User:Ericauffhammer/Eric Auffhammer

I have had a love for photography ever since my father put his 1950's 35mm camera in my hands to take pictures on a trip to San Diego Naval Station back in 1988. As soon as I was able to afford my own camera I decided to buy a digital camera back in 1998. I was really interested in the idea of instantly seeing my photographs and having the ability to edit them without processing them through a darkroom. I have been using digital ever since.

I received my Bachelors degree in Sociology in 1997 with a certificate in Criminology. I wanted to work with people, so I decided to pursue a career in Social Work after graduation. I worked for the State of Utah first in the field of Child Protection and investigation for three years then went on to work for the Division of Services for People with Disabilities for another three years. When the World Trade Center disaster happened in 2001 I immediately decided to join the Air Force.

I was getting my MBA in International Business at the time, and used my graduate enrollment to attend ROTC. I graduated and started active duty as a contracting officer purchasing and administering contracts for the Air Force. I am still on active duty and will remain there until I can pursue a career in photography with the ability to support my family. In the meantime, I will be doing this on a part-time basis.

Every photographer will photograph the same subject in many different ways, so I too wish to find my individual style to combine both technology and art. Right now it is difficult to explain what my style is, but the more I write about it, and the more classes I take the more I am understanding my own style.