MPA: Why do you love photography?
LM: I remember being in awe of landscape and animal photographs in magazines and galleries when I was young and wanted to learn to take photos “like those”. I promised myself I’d take up photography, “someday”. I love to challenge myself – and while sometimes frustrating, I keep learning
MPA: Your favorite thing about MPA?
LM: Just about everything and everyone. From the first “Mastering your camera: Part 1” class – David and Ally’s style and content teaching the classes “turned the light-bulb on” for me and I was hooked! My first tour with them was a body-numbing cold trip to Yellowstone – I learned so much from all of the instructors – composition, lighting, exploring – including how to really have fun making new friends – and challenging myself each time I pick up my camera.
MPA: Your favorite trip or course with MPA?
LM: Can I say I they have all been my favorites? I have three: Alaska in December (Alaskan RR, meeting Dallas Seavey and his dogs, amazing Aurora show, hosts Frank and Miriam, Nu’kah! and Dippy)…Artic trip on a ship for a week: polar bears, midnight sun, amazing history, amazing crew, Polar Plunge…and Iceland: waterfalls, landscape, Aurora, horses, sheep, waterfalls…The photo ops are all wonderful; but the relationships Dave and Ally have made along their journeys which they share on their tours provide personal
and unique experiences each trip
MPA: Your aspirations as a photographer / artist?
LM: To be able to create art which I am proud of – which moves and inspires me – and others – and to share with my family and friends. To get comfortable with more environments (like city and portrait photography) in addition to landscape and animals which I currently LOVE to shoot.
MPA: Where do you look forward to traveling next?
LM:New Zealand next spring (well, fall there). I’ve been so comfortable traveling with MPA – and joining friends from previous tours – that I know regardless of how the trips unfold, I will have an amazing experience!
One last comment; yes, these tours are offered to inspire learning and understanding the art of photography – they end up being so much more about the special friendships I’ve made over the last 1 1/2 years with people who share a passion for photography – through MPA Academy! Thank you Dave, Ally, Toby, Steve and Nick