marc50's photostream

Born in Japan. I've lived in Watertown, NY; Portsmouth, NH; Batesburg Leesville, SC; Clemson, SC; Smyrna, GA; and Columbia, SC. My travels include most of the world.

As a teenager I mixed baseball and fishing in with oil painting, colored pencil, and charcoal lessons. I was a great catcher and a poor painter. My artistic interests turned to singing and guitar in high school and college. It was the late 60's and early 70's. Then somewhere between career and family my artistic side was lost and wandered in the wilderness.

My education is a Bachelor of Science in Forest Management from Clemson University. I've never worked in that industry. I've planted more trees than I could ever cut down.

I've worked as a architectural hardware consultant (doors, door frames, and finished hardware for commercial building); managed a home center and hardware stores; purchasing for a hardware wholesaler; millwork sales; grocery store as a teenager; and delivered the morning newspaper by bicycle as a child. I'm now 55. I stay busy caring for my 91 year old Mother and Father and their home. I love them both dearly.

I'm happily married (for 30 years) to my love Phyllis. We have five grandchildren and another due October 2011.

I'm also a happy, optimist, inspired person. I'm humble and simple. I'm prejudice against no man or woman regardless of religious beliefs; the color of your skin; your sexual orientation; or your age.

I joined flickr in 2006. At the end of March 2006 I acquired my first digital SLR, a Nikon D50 with a 18-55mm and 70-300mm lens. Before the D50 I used a Canon A20, Minolta 35mm film, various Kodaks and a Brownie.

I enjoy photographing the beauty found in life. Flora, fauna, architecture, sunrise, sunsets and the people I love.

I'm inspired by photographer's work found on flickr. My biggest hope is that I inspire someone.

If you comment on any of my photographs I'll respond in kind.

If there's a group you think I would be interested in please invite me.