Background
I've been taking photos for about fifteen years. I grew up in Los Altos, California and I call Pacific Grove home today. I learned photography from a variety of sources. Sometimes it was by trial and error. Other times it was out of a book. I did not take off as the photographer I am today without attending Foothill College. I learned many techniques there and I am grateful for the instructors that have teached there in the past. I've also taken notes on my what my peers and friends have done in photography. After finishing courses at Foothill College, I became part of their staff in the department handling the duties of the photolab. I learned much about equipment during that period of time, whether is was repairing or operating it. I've also learned digital photography and how Photoshop has virtually replaced color printing as we know it today.
My interest in trains comes from my family background. My great grandfather was a senior engineer out of Fresno for Southern Pacific. He worked trains such as the San Joaquin Daylight and Owl. My interest in trains was cemented in 1984 when my whole family took a ride behind SP 4-8-4 #4449 on train #99 from Los Angeles to San Francisco. Experiencing the Daylight as it was meant to be is something I'll never forget.
Philosophy
I've had to change my photographic philosphy in the past year. Much of this is due to the manufacturer's response to digital photography sales and imaging advances. As much as I like film, it will be much more limited in choice in the near future. I am going to make a switch later on this year from 35mm film formats to a digital SLR format. I believe that digital SLR's have sucessfully phased out 35mm photography. However in terms of price and higher resolution, they still have a long way to go. Large and medium format negatives or transparencies can still outperform digital cameras in the same formats. As Kodak phases out its customers while phasing out film photography, I'll be happy to switch to a digital SLR. Kodak has done nothing to gain my respect or trust as a photographer. They have eliminated too many good products just for the sake of advancing their digital departments. Then as for my trusty old Canons, they will still see an occasional roll of infrared film. For the most part my collection of 35mm cameras will be conversation pieces so we may remember the days of "souping up" negatives and transparencies.
Interests
Aside from trains and photography, I have several other interests. I like baseball and football. I am a loyal San Francisco Giants and 49ers fan. However this past season was very disappointing for both teams. I do hope Barry Bonds is able to come back from his leg injury next year. I also hope that the 49ers draft some offensive linesman since the current cast can't protect Alex Smith. I have an interest in military events and history. Being near the Naval Postgraduate School and Defense Language Institute makes life on the Monterey Peninsula much more interesting. I also often lament over the loss of Fort Ord. I photographed last year's Armed Forces Day parade in Santa Cruz which my family has a hand in making it happen. I'm also Republican, and quite proud of our President. I believe in standing up to the Middle East thugs who would like nothing more than to destroy America. I also enjoy walking and hiking in our local parks to witness some great scenic views. Then I like a good meal like anyone else. You can find me at the Lighthouse Cafe or Zocalo's in Pacific Grove quite often.
©2008 Sam Reeves