Julie Stark, Neighbor

If I've lived in Dix Hills for only 4 years, am I allowed to now call myself a Dix Hillean? Either way, I love it here and don't see myself going any place else any time soon.

I've been a photographer all my life I think. From as far back as I can remember I wanted to freeze certain moments. I used to frame situations in my head. That lead to my first camera, the Kodak Disc 4000 in 1982.  I thought that camera was the greatest thing ever and that it couldn't possibly get better than that! Boy was I wrong...

Photography became my hobby as a kid and I've never let it go. I've taken photography courses here and there to learn the mechanics better, but mainly I am self taught. I believe everyone has an inner photographer in them, it just needs to be nurtured and encouraged. 

I carry a camera with me everywhere I go. If I can't bring my professional SLR camera, I'll bring my small digital point and shoot. If I dont have that........ I have my blackberry camera. Life's best moments occur when we're least prepared and certainly not in a studio setting where you're told to put on your best faux smile.

Recently, I was walking through an airport and a troop of camo clad US soldiers had just deplaned. I was almost trampled by the familes, friends and children who were running --rather, sprinting to their war heroes who had just returned home. I stepped aside and pulled out my camera as fast as I could.  My eyes filled up with tears as I watched a mother embrace her son, a little girl grasp onto her daddy's leg and a wife kiss and hug her husband so passionately. Aside from me, nearly every person in that airport terminal stood up and clapped their hands powerfully with purpose and gratitude.  As I was snapping away image after image, I moved the camera away from my face only to feel tears streaming down my cheeks. I felt elation and sadness with each tear. A real juxtaposition of feelings.

When I look back at those photos, each and every time those same powerful emotions are brought right back.

That's the power of photography. And that's why I am so inspired and incredibly moved to photograph others and to offer them the same keepsake I hold near and dear to my heart.

Shoot on!