growing up, my dad always had a few cameras in rotation and he steadily produced 35mm photos. While I was always intrigued by his photography gear, I never could have imagined those seemingly innocent observations would grow into the seeds of inspiration. Fast forward to the late 1980's, while living in Rome, Italy at the impressionable age of 12, I auditioned and won a role in a Coca-Cola commercial. With money earned I only wanted two things, a drum set and a camera. My interest with the drum kit faded within a year but the connection with the camera remains to this day. This picture is from the first roll of film that I ever shot...and what better subject than the myriad of stray cats that prowl the Eternal City. This art form chose me at a young age and I feel thankful being able to explore and expand this lifelong passion with a focus on the beauty of landscapes.