Howie Grapek

My passion for photography was ignited 25 years ago when I was a student at RIT in Rochester, NY. Although I was a computer science major, I was fortunate to study with some of the best photographers in the world. My freshman roommate was a photography student (photog major). He came in from England because RIT was located in the same town as Kodak and is known worldwide as one of the best photography schools in the nation. Thank you Mark for sharing your excitement and enthusiasm about photography. It was you who helped me understand that what is in the viewfinder are more than just images. My love for the outdoors and travel enhances my photographic experience. I love to hike and be outside. I find myself going on business trips from time to time. When I do, I take the weekends to travel and explore wherever I am. I always have my camera with me. When we go on family trips, my family members make fun of me because I am always taking so many photos. I am originally from NY, and I still have a hard time taking candids of people. I'm always afraid that they will get upset and kill me. Occasionally, I will see a child with a big smile and cannot help myself. Because of this insecurity, I tend to focus on nature, wildlife and architecture. When I travel to new cities, I am always in awe of the local architecture. I am still learning how to photograph buildings. Living in Colorado is a blessing. I live within an hour or two of some of the most spectacular scenery and wildlife in the country. Day trips over the years have helped me in so many ways. Obviously, they lead to great photo taking opportunities. People find different ways to escape. Some like to exercise, others like to hunt or fish to relax, yet others find peace in music. I find the most pleasure sitting and waiting for the perfect light at the end of the day. The 'Golden Light' as some call it. There is something about the warmth of the sun at the end of the day. Sometimes this is in the Rocky Mountains. Other times it is on a beach or on a hike. My photographs express what I feel as well as see. Enjoy my photos, they are a reflection of my soul. Howie Grapek

Nikon D-70, D-200 and D2x Assorted Lenses including Nikon AF-VR 70-200mm, wide angle, macro and 18-70mm

sports, events, wildlife, photojournalism