In order to earn my livelihood, my work has consisted, at various times, of photographing weddings, commercial work, photojournalism, and primarily portrait work. Beyond this, I've always looked for and taken images, if for no other reason than I found the subject interesting– yielding what perhaps could be called "fine art photography." According to the web site www.visual-arts-cork.com, "the term 'fine art photography' has no universally agreed upon meaning or definition: rather, it refers to an imprecise category of photographs, created in accordance with the creative vision of the cameraman."

This description of fine art photography as "an imprecise category of photographs" resonates with me, as I've never wanted to be pigeonholed into any one type of subject or method of photography. This has resulted in the wide range of subjects my photography presents, as well as how my images are both created and presented via "the creative vision of the cameraman."

As I turn my attention to fine art images, I've come to see my best work is done when I am somehow able to get out of my own way and just let the process happen– from the creation of the image to the printing of it. At the risk of sounding too "new agey," I liken this to a feeling after it's all said and done of having been somehow guided or helped.

My great grandfather John N. Gray was a photographer who was taught by his father-in-law, my great-great grandfather George F. Maitland. This takes you back to the origins of photography. He gradually became paralyzed, resulting in my great grandmother Minnie taking over his studio– which she ran for more than 40 years in addition to taking care of him and raising four children. In my late teens I had a psychic tell me there was someone who wanted to finish his work through me. I've always felt it was this great grandfather she was referring to, and perhaps is the guidance I feel. If so, I hope he's been pleased with what I've done!