Please recap your past involvement with the club and say how you became interested in it and its activities. What aspect of the club have you enjoyed or benefited from the most?  I first learned about the club after George Lepp was in Little Rock for a presentation in 2016.  I didn’t join then but it was in the back of my mind, so when I did join, it was the best decision I made.  I didn’t feel “qualified” but quickly learned that it’s for photographers at all levels.  I learn something new every time I attend the meetings, or through field trips, and really enjoy the fellowship.  Plus seeing where people take photos gives me ideas of places I might want to visit. 

When and why did you first become interested in photography?  I’ve liked taking pictures since I was young by watching my grandpa (I have his old Ansco camera made around 1924).  In the early 1970’s I got a Minolta, then a Pentax from my husband for Christmas 2006.  Alex Kent was the instructor at Bedford’s when I took my first class on the basics in 2007, and I was hooked.  My interest has never stopped growing but I’ve truly done a lot more and benefited from it since joining AOPC. 

What areas of photography especially interest you?  Flowers have always been a favorite, but I like landscape, birds, all sorts of other animals (yes, bugs and spiders too), sunrises and sunsets, a country road, lighthouses, reflections (another favorite), and the list goes on.  Anything that takes me outdoors.

Which areas of Arkansas do you especially like to photograph?  Since we have a second home in Greers Ferry with woods around us, and have boats to get out on the lake, this is my favorite place.  I can capture deer in the backyard, wildflowers, the creek beside us, or a sunset on the lake.  Garvan Gardens is also a favorite place for flowers.  We love exploring other parts of the state too like Calico Rock and Pea Ridge, and I want to explore the natural areas more.

What other interests do you have outside of photography?  Traveling in all directions (we’ve visited several botanical gardens in other states, and finally made a northeast trip during peak fall colors), boating, fishing, easy hiking, reading, walking, spending time with family.  I used to make stained glass items, but photography has the front row seat now!