I started taking pictures at the age of 6, when my grandfather put a Kodak Brownie twin lens reflex camera in my hands. I progressed from instamatic cameras to 35mm. Out of college, I took a basic photography class taught by Ron Rosenstock. How he taught me to see has stayed with me for over 30 years. The last 25 years have been spent nurturing my 3 children. As they got older, I found that I had more time for myself, and I rediscovered photography. My equipment is simple: Nikon D80, N80, Tamron 28-200, Nikkor 75-300, Nikkor 18-55, Sigma 105 macro, a few filters, a cable release and a Manfrotto Bogen Tracker tripod.

Artistic influences on me include both artists and photographers: Georgia O'Keeffe, Auguste Rodin, Edward Steichen, Alfred Stieglitz, Edward Weston, Minor White, Paul Strand, Mapplethorpe, Ron Rosenstock and John Waterhouse. New influences include the work of environmental sculptor Andy Goldsworthy, the floral photography of Harold Feinstein, Paul Bracey, Vermont's David Middleton, and the nature photography of naturalist John Green. I am in awe of each one's creative vision. It is my constant source of inspiration.

The biggest influence in my life has been the beauty of the written word, music, art, and nature. When I take photos, I feel like I can capture some of that essence.

Most of my photographs are taken in the Amherst, Belchertown and Quabbin areas of western Massachusetts, with occasional treks to the other New England states, and Philadelphia. I live in western Massachusetts with my husband Jack, our daughter and a small menagerie.