[LargeFormat] Another Introduction

[David]

Hey everybody,

I guess I'll go next.

My name is David Sanderson and I live in Burlingame,
just south of San Francisco, CA.  I've been a member
and consistent lurker on this list for some time now. 
I got started in large format photography about 6
years ago and have found it to be one of the most
enjoyable activities I've ever done.  As an engineer,
I enjoy the process of making photographs probably
more than the final print.  This has to be true since
even the best of my prints can only be considered
mediocre.

I've never taken any classes in LF photography, but I
have read a few books... enough to get me started
composing, shooting, developing and printing my
images.  Most of what I've learned has been through
experimentation and what I've learned from you all on
this list.  I guess I just enjoy the exploration and
discovery as I'm sure all of you do too.

My wife and I are avid outdoorspeople and I always
take my 4x5 field and necessary gear when we go
backpacking or otherwise.

I have discovered that the process of finding,
composing and shooting has given me an enormous
awareness and appreciation for the world and
environment.  It takes me about an hour to compose and
shoot a scene which can sometimes be trying on my
wife's patience, especially when the sun is setting
and we're still an hour or so away from our
destination, but she's a great sport and supports me
and all my wierd little hobbies.

I have shot mostly natural landscapes but lately have
taken a great interest in exploring decaying man-made
objects found in the natural world.  Especially
important to me are wrecked automobiles that have been
driven off the road.  Its a real lesson in entropy and
how these objects slowly melt into the natural
landscape.  It gives me hope that my children will
have a better world to live in than me.

I don't have any photos posted on the web to show you
since I haven't taken the time to figure out how to
scan and upload images.  Maybe some day.

I have really enjoyed the conversations and exchanges
I've read from this list.  I have to admit that I know
very little about all the types of gear that are
available but I have learned a lot from you all and I
thank you for your insights and sharing.

Best Regards,

David Sanderson