Photography has been a part of my life since I was a young boy. Over the years it has become a significant form of self expression, and the way in which I share those aspects of life that are interesting, and important, to me. For some time the central theme of my work has been the urban landscape and its inhabitants. Every effort is made to use the camera and light to present subjects in a manner that illustrates a uniqueness or emotion that the viewer can relate to. This can be an old world structure illuminated in lighting that illustrates a unique architectural detail, a shopkeeper's focused look, or simply a child's expression in reaction to surroundings or a situation.

Although I frequently had, and used, a camera from an early age, my first serious involvement in photography began in 1975 when I enrolled in a basic photography course at the Torpedo Factory Art Center. Shortly thereafter I built a darkroom and began my experience with black and white photography. My initial emphasis was urban/street photography, and that hasn't changed to any great extent; however my current focus has broadened and focuses primarily upon color.

During the mid-1970-1980's, I was a member of the Northern Virginia Photographic Society, and my work was frequently recognized in both novice and advanced black and white categories. During 1979/1980, Photo Craft hosted a solo exhibition of my work.

Retirement provides the time for me to pursue photography on a broader scale, including the establishment of a fine art photography business. With the advent of computers, my wet darkroom was converted to a digital one. My current equipment consists of Canon digital single lens reflex cameras and Epson archival printers.

I have studied with Eliot Cohen and Jim Steele.

In June 2007, a solo exhibition of my work (The French Connection) was held at the French Art Colony frenchartcolony.org in Gallipolis, Ohio. Also, my work received first place in the professional, digital photography category in their 39th Annual Festival Exhibit and Competition. In 2008, three of my photographs were juried into their festival and two were selected for first and second place in the professional, digital photography category.

I am a member of the Art League of Alexandria theartleague.org and my work is frequently displayed during their monthly juried shows and in their bin gallery, located in the Torpedo Factory Art Center. Since joining the Art League in 2006, I have had 16 photographs juried into their exhibits, which qualified me to become a member of their bin gallery during 2007/2008, 2008/2009, and 2009/2010.

I grew up in a small southern Ohio town, graduated from Ohio University with a degree in mechanical engineering, much later received an MBA from Auburn, served in various systems engineering management positions during a 20-year Air Force career, and retired from Teledyne Technology, Inc., after serving as their Washington representative for 20 plus years. I am married and have two daughters and three grandchildren.

Additional examples of my photography can be seen at larryroodphotography.com