This shot is from November 2002 in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The entire sky was on fire and from the pool you could see the palm tree juxtaposed against it. I wanted to capture what I saw but was doubtful the camera would get much of anything with such a strange lighting situation. I grabbed the camera and waded out into the pool with my arms up in the air and feeling a little embarrassed by the looks I got. This is the JPG straight out of the Canon Powershot A20 with no manipulation. I'm glad I decided to be that idiot in the pool with a camera.

Yes, I know palm trees and sunsets are way overdone but for me this photo has a special significance. It is the first photo I got really excited about. And when I showed it to others they reacted and reinforced the excitement. Other photographers have shared with me similar stories of the one photograph that changed how they felt every time they picked up a camera after that. There is suddenly the possibility you can find that same feeling of excitement, accomplishment and meaning again.

To me, photography is a way to capture our perspective on the world around us to reflect on for ourselves and share with others. Successful photos express the photographer's perspective on what they see and that is extremely satisfying; regardless of weather the photo captures beauty, tragedy or something in between. Occasionally, a photo will express something that resonates with other people and be valued as art.