08/07/2026
Thirty years ago, as a 14-year-old, I was given the role of photographer for an English journalism project. Being dyslexic, my friends thought photographer would be the perfect job for me!
I shot my first roll of film… and every single frame came back black. Determined to learn, I borrowed a pile of photography books from the library. On my way home, I happened to walk past a photography studio on Mill Street. I popped my head in and met Jim.
Not only did Jim help me with that school project, but he sparked a passion that shaped my future. I went on to spend the next two years assisting him and learning everything I could.
These were the days when there were only one or two photographers in each town. We shot on film, had to get it right in-camera, and didn’t have the luxury of digital photography or editing to fix our mistakes. I’m so grateful I learned photography the traditional way. Those foundations and skills have stayed with me throughout my 30-year career.
Today, I want to thank Jim for believing in a young girl, encouraging me, and helping me discover a career that I still love every day.
Rest in peace, Jim. Your photographs—and the impact you had on so many people—will live on forever. ❤️📷
