It wasn't always this way. To my disappointment,  I've never exhibited talent in any of the traditional art forms. In fact, I've joked for years that I'm a "wanna be right brainer in a left-brainer body."

Then I discovered digital photography and later Photoshop, a digital imaging program. My life changed completely. My creative self became more and more alive and animated with each new technique I learned. I am certain that I was guided to this place, that God or whatever Higher Power there is led me in this direction, and I am grateful for this journey, this gift, every day.

I hope people look at my work and think, "I've been there!" or "I'd like to go there!" or "I'd like to see that!" I want them to feel that their creative or spiritual selves have been touched in some particular way. Through my work I express myself, but I also strive to affect others. It's my way of saying thank you to God and to the universe for all my many blessings, and especially for this particular gift, this joyously creative journey.

UPDATE SPRING 2010
When I started Leef Photography in 2005, I thought that I would focus solely on nature and wildlife photography and related photographic design. Since then, however, I've done many other things too.

I've photographed people and pets in informal settings as well as done a variety of photo repair and restoration assignments. I've designed some advertising and promotional pieces and created a flyer for a political candidate. I've done Senior Portraits and designed graduation announcements. I've participated in numerous art shows and events on the mountain and had three solo art shows myself, two as Cedar Ridge Companies Monthly Featured Artist in Show Low (2006, 2008) and a month-long show in November 2008 at Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park.

I've also developed and taught workshops on understanding camera settings; nature and wildlife photography; fall and summer color photography; petroglyph and ruins photography; as well as workshops on local area wildlife and taking risks and following one's dreams. Because teaching has been so incredibly rewarding, I've expanded my workshop offerings to include more field classes and even a class on Special Simple Effects in Photoshop. I'm currently researching and developing new classes for this fall, Photography for Realtors and Photographing Historic Buildings. Teaching others and sharing what I love is a real joy and privilege. In addition to teaching adults,  it's been exciting to teach and learn from younger people as well. Working with children and young adults has been a special treat and I look forward to designing more classes specifically for them.

However, what I wrote several years ago as my initial Artist's Statement is still true: I am passionate about photography and photographic design. I hope that people feel touched and inspired by my work and consciously look for beauty and inspiration in their lives too. I know that I am guided on this creative journey and I am very grateful for it, though I still don't know where it's leading me or what will come next.

The dynamics of color still fascinate me and I am drawn to it wherever and however it appears in nature or emerges in my design work. I like bold colors and contrast in print. I love the glamour and vibrancy that color offers. Simultaneously, I find myself increasingly drawn to less contrasting elements and more subtle shadings, and I plan to continue to experiment with more grayscale and sepia images and less vivid but still dramatic effects.

From a design perspective, my addiction to my photo imaging program, Photoshop, remains as powerful as ever, though I always have much more I want to learn about it. My need to express myself through more complicated design patterns has lessoned somewhat, though sometimes when I find myself using simpler design borders, I am still drawn to incorporate more intricate backgrounds. Last summer I also taught myself Power Point so that I can reach larger audiences with my Photoshop and Petroglyph Appreciation workshops, and I'm still amazed at how simple and powerful--and fun!--this tool can be. I can't imagine what my future work will look like, but I welcome its evolution as a natural part of my learning, guidance and growth.

Business-wise, in addition to framed works, prints, and preprinted and linen note cards, I now have thirteen area post cards completed and for sale on the mountain. I've done post cards for businesses too which has been especially challenging and rewarding.

My work has been featured in a prominent billboard campaign by the Arizona Office of Tourism, and has appeared in regional and state publications, the DAR national newsletter, at annual Chamber of Commerce trade shows in Phoenix and Glendale, and on Channel 12 News, as well as in a tourism magazine in Mexico.

Though the future is not clear to me, I move forward with faith that as I continue this path, God is directing me. I just have to slow down enough to listen. I sincerely appreciate all the support and encouragement I've received from my family, friends and various businesses and people I've met on this journey. For all of us, life is full of beauty and opportunities if we're open to them. I am grateful.


                      Aspens in Ferns



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