Leroy Laverman, Santa Barbara Member Since January 2008 Artist Statement I began experimenting with photography in junior high school. I started out with an all manual Pentax K1000 and 50mm lens developing black and white photos in the basement. I've always enjoyed the natural world and prefer to photograph nature and landscapes. After some time away from photography to earn my Ph.D. in chemistry, I now enjoy taking wildlife and landscape photos near my workplace. I am a faculty member at the University of California, Santa Barbara in the Chemistry and Biochemistry department and the College of Creative Studies. Santa Barbara is a haven for birdwatchers and many species can be found on or near campus.