I received my first Kodak Brownie camera in elementary school and immediately took a picture of my cat Dusty. I still have that photo. While photography has been my hobby ever since, it only recently evolved into a huge personal passion. I had put my old SLR Canon film camera away in a drawer. Then a few years ago, I received a digital SLR and two new lenses!

Having grown up in California, graduated University with a Speech Communications degree and spent a short time in the L.A. film industry as a story editor, I eventually moved to Canada. In my full time career, I have held communications positions with multiple arts organizations, festivals, a radio station, a magazine, a social service agency and a foundation supporting public education students. I also spent a few years managing the development of new media products and websites for a tech company. At work, my images have been used for communications collateral including brochures, newsletters, reports and websites. As well, I have been an active volunteer supporting the environment, the arts, youth mentoring and HIV/AIDS care groups. My passion for photography reflects my other passions for travel and wilderness trekking.

While my photo pursuits are 'after hours' I still find time to take courses, workshops and field trips. I now submit my images into contests and competitions, appear in various shows and artist markets and have exhibited my images in shops (see 'Shows, Exhibits' link). Also I do my own printing and recently started ordering my images on canvas. Not bad for a middle aged chick!

You can contact me by clicking on the "Send a message' link or you can post a message at the end of the comments from the 'Guestbook' link.

Otherwise, to contact me offline, call 403-616-6277 or email desirapp@shaw.ca.