPhoto helped you attain them?
BP, I believe, is a vital element in my continued development. The Masterpiece Membership can be invaluable because of the feedback. The Monthly assignments force you to at times to exceed your comfort zone. It can also help you get out of a creative rut and force you to get back behind the camera. This is a great tool. Also, the Pro Web site option is of high quality and allows a presentation tool to better expose others to your images.