"I found my love of photography in my father’s dark room. I’d spend hours with him developing and printing black & white photos. He had been a photographer for Warner Brothers’ Studio before he joined the Navy as a photographer. Now, photography was his second job. I would help him photograph weddings and families for Christmas cards. I learned a lot from my dad.

"I didn’t start photographing for fun and enjoyment until more recently. Joining the Central Coast Photographic Society a little over a year ago exposed me to many talented photographers who have graciously shared their knowledge with the new guy.

"A new Nikon Z6 mirrorless camera replaced my 15-year-old digital camera. My Google Pixel 7 Pro is always in my pocket when my Nikon isn’t available. Some of my best photos have come from my phone. Having a computer background definitely helps with the mirrorless camera, which is, after all, another computer.

"My photographic interests are varied: decrepit buildings, unusual angles, patterns, and even some unknowns. I look for images that others may not have seen. Walking the beach to see what mother nature has left for me to discover is a regular occurrence.

"Photography has opened up an entirely new world of discovery for me. One that I plan to explore." — Gale Owen