I discovered animal photography in the early 1970's when we moved to a farm in Kentucky. I was a city kid who didn't have a clue about the lives of animals or how to operate a camera, but I was quickly drawn to the unique creatures surrounding us and compelled to try and capture them on film.

It was instant love.

And it still is. For in a word, my best photographs have always been about love. I know that animals give us love and happiness every day, and when I view my images I am reminded of this and that realization produces the magic of photography; the ability to transport us to a place we have been before and to let us feel it all again.

Photography has taught me to see the world as a beautiful photograph. Because it is.

Along the way, I've written and photographed Llamas; Woolly, Winsome and Wonderful, produced a video, What Do You Do With A Llama, written two workbooks, Photo Workshop For Llamas and Photographing The Animal Alphabet, worked extensively with breeders around the country on ad campaigns, had my photographs published in magazines, books and posters, and developed and conducted "how to" workshops.

While I'm still teaching, most of my professional life is now focused on boat dogs. It's a natural progression. When I lived on a farm, I loved nothing better than photographing farm animals. Now that my husband and I spend many happy hours on our boat my interest is held by the dogs (and occasional cats) we encounter everywhere on the water. They speak to me, and I to them.

It is instant love.