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My adventures in photography began early. I picked up my first camera when I was 10-11 years old. It used roll film, the camera was easy to use. Open the back, carefully load the film, then close the back. Step off a distance from the subject, then press the shutter. The feeling was quite exciting.

A few weeks later, after exposing all twelve frames, the film was dropped off at the corner drugstore. I eagerly awaited to see how my first pictures would turn out. Unfortunately, I only had two prints. While the result was disappointing, I was ready to shoot another roll. My mom suggested I might be better suited for a different hobby. Or, at least, learn more about taking photos before shooting another roll. I read, later, several professional photographers had a similar first experience. They had two or three prints from their first roll. A newspaper photographer I knew said he didn't have any prints from his very first roll of film.

Afterwards, I occasionally took a few photos through the years, but always using someone else's camera. While the interest was there, I didn’t pursue it too strongly. When I did pick up a camera again, in 1974, I was a college freshman. The avenue was an experiment in optics for Physics lab. Each student, armed with a 35 mm SLR, would go about taking photos. The experiment was learning the science of optics behind photography. From motion to lighting, aperture and shutter speed, focus and depth of field. It was practical and fun. The photography bug bit again. Very hard.

My rekindled interest in photography was more robust. I had better results, thanks to my dad owning a 35 mm SLR. He did most of the shooting. It was his camera after all, while I did a few. A few years later, my dad entrusted me with his camera. And, much better photographs resulted.

Away from photography, I am an analytical chemist by profession. I specialize in chromatographic separations and data analysis. While much different, chemistry and photography share a commonality. Both require attention to detail. Both follow defined processes. Both require a measure of creativity, thinking outside the box. And, both require considerable patience.

I am David Ramos. This is who I am.