I currently reside in Victoria, British Columbia on Canada's west coast. Sometimes referred to as the “wet coast”. We get our fair share of moisture. I have my wife, Shelley, no pets, some bikes, a BBQ and a desire to travel.
I do lots of little things that amount to one making a living. I'm a photographer, a web designer, a computer tech support person, an instructor and a sales consultant for a local computer company.
I entered the industry back in 1997. Back then we were called “new media specialists” because the 'web' was in its infancy and they had to call us something. I got my training initially on programs such as Macromedia's Freehand, Authorware and Director.
Shortly thereafter I obtained my Macromedia certification for Freehand, Director and Authorware. I am self-taught for web, html, CS5 and Flash. At one point I was a Macromedia Certified Developer for Flash, Dreamweaver and Fireworks as well as a Macromedia Certified Instructor. Since Adobe took control of all things Macromedia those certifications migrated over. I'm an Adobe Certified Expert for Fireworks, Flash and Dreamweaver as well as an Adobe Certified Instructor.
Photographically speaking I got my first camera when I was eight. For many years I shot with Pentax gear using all manner of B&W film and the immortal kodachrome 64. When I “went digital” I jumped to the Nikon camp.
My heavy photographic habit has also evolved into my being an Apple Certified Pro with Aperture. Somewhere in the next year I will become an Adobe Certified Expert for Lightroom. Only seems natural just don't quote me on that. I've also rekindled my love for video. Might even squeak in an Apple Certification for Final Cut Pro X.
All of this involvement has afforded me the opportunity to teach. I have been lucky enough to teach locally in Victoria at the University of Victoria, Royal Roads University and Camosun College. I have also been involved with technology businesses training staff as well as private training facilities such as NorthStudio and Q College. I am currently involved with Camosun offering instruction in their web, CSS and photography courses
In my role as a certified expert and instructor I have also held workshops for and with IBM, Microsoft, Electronic Arts and Simon Fraser University.
With all of this going on I'm also a member of the Adobe Beta Testing team and enjoy an active role in testing and debugging the next version of the Adobe Creative Suite.
