My Chutter [CHU ter] n-Spanglish for a device that limits the passage of light into a camera.

This is when it all began. In 2002 I took my first (and only) photography class. I heard once that "all girls go through a photography phase," and was understandably discouraged. The class was highly rewarding, even if at the time I didn't realize it.

Fast forward 7 years. I hadn't touched a camera in years and in the summer of 2008 mi novio bought me a Pentax K100D as a birthday gift. I have taken over 10,000 photos within a year. A tiny fraction of which I have actually edited and uploaded to my flickr account. I read once that the only way to become a good photographer is to take LOTS of fotos. So, thats what I do. I take lots of fotos.

This is my very first developed self portrait. I took it in the corner of my living room one lazy afternoon. I used my Nikon FM10, and since the photo is awesomely grainy, probably 100 or 200 iso.

I remember being in the dark room, and watching the photo come alive in the developer. I was shocked, that was me, I did that. From that point on I was hooked.

Photography has continued to unfold and transform into different things for me. I have realized that I can use something I love to do in relation to my degree (English), and I can pursue a higher education (Literacy through Photography and/or photo documentary) that combines both, plus more (giving back to my community that has given me so much).

I still have so much to learn. For the time being I teach myself. At the moment I am studying lighting, because "what we see and what the camera records as light, and understanding how light works is the basis for mastering the photographic art."

So, that's where this blog comes in. This is the start. Let's see how things unfold. Let's see how and if my ideas and goals are met.

At the moment my ultimate goal is to pursue Literacy through Photography. I know the importance of literacy, I know how the written word can change lives and open doors. I know how writing as a form of creative self-expression can help an individual conquer. And I want to give back, I want to give my community what it has given me.

In the end, I can honestly say, that this won't be about me. Because I already have enough, I am privileged, and I acknowledge that. By chance I am lucky. I believe that everyone should be entitled to the same opportunities as I have.

Wish me more luck.