FAQ's

Are you Native American?

My heart is Native American. I fortunate to be born into a family and lifestyle where we had friends of many colors and ethnicities. Growing-up in Canada many of my friends were First Nations. Norma, Ester, Billie, Patty, Mary Ann and Jackie taught me beadwork, archery, fishing, honoring elders and much more. We had a good time as children and teenagers. Today I have many Indian names that have been given to me. These names will give you an idea of tribal members sense of humor. For instance, the Nez Perce call me "Fish Eyes", the Crow gave me "She Ain't No Angel" and some of my Shoshone friends compared me to a Snowbunny; Red on the inside but white on the outside. The name "Snowbunny" could also refer to that I happen to live in a world class ski-resort! I hope the first definition.

What camera do you use? Nikon or Canon?

Last winter I switched from Nikon to Canon. It was a decision that I went back and forth on but Canon was coming out with self cleaning cameras (digital is so bad for dust specs) and the focusing was much more advanced. It was an expensive change as I had to purchase all new lenses and speedlights. A year too late, Nikon has finally stepped up to the plate with their new released digital cameras that now have many of the same features that lured me over to Canon. Comparing Canon's 40D and Nikons D40, these 2 cameras are very comparable to one another. Does it really matter which manufacture we dedicate our picture taking to? I'd like to hear other photographers comments. It's not the camera that takes a great picture...it's the photographer.

How often do you travel?

Generally, I plan anywhere from 6-12 photo trips a year around North America. One trip a year takes me overseas or to another country. For instance, last year I traveled a month in New Zealand documenting the Maori culture and this year I've planned a trip to the Oaxaca region of Mexico to photograph the Aztec and Mayan Indians. Thailand is in the plans for next year as this country too has Indigeneous people. For North American tribal communities, I like to target areas and tribes that I've never visited yet. However, most of the trips are planned to continually update my photo files. Most recently many photo requests are of Native Americans in everyday mainstream lifestyles. Most recently I went to Montana and photographed professionals such as doctors, nurses, dentists and dental assistants. Then over to another site to photograph heavy duty equipment operators, all Indian of course.