Feature Photographer B Anes Jan 2006

How long have you lived in SCTX? Where are you from?
I’ve lived here almost 5 years.
We came from 23 years in Houston, but have also lived in NY, Ct, Mass. Maine.
How long have you been taking pictures?
In 1958, my future father-in-law gave me my first camera (35mm) as a wedding present. Since I knew no one and nothing about photography, I read a lot of library photo books and learned from my mistakes. For years I shot and developed about a 36 exposure roll of B&W film every week.

What is your favorite type of Camera or Camera’s you use?
Just got my first digital camera in July, before that, I owned dozens of film cameras, from subminiature to 4x5. Mostly used Pentaxes, Leicas, Nikons, Minoltas and Minoxes, in 35mm. And in 21/4; Hasselblads, Rollei SL66, Rolleiflexes, Bronica S2, Mamiya C330, Mamiya RB67, and Pentax 6x7.
Wet or Digital Darkroom?
Wet B&W: from 1962-2001, Color (Cibachrome) 1980s-2001. Digital: bought Photoshop 2.5 in 1994. Took a few PS courses including a semester at North Harris College. Started professional photo restoration as the PhotoDoctor in 1994.
Favorite subject ( Landscape, close-up, portraits etc)
I mostly use my camera as a sketchbook. I always have one with me to snap a few of the pictures I always see around me. Planned photos: my boudoir photography studio, professional weddings and Bar Mitzvahs, journal and magazine covers, and some photo club Topics of the Month, Least favorite subjects-weddings and Bar Mitzvahs.
Favorite locations?
The Westheimer Arts Festival in Houston twice a year for many years, and wherever I am at the time. I occasionally travel to keep it fresh.
What do you like most about photography?
Photography is the closest thing to blinking my eyes and making a permanent memory. If the subject is fleeting, I enjoy feeling like a hunter capturing his prey. Sometimes I intentionally capture history. The joyous right-brain feelings when working with Photoshop to perfect a photo. Enjoy looking at my prints-the esthetics and the memories. All these feelings are magical.
Any other interesting information about yourself?
Started out in life thinking I was going to be an artist. Photography turned out to be my favorite and best medium--so far. Was very good with my hands. Became a general dentist and then an endodontist. Many one-man shows. Have about 100 covers. Won contests.

How did you decide on your Best Images to show here?
It was very difficult to choose only 12. I wanted to show my wide range--from close-up to scenic, decisive moments to posed (boudoir) portraits.