I grew up relying on my intuition and my creative release as my daily bread. Photography, writing, faith and living in the moment have been my strongest passions. This is a compilation of moments on that journey. -Stacy Poulos Writer / Photographer / Philosopher / Philanthropist

One time, while talking to a friend about photography, she said that her best friend went to "Harrr...vard" and majored in Photography. I replied, "well, I'm a junkyard photographer" and laughed. I wasn't able to afford to develop film most the time, let alone go to school for it.  But as long as I had a camera (even a used camera, which was always the case), film, a journal, a pen, and an excellent cup of coffee, I was rich.  (I just couldn't find my wallet.) Even in my poorest days of scraping up a buck, I always found a way to have these absolute essentials I couldn't live without.

I humor myself when people ask me what kind of camera I use. I reply with a serious look on my face, holding my hands out mimicking a six-inch box, "I don't know... it's about this big?" They either think it's funny, or they think I'm crazy. I now own over one hundred of them.

Sometimes it's just how a subject is blessed or kissed by light that compels me to take a photo.  It has always been the moment of my emotions and connection with my subjects that demanded my attention. It has always been my fascination with character and the little things in life that made me realize that capturing it on film was important, even at the age of 7. It was just a natural thing for me to do and share once I learned what cameras can do. I had a whole portfolio before the age of 12, not even realizing this might lead to a "career" (whatever that was). I was what I couldn't spell or pronounce, as my step-dad always liked to remind me: a "Puttographer".  When I realized this, I always wondered when I would be "officially crowned" a photographer.  The only official photography education I have had is a 2 week summer class my parents gave me as a gift when I turned 12, along with my own used 35mm CanonQL camera.  I'll never forget that day and the pink box it came in.

Oddly, 30 years into being an award-winning "Puttographer" and director, I still pondered when the crowning was going to happen, I guess because photography is so personal to me. It wasn't until my trip to Europe in 2001, when I reached my goal of traveling the world and taking photos, did I finally realize that I had always been a photographer - from the day I felt it was necessary to capture the moment. I'm no Ansel Adams; then again, Ansel Adams is no Stacy Poulos either.  That is what I had finally realized. The only thing truly valuable is "intimate value"; the rest is perceived value. It is my therapy and it uplifts my soul especially to share it with others. It is from my heart and the love of my work. It is my gift to the world and my appreciation that the world smiled back at me.

I have no particular photographic niche.  I suppose my hallmark is my intimate observations. My photographs are not a perfect rendition of what the technology has to offer, nor is my writing a reflection of proper English.  It's finding the poetry, beauty, humor, character and sometimes the sadness in my journey. This is my core; this is how it all began.  When you encounter my art, you are looking at a page in my personal journal.  Enjoy. - Stacy Poulos, Junkyard Photographer