I am retired after 40 years in the ski business. Living in the National Park, the landscape always drew me in. I dabbled on and off with photography ( the film era) but couldn't devote enough of my energy or the time, to really immerse myself in the art. Upon retirement, I could immerse myself and undertook to study and learn all about the digital world and its effects on photography and equipment. The landscape continues to call and the digital photographic medium, for me, is an ideal way to enjoy the pleasures of, and opportunities to shoot images in this special place - Banff National Park

I took the On-Line Course from the Photography Institute ( run by George Seeper) in Australia. A superb course and you are assigned a 1 on 1 tutor/mentor, mine being Steven Vote, as you work your way through the modules and report and do assignments online. I also continually study from other photographers online, both courses and their work. ( Joe Cornish, Joseph Rossbach, Sean Bagshaw, Ken Duncan, Guy Tal, Tom Mackie, Allistair Benn, Ian Plant, and more ).

Yes, an over the counter point and shoot film "box" camera of the ski hill. What it was was a complete disaster and hugely disappointing!

Currently, I use the Nikon D800 and the Nikon 16- 35, 24 - 70, and 7- 200 lenses. Currently, because I am studying and considering the new mirrorless offerings but, as of yet, not ready to move to a new system.

Growth and development in the art and craft of landscape photography! It is less about equipment and more about technique - then if equipment can afford new creative possibilities - to assimilate them BUT , keep growing and making images that I am happy with.

Clients commenting on my images is the most inspiring and motivating thing. You make an image for you BUT, when you show, sell, share, etc and you both receive comments and support from clients - that is inspiring.

The grandeur, complexity, synchronicity, and pure genius of the intelligent design behind all of nature. Only God could create what we see with the color palette, shape, form, and on we too easily overlook!

I can't answer that in classic terms of style etc. I capture what captures me - not reportage, not documentary - but Worship, Awe, and Delight - those 3 words will have to suffice.

It is gratifying, while at the same time, being motivational, to not be construed as a "mark of significance" or "arrival" but an indicator that Landscapes can and do capture and engage many viewers. Recognition by your peers and critics can be a danger to be kept at arms distance - kept as neither too wonderful nor too disappointing.

Breath of WInter was a chill Fall morning when Winter came calling. As I looked at the scene it impacted me with the sheer wonder of how fog, mist, frost, snow, and very low clouds were orchestrated to allow the early morning sun to dance across the frost-laden trees. Yet hanging on were some Aspens in their full Fall colours. It was a display of the things I mentioned above - worship, awe, delight. My Photo business and website are Gita Photos - which is an acronym - G = God, I = Is, T = The , and A = Artist God is the Artist - I just capture the scene.

This just happened, so in all candor, at this point - a few weeks after the notice of winning - there has been little impact to my career so far. However, in keeping with the format being used in the photography world, I will be adding this award to my Notes and About section of my website and to the Display and signage at my shows!

1) Ansel Adams

2) Joe Cornish

3) Rodney Lough Jr.

Shoot plenty and often, storage space is cheap - experiment and keep at it.

Ask yourself why? Then knowing your individual Why - you can plot a course to address the steps needed to achieve what your Why was all about. If you don't know Why, your shots will not have the focus and story they should or could!

Success is measured in many ways. Find your own metric and use it, listen to others ideas, thoughts and suggestions but filter that with your own metric , for your own good and satisfaction.

That is both a necessary thing and evolving thing. You have to be receptive to new information and knowledge as it becomes available as this drives growth and understanding of your own Why and your Art. There is ALWAYS something to learn and consider and that keeps you growing.