"Tammy" is dedicated to the most important person in my life...Tammy Lane.



I met and started photographing Tammy on April 17, 2009 at a boring banquet celebration. By sheer chance Tammy sat directly across from me at a large round table. Please keep in mind that I had never met her or was I aware of her name. Nevertheless, I was totally captivated by her beauty and poise. The "vibes", if-you-will, were so intense that I was compelled to approach her with a ridiculous question: "Miss, I'm a photographer, and I need to test the lighting on my camera. May I take a photo of you as a trial shot?"...I nearly fell out of my chair when she said “yes”! The rest is history.



My poem, “Tammy Lane”, on page 5 tells the story of "Love at First Sight". Tammy’s poem on page 7, “He Wonders Who She Is”, clearly warns of the challenges facing me.



Tammy is extremely photogenic and mysterious. She conveys confidence, character, insight, vitality and beauty in every image. It was unnecessary for me to coach her during our photo sessions...she automatically united with the camera and me.



With the exception of images on pages 23 and 39 that were taken impromptu in ambient light, all photographs were taken inside Tammy's residence with one soft box strobe light and occasionally a hair light. During each session Tammy would change into whatever fit her mood and challenge me for creative portraits.



It was difficult for me to select the photos for inclusion in this book, because I have at least a magnitude of order more in my portfolio. So, there may be a sequel to “Tammy”.



It's now April 2011 and we are, and remain very much in love.





Michael