05/07/2022
October of 2016 I purchased my first ever digital camera. It was one of those irresistible on sale items at Costco. Iām sure you all can relate. Somehow bumping into that on sale item at Costco that you know you could live without, but yet canāt resist. The temptation was real. It had my name written all over it! Prior to this point I had no formal photography training. I still donāt, lol. However, some say āif you got it, you got itā. God blessed us all with our own unique talents. I pondered and thought to myself, āhow difficult could it be to click & shootā. I bit the bullet and and purchased the camera that day. For those who know me know that I am a huge history nut. Particularly US history. Im also a sucker for telling a story. I saw this camera as my outlet and reason to tell the story of those selfless men & women in uniform who put themselves in harms way everyday to help & assist others in need. Those in their darkest moment. I wanted to tell their story. Ok! So what! I may have to be that fly on the wall and put myself in a compromising position to capture the moment. A minute risk in comparison to those actually putting in the work. I did my own research on the basics of photography. I studied the work of those before me. Shortly after, I embarked on a rewarding journey that would open doors to places I never imagined. It introduced me to a group of extremely special, selfless, brave and talented people I now call friends! Family members & spouses of firefighters wonder what goes on during the shift of a loved one. It was that very reason which compelled me to tell their story. Iāll never forget my first incident. It was 5pm on November 26, 2016. Fountainwood IC. A chimney fire in the Sunset Hills area. The crew was so kind & allowed me to safely photograph my first incident. Shortly after the VCFD Volunteer Photography program was assembled. I had amazing mentorās. Thank you Heather, Stan, Steve, Crystal & Brian & many more. I couldnāt have done this without your hard work, guidance & support. Here are a few pics to show my deepest gratitude. Ventura County Fire Department Ventura County Firefighters
