This is Samantha, more commonly known as Sam. She adopted me about eight years ago by jumping onto my lap on a visit to the Portsmouth Humane Society. We’ve been best buddies ever since.

This photo was taken with my iPhone. I’ve been asked many times how I got her to pose so perfectly. It was extremely difficult. I was using my phone, she crawled up onto my lap, and I snapped the picture. I really couldn’t miss.

This photo makes her look intelligent, but don’t let that fool you. She’s a silly little goofball who does some remarkably stupid things, but I love her just the same.

I don’t really have anything to say right now, so I’ll get right to it.

Today’s photo was a class assignment: no big cameras, only phones. I was skeptical but found this very freeing. I learned I could get good results with basic equipment.

I shot this in my living room. It’s just your average chair, nothing fancy. The soft window light barely grazes the pillow. Could I have done this with a big camera? Sure. Would I have tried? I doubt it.

Photography is not about the gear. The photographer’s vision is what matters.

I’m not a big fan of April Fool’s Day. Sure, there are lots of funny fake ads and I love those. But sometimes, pranks aren’t so funny. If you have anything planned try not to hurt or humiliate anyone just for a laugh. Because that’s not funny.

Okay, on to photography.

I took this photo in North Carolina while I was out testing a new camera. The photo has a timeless quality so I felt the sepia tint was appropriate.