Starting out with nothing more than that camera, I cradled my old Nikkormat FTN like my first born child. It was as tough as nails and build like a tank, because it needed to be. I think I only dropped it once. With it, I sharpened my skills and learned the nuances and finicky ways of light. That’s what it’s all about, light. Learning how to paint with it using this little box…The Camera; the Latin name means dark chamber. Sounds Kind of lonley, perhaps that’s why I clung to it so tightly. (and never dropped it again) Photography has changed my life, gave me direction, and allowed me to find myself. I began freelancing at first, taking a variety of small photography jobs, and then shooting magazine covers. Later, I worked with Evin Thayer Studios in Houston, Texas as a production manager and photojournalistic wedding photographer. My talent blossomed as well as my expertise from shooting on a daily basis. As the digital revolution began fundamentally changing photography, I worked with Gittings in digital retouching and finally mastered complete control over my images. Now I viewed the world with a skillful eye that could transform the ordinary into something exceptional. 12 years into my profession, I am still continuing to expand my knowledge while still holding onto my enthusiastic mind. I have the right tools, technique, and passion to create even more innovative imagery. For the last three years, I have been exhibiting my favorite abstract images on large canvases around Houston. The camera I got with the gold? It rarely leaves the shelf. It still reminds me, though, that the treasures I have found with photography are worth much more than any precious metal. The gift of photography is priceless.
-Patrick Bertolino
I am a proud member of:
The Better Business Bureau
The Professional Photographers Guild of Houston
