Photographyreview: The People

[Lthlwpn1979]

Name: Michael Riggs

Meaning of handle: Nickname I got in high school track. I resemble Mel Gibson's character Martin Riggs in the movie Lethal Weapon. That is, if he was short, skinny, and his ears stuck out. Born in 1979. Bet you didn't see that one coming.

Dorky PR club I belong to (if any): None, I'm might be too dorky.

Location: West Des Moines, Iowa, USA

Born: 9,2,79 Des Moines, Iowa, USA

Other places I've lived: Southern California (if you count military life).

Like to Retire: Someplace where my hayfever won't be a problem.

Ethnicity: English, Irish, German, Norwegan, Cherokee (only in America).

Marriage/Family: Not married. (Hint, I'm available!!!)

Languages I speak: English, Redneck English-required when visiting family in Missouri.

Education: BS in Business Management from Upper Iowa University '04.

Occupation: Imaging Specialist

Lifestyle: Lone Wolf

Religious affiliation (if any): Methodist

Political affiliation (if any): When I find one that works I'll let you know.

Other hobbies: Running, mountain hiking, drinking, started in on stock investments.

How long I have been a photographer: 5 years, right after my first trip to Yellowstone.

First "real" camera: Canon Rebel 2000.

How I found Photographyreview.com: Looking for a review on some gear. When I found the site a ray of light shun down from Heaven and I then knew the answers lay here.

Date I joined PR: A while ago.

Favorite forum: None, but the review section is top notch. Have not found another one like it.

Favorite subjects: Wildlife, landscape, macro

Current Gear:
35mm:
Canon Elan 7E
Canon Rebel 2000 for backup
Canon 28-105mm
Canon 70-300mm IS
Sigma 170-500mm (soon to be replaced by Sigma 120-300 f/2.8 DG and 2x converter)

Medium Format:
Pentax 645
Pentax 55mm
Pentax 120 macro
Pentax 200mm
Pentacon 500mm f/5.6

Jobu Black Widow gimbal tripod head (AWSOME for the long, heavy lenses)

Film or Digital: I shoot film because I know my systems well and use them effectively. Different films have different characteristics and their own feel to them. Plus, it seems like the digital aspect of photography is becoming more of a fad than art because there is a new "I gotta-have that" something every other month. I put emphases on the work, not the gear. Think about this, cover shots of Playboy are shot with an 8x10.

Camera I use the most: Elan 7E

26 years old and I'm trying to figure out what to do with my life. I don't want to be stuck in a cubical the rest of my days and 6 years in the Marines was enough. No real photography market in Des Moines unless I get into the wedding business, not my first choice. Maybe I should just hook up with a rich girl, yeah that's it!