I started taking photographs with an old folding Kodak camera when I was about 10 years old. By the time I was 13, I was interested enough to purchase two cameras: a Minolta SR-7 35mm reflex (still in service!), and a Mamiya C22 medium format twin lens reflex. Through my high school years I was involved in the school camera club, and took many photographs for the yearbook and at school events. I also did some semi-professional work doing portraits of scout troops, private schools, and homes. Living in Ottawa, Canada -- home of the famous Yousuf Karsh and his equally-talented brother Malak -- certainly helped encourage my interest in this unique art form.

Although I continued with photography throughout my university years (always had my own darkroom), I chose to make my career in the computer industry. Photography for many years became relegated to a casual activity that involved mainly my own family.

Some years ago I decided that I needed to re-visit photography as it was still a great love and wonderful creative outlet for me. Updating my camera equipment for the first time in over 30 years, I started taking local weekend excursions to do nature and landscape photography. Unfortunately the Chicago area doesn't hold the sort of scenic beauty that I was used to in Canada. Looking for a better subject, and thinking seriously about making photography my eventual career, I decided to combine my love of photography with my other passion -- children.

I began "Hershel Belkin Photography" as an official professional venture in early 2000, and have had wonderful success notwithstanding its initial part-time status. I thoroughly enjoy every session, and the kids know it. I believe that is why I am so often successful at capturing expressions of their real personalities. My ability to relate to kids helps them relax and be themselves with me, allowing me to create some memorable portraits. In 2004 I decided to make this my full-time career. Although I initially resisted the temptation to do weddings because of the hard work involved, I eventually gave in to the many requests I had to shoot weddings.

I am excited to find that the recent merging of digital technology and photographic imaging places me in a unique position of being an expert in both fields!

Hershel Belkin