I graduated from California State University with a Bachelors of Science in Computer Information Systems and I've worked in the IT field for over 10 years. The computer world has settled to become a job but photography has become life long obsession. Photography was not a conscious choice but more of natural selection. Since elementary school, I've been carrying a camera with me on the most normal of days. I didn't feel that a special event was necessary to take photos. My first camera was a Kodak 110 given to me probably at the age of 8. I later took ownership of my father's early seventies Canon FT-QL 35mm SLR. I still look back and wonder how I afforded film and developing at an early age. In my teenage years my father bought me a Canon 10QD from Japan which I used for a good 10 years before affording my own equipment.

I remember my first photography class at a local community center and developing my own black and white negatives. Later, I took many photography classes offered in high school eventually becoming a teacher's assistant in my senior year. My last photography class was an elective in college. Although I pursued a degree in computers, my development in photography expanded with the birth of the Internet. Photography forums eventually challenged me and a wealth of knowledge from professionals all over the word was available. Critique forums can be harsh but you will quickly learn your strength and weaknesses.

With the support of my family, I decided to enter the photography business by shooting events such as weddings, birthdays, and concerts. I have recently entered the stock photography world and have had the opportunity to work with aspiring models to develop their portfolios.

I love capturing moments in time. I believe memories should never be taken for granted.

Eric Manacsa
Reseda, California
acekingmedia1@yahoo.com