Black River Landing

Week 20:  New Jersey

My name is: Craig Collins

Right now I’m sitting at: At my computer working and trying to figure out how to survive in a tough economy

My family includes: my great wife, two wonderful children and Ariel (our spoiled 75lb black ball of fur)

What inspires me is: Watching my children grow and learn.

The photographer who most inspires me would be:  This is a tough one, I would probably have to say that with all the access to photographers and their work, I always seem to find someone who inspires me to keep on shooting and to keep on enjoying our great profession.

When hanging out online you will usually find me: I just finished building a house and now I am addicted to Craigs list.  I can’t believe the things that you can get and get rid of.

The first thing I crave in the morning is: another hour of sleep and then coffee.

This year’s purchases MUST include: probably something for my house; like maybe finish my master bath.

My guilty pleasure and addiction is: my Hershey’s chocolate and my kids Halloween candy,  when it’s around

If I had $500 to spend on myself today, I would buy: An airline ticket to Mexico or Provo TCI

I think my best feature: Who knows? My wife tells me my nose???

One personal goal I have this year would be: to run in my second New York City marathon and  finish in under 4 hrs.

Visit Craig’s website

Week 19:  Michigan

My name is:   Carole Anthony

Right now I’m sitting at:  My computer editing flower pictures for our flower shop website.

My family includes:  Rick, my husband of 41 years, 3 cats & one dog that live with us & 4 adult children out on their own & 3 grandchildren.

The photographer who most inspires me would be:   A local photographer Edward Hicks, wonderful human being as well as great photographer; & Monte Zucker.

When hanging out online you will usually find me:   I don’t have much time to hang out online, but when I am on, the forum of course, to learn from all these wonderful photographers & sometimes shopping.

The first thing I crave in the morning is:   A toothbrush & then coffee.

Don’t tell anyone that I love:  Can’t think of anything I love that everyone who knows me doesn’t already know about; sewing, reading & taking dance classes; especially tap

To me “beautiful” is:  All of God’s creation; sunsets, mountains, sunshine on new snow, nature, birds, butterflys, etc, etc. also, people’s inner beauty, not the outside shell.

This year’s purchases MUST include:   Nikon 70-200 2.8 with vibration reduction for my dance action shots!

My guilty pleasure is:  Really good dark chocolate

If I had $500 to spend on myself today, I would buy:  I would probably use it to buy a plane ticket to go see Rob & his family in Florida or for Rick & I to go to Myrtle Beach.

I think my best feature:  (this is hard for me so I had to ask my husband)  would be I am a very giving type person.  I get lots of pleasure out of giving to other people or doing stuff for them.  I think that is one reason I love photography, when the client is happy with the finished product, it is a great feeling.

I am addicted to:   Working out & chocolate (contradiction kind of), but I can’t stand going 2 or more days without some  sort of exercise.

One personal goal I have this year would be: To get back in the gym on a regular basis for a weight training program & try to be kind to everyone I meet, because you never know what someone may be going through; also to get my website updated & looking lots better. “Life is so short be grateful for every single day you are given.” I think I just want to be available to anyone who needs a shoulder or a listening ear.

Visit Carole’s website