Greetings from the Finger Lakes of New York, USA

MY name is Ron and I have just relocated to the Finger Lakes region of New York. I spent the last five years living in the Adirondacks of New York. I'm recently retired from the local electric utility. I got my start in photography while in the Navy in the mid 60's. Most of my photo work at that time was mug shots and crime scene photography. This assignment brought me into contact with the people at the photo lab and that is where I learned most of the basics.
Most of my work is land scape work. We have a large Amish population in this area and they make very good subject matter for my black and white work. Yes I know that the Amish do not want their pictures taken, but if done properly there isn't a problem with violating their wishes. no head on shots.
In this area we have the Finger Lakes National forest and the Montezuma National wild life Refuge. This has given me easy opportunity to shoot wild life which I have done for several years.
My equipment consist of three Yashica TLR's and two Minolta 35's with tele lens. I also have a digital camera that I use the same as if it were a Polaroid. Good for a quick grab shot but not much for quality.
Any way I'm happy to know that there are several people out there still using film base for their work.

What an interesting route to getting into photography! A few months ago on TV I saw that Tom Hanks film set in the 40's which has the crime scene photographer/hitman character. There was a scene that showed a series of the photographs that guy had taken and they looked so beautiful that I rented the film and still-framed them ...and they really were gorgeous. It made me wonder how I'd approach the job (assuming I had the fortitude for it.)

BTW, I'm in Niagara Falls and so, not to far from you. Welcome to the forum!

-Michael

Hi Ron. The finger lakes is a beautiful area. I've driven through there a few times. Sounds like you had an interesting start in photography. I was also in the navy (Canadian) when I got more seriously interested enough to replace my instamatic with a 35mm Pentax in the mid-1970's. Photography wasn't part of the job though, just an interesting thing to do with all the travel that goes along with being in the navy.