I started taking photos and using Photoshop about a year and a half ago.  To  my surprise, I have won a few awards and recognitions.  One of which is winning a Gold Medal in Black & White Magazine (USA) for "Leaving".  I was surprised because I was very unhappy with my first attempt, so I scrapped it!  I restarted and "Leaving" was born.  

I am also very happy to see that more photography magazines and organizations are accepting photo composites and "altered" photography. I try to take natural photos, but I always end up changing it somehow.  With the series, "Portrait of an only child", I tried relying more on staging the scene, rather than manipulating it later.  (Although, they are far from "pure" photos).

Between working and going to school, I hope to contribute more photos in the next month.  Thank you for all your support and comments

Please let me know what you think about less vs. more manipulated photography.  I would be interested to hear your comments!  Cheers, Lori