I was born and raised in north central West Virginia. After graduating from high school I enlisted in the Army. I spent two years in Germany and one in Vietnam. While in the Army I "discovered" photography, and through a program for Vietnam veterans called Project Transition I was able to intern as a photographer for the European Stars and Stripes, in the Augsburg bureau.
Camp Adiner, I Corp, South Vietnam
During this time I also volunteered as a photography instructor and lab assistant in the Special Services Photo Lab; I took a correspondence course in professional photography (this was before the days of on-line courses...or anything else "on-line" for that matter). These opportunities provided me with the practical experience to attempt a career in photography.
After my discharge I was hired as an entry level Photographer at the United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, (USAMRIID) at Fort Detrick, in Frederick, Maryland.
This began my federal civilian career that took me to bio-medical photography positions at many agencies including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Naval Medical Center (NNMC), the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP), and finally, back to USAMRIID at Fort Detrick. Most of the time I was doing medical, scientific, and technical photography. Along the way I spent several years as a color and black & white, dark room technician as well as a motion picture camera operator.
After 40 years of federal service I retired in 2008 as the Visual Information Manager for the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command (USAMRMC) and USAMRIID.
I was blessed to have a career doing work that I enjoyed and found meaningful. Since my retirement from federal service I have embraced my passion for nature and wildlife photography.
This blog was started to share my photos and enthusiasm for nature with others. I hope you enjoy your visit. Use the "comments" button beneath each post to ask questions, leave messages, etc. You can also e-mail me at stevefinmd@gmail.com. I am looking forward to hearing from you.
"International friends" at Yellowstone Lake...
