Once I received my training for photography in the Air Force little did I know where it would lead me in my life. I was 18 years old and knew nothing. I took to the creative aspect of the photography training once I learned the basics. Remembering the first time I saw the 4x5 Speed Graphic and knew I would never learn what all those odd numbers were all over the front of the camera. I was never good in math and this was scary. My very first photo assignment was a car accident on the base where I was stationed at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa Florida. I didn't think I was ready but I survived the assignment. I remember that day when my Sargent came into the darkroom and said "OK, Valdez your up" I said, " Sarge, I'm not ready! and his response was epic. "You can either go on the assignment or go to jail." I went on the assignment and I am still doing photography 49 years later.
SGT. David Valdez with Mamiya C330 Camera
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