I first got into photography in 1999 while I was juggling several part-time jobs -- freelance sportswriter, part-time TV news writer, valet parking attendant and wannabe model whose most frequent gig was Who-Dey, the Cincinnati Bengals' backup mascot.

Yes, even the mascot has a backup.

So clearly, I needed at least a new hobby, if not a new life entirely.

Working in news over the years has given me good access, so I've been fortunate to lug my cameras to a few cool events. I'm a Canon guy, having gone from the Rebel EOS in 1999 to the PowerShot G5 in 2003 to the Digital Rebel XT in 2005. One of these days, I'll buy a real pro's camera, but until I make enough money to do that -- ask me how you can buy my photos, cough cough -- I'm still working in news every morning.

Pretty soon I'll be doing portraits in my home studio, so stay tuned for that. And if you live in New York and need new headshots, don't hesitate to call.