My name is Ron and I have been a photographer on and off since 1963 when I was awarded a Kodak Brownie as a result of a first place win at the local Pinewood Derby.  At this early age I discovered that a camera could see things in a way that the human eye does not always discern.

It’s been a love affair ever since.  I grew up shooting film, primarily with my trusty Nikon FM, which I believed to be the finest piece of photographic equipment invented by man.  But eventually film became more difficult to find, even harder to process, as digital photography gained popularity.  Early digital equipment and images did not impress me much and before long I my interest in photography waned and the Nikon FM sat unused.  However, as camera equipment improved and as methods were developed to edit, store and display digital images I rediscovered the magic and love of the photographic experience, eventually becoming fully immersed once again in the wonderful world of capturing images.  All the while, though, I still had a yearning to “get back to the roots,” to get the shot right, to really think about the exposure, elements of the film shooting experience that seemed to be missing in the world of digital photography.  And then I became acquainted with Victoria’s father, Lou, on 365.  I took an interest in the photos that he had taken and published using old film cameras.  He relayed Victoria’s story to me and it touched me in a way that surprised me.  Having never had children of my own I suppose that there is some sort of vicarious need within me that has been searching for a meaningful purpose.  It’s a huge honor to be able to participate and associate with so many of the other talented contributors to this endeavor.  Taking part in Project Victoria has rekindled my love of film photography, and thanks to the inspiration provided by Lou and Project Victoria I have come into possession of some working antique cameras that I plan to put into action, recalling what it meant in earlier times to produce a great image.  I might even drag out my old trusty Nikon FM.  Hey, the lenses haven’t changed.