How it all started....

My Grandpa and Grandma Gruenstein gave me my very first camera. It was my 8th Birthday. Camera fully loaded with film......I was armed and dangerous.

This is one of my very first shots with that camera.....actually my first shot was of my Grandfather's shoe.....unfortunately, that very progressive shot made it into the trash can years ago..........

As you can see my Grandparent's patiently posed for me.....along with their very attractive car door. I distinctly remember my excitement snapping away my very first pictures.......

Well, I made it home with my glorious camera.....oh I was in LOVE and ready for more photo opportunities!! Here my Mom, who does not like cameras by the way, struck a very nice pose for me with my brother Clayton Gruenstein......(Mom, see pictures don't lie you were, and still are, a GREAT Mom stopping for an 8 year-old to let her take your picture...Wow...major Mommy brownie points!!!) Obviously, while composing this shot I felt it was important to include our beautiful stereo and cords....

No one was exempt from my very enthusiastic photographic pursuits.....here my cousin Kevin flashes his million-dollar-smile!!

On the back of this picture I have a hand-written note, "Kevin Blain AT Nikki Gruenstein house! Back Yard! I Love you! Yes!" As an artist I felt it was important to express my enthusiasm for my subject.....

Again, I think I show an intuitive eye by cutting off Kevin's knee.....and instead, strategically drawing your attention to the missing boards on our back fence......

Allan was posed effectively at the front of the house......

On the back of Allan's picture the note reads, "Allan Blain AT Nikki Gruenstein house! front yard! I Love Love Love you too!" I think I wrote his note after Kevin's and wanted to make sure he did not feel left out.......

Already I am showing a keen sense of lighting.....look at how I put Allan directly in the sun to give him a squinty- Clint-Eastwood look..... I also made sure to incorporate my shadow (down at bottom right)....to finish of the dramatic High-noon effect....One of my blogs would not be complete without showing some versatility in my shooting style......I think this house shot displays that nicely.....notice how the garden hose serves to lead your eye to the front door.....again the attention to detail is a central theme......of my work.

Well....I don't remember when I got my hands on my next camera.....but I do remember we had our new landscaping installed at the Gannon house......I think my Dad must of been out of town......or I would have not felt free to pose Shanna our 'new yard'..........you can see my growth as a photographer.....not even 13 years old yet and my use of light and shadow is growing by leaps and bounds...........

Jay....I apologize in advance....for putting you on my blog....in your bathing suit......but you are soooo hot! I now have a better understanding of where Little-Miss-D......gets those model looks ......her Aunt JJ's of course!!!

I still felt creatively that knees are not as important as what is going on in the other side of the photo......also, I think the slide coming out of Janell's head lengthens the picture.....giving the whole shot a nice vertical appeal............

This next shot shows my uncanny knack on how to make use of props......a photographers best friend. Make a special note of the matching chairs AND flowers..........Not to mention, my natural ability to capture those precious moments in our lives..........moments that will never be seen again.....

....my sister's in matching red high-top shoes..............

Life is SWEET!

Nik