[MichelleW]

I've been sort of lurking and sneaking in to threads for a while now. Figure a few of you may be wondering about me. So, let's get the obvious out of the way. I'm Michelle, I live in Spokane, Washington and I love photography.

Now for the not-so-obvious. I'm 26, work for Wal-Mart (yes, I know, the evil Wally World), live with my mother, her fiance and two cats that I take way too many pictures of. I'm not thrilled about the living arrangement, but when I had to leave university due to lack of money, going "home" seemed prudent. At college, I was a crazy person, working toward a double major, double minor (majors were maths and English, minors psychology and computer science). Money ran out about six months before I could have graduated. Bummer.

But, on the plus side, leaving school has allowed me to find a new passion. My best friend got me a D40 with the kit lens for my birthday in July last year. Since then, the camera's become an extension of my arm. Taking pictures is something I do now to de-stress. I just hop in the car and go drive around, snapping anything that catches my fancy.

I came to DPS to improve my skills so someone else might get some enjoyment out of my photos as well. It seems like a great environment to learn in. Everyone I've spoken to so far is supportive and offering words of encouragement as well as ways to improve. Thank you all for the kind words. I really feel at home here.