I started getting serious about photography Thanksgiving of 2006. My brother and I gave my Mom a digital camera for her birthday-- which I completely overtook while we were visiting my family down in Louisiana. All of the Cajun swamp pictures were taken with her camera on Auto settings. When I got home and saw how fun it was to take, process and post to Flickr, I was hooked. I bought a Canon IS 3S and have been possessed ever since. I can't go a day without shooting something.

My favorite subjects are the animal kingdom, but I also enjoy landscapes and found objects.

Flickr has been my salvation through some tough times and I really enjoy the commenting.

Thanks so much for your support!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

fratch. Get yours at bighugelabs.com/flickr

fratch's favorite photos from other Flickr members (6,740)

  • Snowy by Gypsy Flores Photography
  • Weird is my Name by larsvandegoor.com
  • Lone Tree on a Frosty Morning by James Neeley
  • Rusty Tin Shed III by rgarrigus
  • Get Out Of My Way by Tall Bob
  • fly away by Dyrk.Wyst
  • Flying Into the New Week... RSH by ac4photos
  • Panoramic Vertorama Altocumulus Monday Blues by s0ulsurfing
  • Baies sauvages...!!! by Denis Collette...!!!
  • The Beauty of Flight by dog ma
  • Madre con su hijo by elplocki
  • May you live all the days of your life... by Weirena
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Testimonials (12)

  • view profile

    prettyred79 says:

    "A personal Testimonial to V.

    I met V by chance. OR maybe not. We can't explain why certain people come into our lives, but it just so happened we (V and I) befriended eachother - and found some commons. In more then just arts, music & life. Won't get into the grits..

    She amazes me. And the talents she possesses are more then just in her arts..Her determination alone humble me ( She is ONE Determined Woman!!)

    I feel honored to have become a friend. And pray that our friend status lasts our lifetime.... kisses.

    *PrettyRED*"

    9th October, 2008

  • view profile

    cootiegarage says:

    "I love looking at the world through the talented eyes of Fratch. Direct, honest, no nonsense (although the woman herself is chock full of profound silliness). Wonderful photogaphs from a wonderful person."

    11th November, 2007

  • view profile

    Lyle58 says:

    "As I read the various testimonials here for our friend Virginia, one word consistently comes up - enthusiasm - and I would concur! Her work always shows a definite willingness to go the extra mile for one last shot, be it running along the trail with her dog Smokey or wading right into a murky lake in the middle of the night. Risking a sprained ankle, insect bites, or bruises, she wants the shot and she's going to get it!

    She takes us on her adventures as though we were right there alongside her - out on a run, rowing the johnboat, or just relaxing in her backyard - we are always seeing the world in an intimate way through her unique vision.

    True, some of those visions are a bit "quirky"; who shoots photos of a wheelbarrow? Well she does, and then we see why; the beauty of rust never sleeping and the reflection of trees in the collected rainwater. Unpredictable, but always interesting, always rewarding.

    It's obvious our friend VA is a free spirit; no one should dare try to pin her down. That's a good thing, because that way we'll always be surprised, always refreshed, always fascinated by whatever she comes up with. I think we're all eager to see where she takes us next...

    Go, fratch, go!"

    11th October, 2007

  • view profile

    Maarten Kroes says:

    "Virginia is one of my first and best Flickr friends. For me her Flickr-name Fratch means Enthousiasm. It's a feast to read her comments and view her creative photostream. Its fun to see her skills growing to masterclass !"

    16th September, 2007

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    SparkyLeigh says:

    "I feel like I am being taken out on an adventure with Virginia every time I open her site to view her latest images.

    And there is no predicting what each adventure may be; always surprises.

    Her enthusiasm pours from the images and captions, drawing the viewer into her inner and outer world in delightful ways. I mean who else would spot water in an old wheel barrow and take an outstanding photo of it!

    Virginia shares her joys of large and small creatures: frogs, snakes, birds, insects, squirrels, bear and deer in the wild, as well as a trip to a zoo that makes captive animals look like they were still happily in the wild – all with an eye for the spirit of each animal, which comes through sweetly.

    Her photos of flowers are a joy! Hidden in her photostream is an incredible – no, heavenly, dandelion photo.
    And if you dig into her archives you will get to travel the world with her.

    … And if you look carefully, you may even find a frog that is actually wearing a crown!

    … So jump on her motorcycle, or go for a jog with her and Smokeye and see the world as only VA – Virginia can~~~~~"

    3rd September, 2007

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    Peter Ribbeck says:

    "I would like to thank Victoria for her support and for being such a nice person, It's always a pleasure to check her Photo stream"

    3rd September, 2007

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    Steve Byland says:

    "Virginia seems to have a passion for life that is infectious. Seeing her photos puts a smile on my face and the generous comments she makes on my photos make me feel like I am touching other people through my work. Her personality is reflected in her photos which show the abundance of beauty that can be found everywhere in nature. She should be on the board of tourism for the state of New Jersey!

    She is a wonderful Flickr friend and I only hope that I can make other people feel as good as she makes me feel."

    1st September, 2007

  • view profile

    Gypsy Flores Photography says:

    "She's great--one of the best on flickr--both in her photography and in her delightful friendliness"

    31st August, 2007

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    bud_marschner says:

    "Virginia has been a loyal flickr friend to me, pretty much since I posted my first photo on line. Her constant comments on my photos are a great inspiration to keep trying to do better.

    Also, she has a wonderful photo stream with lots of wildlife shots, someday, I hope to make some that are as good.

    So visit her photo stream often she has lots to share.

    bud"

    31st August, 2007

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    Darren White Photography says:

    "Virginia's images really caught my eye one day. Her unique perspective and how she chooses to photograph her subjects are very inspiring to me. She is an artist with her camera. Her images provoke unusual feelings which I welcome with open arms....

    It's been a joy to watch her images over the last few week....Keep up the great work!!!!

    Cheers,
    Darren"

    31st August, 2007

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    chaybert (Brian Rueb) says:

    "Vriginia has a great enthusiasm for her work...it's evident in her willingness to shoot any subject matter, with any camera, from any angle. I always enjoy seeing work from people who love to shoot, and Virginia loves to shoot. It's a pleasure to call h er a contact and see her unique and creative way of viewing life."

    31st August, 2007

  • view profile

    rivadock4 says:

    "Fratch shares her enthusiasm for photography with a friendly flare. I enjoy seeing her bright comments and great photos. Her skills are growing rapidly, making her photo-stream fun to follow."

    27th August, 2007

Name:
Virginia
Joined:
March 2006
Currently:
Montville, USA
I am:
Female
Occupation:
Creative Director