U.S. Highway 12's photostream  

I thought this would be a good time to introduce myself. I have been been taking photographs since I was five years-old, which is a long time ago. I mostly used Polaroid, and 620 roll film cameras in the early days, but migrated to 35 mm when I was 13 years-old and have never looked back.

My father had large format press cameras that l admired, such as the now legendary Crown and Speed Graphics. I really loved those large flashbulbs, but didn't like the ideal of having my fingers burnt one-time, so I decided to play it safe with the 35 mm format. However, I really miss the large size 10 cm x 13 cm (4 x 5) negatives that were great for making poster-size enlargements.

My first 35 mm film camera was an Argus C-3, which is a rangerfinder model. My mother received it as a graduation gift from high school in 1951, and used it to take mostly family pictures. Nevertheless, this was an ideal camera to learn about basic aperture, and shutter speeds, while using various types of print and slide films. Likewise, it was so simple, it didn't even need any batteries. I can see how it received it's nickname the "brick," as it's one solidly built camera.

I decided that since I like Argus cameras so much, it would be cool to collect the different models that were made over the years. I must have several vintage cameras made in their factory in Ann Arbor, Michigan in my closet that all still work. Nonetheless, as I got more into action and photojournalism, I decided I needed a modern 35 mm camera.

In 1986, I came to the final conclusion that it was time to upgrade, so I purchased a Minolta Maxxum 7000 for my birthday. This opened many new doors, and I also bought a 9000 two years later; thus, using my 7000 as a backup. Both of these cameras have lasted me close to 21 years.

Now in 2008, I find myself finally wanting to make the plunge into the digital realm. I have done a lot of research on modern DSLR units, and have pretty much decided to go with Canon. Although, many of my friends say that Nikon is the right path to follow in life. Somehow, I just seem to like the features that Canon offers on their cameras much better.

I mostly like to shoot action, landscape, nature, photojournalism, and scenic photos. I am looking forward to learning more about digital cameras. I love the idea of taking a photograph and uploading to the Web, and not worrying about any bad shots, as they can be deleted with a "click" of the mouse. Conversely, I won't miss the high price of film processing anymore, which can easily run between $20 - $40 dollars per roll, once I make the changeover.

I used to work for a local newspaper writing feature stories that dealt with disasters, entertainment, fashion, history, industrial, and travel stories. Moreover, I have a bachelor's degree in technical communication: professional writing. This gives me the ability to write for several different disciplines, and edit my work accordingly. Likewise, I have been editor for several national publications for well over 15 years.

My first love has always been history. This was my first major in college and I loved to study every facet of it. However, I also enjoy writing just as much, so I changed my major to English in my sophomore year.

I have taught English as a Second Language (ESL) to many students from overseas. I really enjoy doing this very much, and I may go aboard and teach in foreign country for a few years. Since most of my family on the father's side are all professors or teachers, it only seems natural to follow a family tradition.

In the past, I used to have my own radio show, where I played requests for Jazz music on a local FM station. In addition, I have done stand up comedy at several comedy clubs over the years, which I enjoy very much. There is nothing better than giving the gift of laughter.

Over the years, thanks in part to my parents who loved great music, and my grandfather who owned a hotel at one time with a ballroom, I have had the honor of meeting and making friends with the following musical performers. Sadly, most of them have gone to that big concert hall in the sky:

Ray Anthony
Charlie Barnet
Count Basie
Les Brown
Frankie Carle
Bob Crosby
Johnny Desmond
Duke Ellington
Mercer Ellington
Ella Fitzgerald
Pete Fountain
Benny Goodman
Lionel Hampton
Woody Herman
Peanuts Hucko
Harry James
Sammy Kaye
Stan Kenton
Gene Krupa
The Lennon Sisters
Guy Lombardo
Billy May
Clyde McCoy
Murray McEachern
The McGuire Sisters
Ray McKinley
Mitch Miller
Buddy Morrow
Elvis Presley
Boots Randolph
Buddy Rich
Artie Shaw
Frank Sinatra
Si Zentner

What do I do in my spare time? I like to travel, go sightseeing, explore nature, fishing, baking, cooking, electronics, music, concerts, sports, bowling, Ham Radio, movies, reading, photography, and I like to collect a lot of things. Here are a few of them: coins, stamps, road signs, old maps, old radios, cameras, license plates, fountain pens, artwork, Jazz records, and antiques.

Before using any of my images, please ask permission first, and if you are using them as part of a blog, please provide a URL. Thank you. :-)

All images on this Web site are the intellectual property of Ron W. None of this images displayed here are in the public domain. They may not be downloaded, copied, saved, stored or manipulated, reproduced or distributed without written permission from myself. All photographs on this website are protected by U.S. and international copyright laws.



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Your Aura is Violet




Idealistic and thoughtful, you have the mind and ideas to change the world.
And you have the charisma of a great leader, even if you don't always use it!

The purpose of your life: saying truths that other people dare not say

Famous purples include: Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., Susan B. Anthony

Careers for you to try: Political Activist, Inventor, Life Coach

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