My father gave me my first camera when I was about 7 years old. It was a polaroid camera, and I was instantly mesmerized by the world of photography. This planted the seed that has continued to grow through the years -- I continue to take photographs at family get-togethers, and on vacations; photographs of friends' and relatives' special moments: photographs of engagements, weddings, and anniversaries, of newborns and older children, of parents and grandparents. I have worked hard at improving my ability to capture what I see. In this attempt to learn and grow, I learned that it is the pleasure on others' faces as they see the memories I capture for them that gives me the greatest joy. That is when I recognized that I wanted to make taking photographs of people my life's work. rylandphoto.com © 2007