“Ripon has been my home for 25 years. In that time, I have met a number of amazing individuals — each with their own unique story.

A portrait is an attempt to share that story (or a portion of it) in a single photograph. At the very least, a successful portrait gives you a sense of who the person before the lens is. A series of portraits might just give you a sense of the person behind the lens, as well.

I don't have any grandiose delusion that I am a particularly gifted or remarkable photographer. I'm learning the craft with each new image I capture. Thankfully, I've been blessed — through my possession of a camera and the skills to use it — to meet some remarkable people. Each has challenged me to create what — I hope — are received as some remarkable images.

I intentionally set out to challenge myself to use different lighting techniques to create the portraits included in this exhibit. At the same time, however, I did not want the medium to distract from the subject, but rather for it to enhance the personality of the individual within the frame.

The camera and the related tools are only a small part of the equation to a successful portrait. The Luxembourg/American photographer Edward Steichen (1879-1973) said, "A portrait is not made in the camera but on either side of it." I continue to find great joy on my side of the camera and can only hope that I am able to extend that joy to my subjects on the other side.

Thank you to The Heist for sharing the space to create the portraits in this exhibit, and to Vines and Rushes for hosting it. Thanks, also, to Blue Design Co. for printing the images.”