Well first journal entry . . little about myself. I am 22, live in Kalamazoo, Michigan. I have been studying art and photography since I was in high school. I am currently an art student, I will be done with my associates this fall and then will be applying to various art schools, most of which are in Chicago, because I am in love with that city. I'm hoping to get into Columbia, so we will see.

I work for a local photography studio as a contract photographer doing mostly sports and action photography, along with the occasional wedding. I am in the process of trying to start my own small business doing senior pictures, small weddings and events, and special interest pieces. I learned photography on a 35mm manual camera and have spent 100's of hours in various darkrooms. I shoot all my digital work with a Canon EOS 40D, and have a variety of different lenses, including several telephoto lens.

I have always had a love for black and white photography and it has became more of a hobby lately. I am hoping to have my own darkroom some time in the near future. If you are interested, you can contact me at elliemaephotography@yahoo.com