My life-long passion for photography began when I was 10 years old, and my grandfather gave me a Brownie-Hawkeye camera. Unbeknownst to me at the time, this would shape my entire life. Several years later my brother sent me a Nikkormat while on his way to Viet-Nam. As I knew nothing about 35mm, I audited a photography class while at Claremont Graduate School. Working in the darkroom was fascinating and I learned to develop film and print my own photos. During this time, I recognized a second life-long passion, tennis! I was able to combine my love of photography with my love of tennis. Eventually I had opportunities to travel around the world, both photographing tennis tournaments and playing as well in significant venues. At that same time, I also loved photographing wildlife, different sports, and landscapes. One of my photos of African animals won an international competition in 2000, and is hanging in a DC gallery under the title "Photo of the Millenium." My life has been thoroughly enriched by my passions, and I continue to love doing them on a daily basis.

patparsons43@yahoo.com
+1.949.212.1550