I'm constantly told..."You must love your job, you have the best job on earth as a boudoir photographer!" I smile and laugh at these compliments, I love being a photographer because of the creativity it allows, I am my own boss, and all of the interesting clients we meet. I imagine people assume we're smitten by all of our beautiful clients unable to perform which is not the case! We do have a certain amount of pressure such as how is the lighting, do we have the client posed in the most flattering way and facial expression! With all that said I'll move on to the best job I had, looking back! I enlisted in the United States Army a few months before September 11th, despite my parents wishes for me to finish college first! A few of my buddies had joined the Marine Corps, and I originally enlisted in the Marine Corps reserve, but ultimately ended up active duty in the Army.

I enlisted with the intentions of exiting as soon as possible (4 years), and learning a skill that would make me more marketable. I ended up spending 6 years because of stop-loss, which I consider a character building experience, forced to do something once I had already started to move on mentally. I forged friendships with people who'll be my battle buddies for life we may not see each other for years, but they'll always be my battle buddy! The Army also helped spawn my interest of photography, along with my mom who pointed out I rarely sent photos home!

I try and contribute as much as I can to veterans associations! My colleague, Mike and I have worked with the Semper Fi Fund for the past 3 years, an organization that assists Marines and other service members injured while serving the country. Yesterday I participated in rolling thunder, I rode in honor of my battle buddies who were not fortunate and gave their lives in the highest honors, these are the guys who allow me to pursue all avenues of opportunity! The Army also allowed me to travel the world, visiting some countries, where pursing an opportunity that interest you is not always a possibility ! I'll never forget these folks, and they're memory will always be with me! Have a wonderful memorial day, and please don't forget why we celebrate it! 

~John