Fish Heads – That’s what we were called by colleagues, friends and family. Fish Heads spend nearly the entire spring, summer and fall at remote river locations collecting fish data and conducting research projects on the salmon return runs along the Pacific coastline.
By education and career, I am a Fisheries Biologist. I spent over 15 years working from boats, floatplanes and helicopters on fish projects in Oregon, and Alaska.
So why do I now reside in Indiana, and sit indoors, surrounded by computer monitors? …and what the heck do I have to offer Professional Photographers ?
Bear with me, it all comes together!
I grew up attending school here in Crown Point, Indiana. During my high school years, graphic arts courses introduced me to printing, photography and the darkroom. Ever since, I’ve had a passion for photography and enjoy it immensely.
My years as a scientist had me working on computers and managing extensive databases. I worked for various Federal government agencies and eventually reached a point where I sought change. I wanted my own business and to not be at the mercy of budget decisions and acts of Congress. I quit government work, earned my Coast Guard captain’s license and started AKcess Eco~Tours… a guiding and boat charter business based in Juneau serving special needs travelers .
- Keep in mind that the tourism season in Southeast Alaska is at best 4 months long.
Since the Burrell Family has been lifelong friends, every time I’d see Don over Holidays or family get-togethers, I’d ask him questions about photography and the lab business. He always answered me patiently, although on one occasion, the exchange went a little differently. This time he stopped me mid-question and said, “Hey, you want to know so much about what is going on at the lab, why don’t you come to work for me”? He continued with, “ you need to work more than 4 months a year and the lab needs help in the new digital department during the busy time until Christmas”. I paused, must have looked dumbfounded, thought a bit… and then replied … “well, …well Ok then, I will.”
So in 2000 I started what has become my 2nd career by working at the best professional lab in the US, eager to learn and perform any job asked of me. The first season I worked for 3 months, and the next 6... I found myself intrigued by digital imaging and wanting to learn and do more and more. I performed a variety of roles - printer operator, graphics, spotting, Help Desk, Instructor, and technical support of cameras, computers and software. Eventually I sold my home in Juneau and moved back to Crown Point to give this new direction my full effort.
In 2005, I accepted a technical support position with Phase One. This small, brilliant, cutting-edge company from Copenhagen, Denmark produces astounding medium format digital back camera systems and RAW workflow software. I spent 3 years learning and absorbing as much as I possibly could about these products and the commercial, fashion, and high-end portrait businesses.
Once Don Burrell reacquired ownership of the Crown Point lab, I knew it was only a matter of time before I would act on my yearning to return. And so finally, with my desire in life to always Move My Own Cheese, I returned to work at Burrell Colour Imaging in May of 2008 and it is so good to be back.
The digital age we are all witnessing is an exciting era to be a part of. It truly is a melding of photography, graphic design, and computers; and my background in these three disciplines has prepared me quite well for my 2nd career.
So what can I offer to today’s digital photographers?
My knowledge and experiences to help studios resolve problems and to get up-the-learning-curve in working with cameras, computers, and software that can make digital workflow efficient and with the best image quality possible.
Please watch for future education and training courses at the Burrell Education Center
Manager - Education and Web Initiatives
