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Growing up in Los Angeles during the 1970s, I would see L.A. Police Department Bell 47Gs flying patrols, and I would run outside to watch. When LAPD bought Bell JetRangers, I would bolt out the door to see them fly over. Once in a while the police helicopter would circle and I would just sit and watch. The L.A. City Fire Department flew Bell 205 Hueys in the 1970s, and during large fires I would see them heading out to the fire. Watching TV news with these LAFD helicopters fighting fires and saving houses was always impressive and dramatic.

In 1978, my mother drove my friend and me to Van Nuys Airport to look at the LAFD Helicopters. We had a great time and made friends with a pilot who was very kind and who allowed us to climb all over the Bell 205 and explained the flight controls to us. He told us to be outside our house the following Saturday morning at 9 a.m. At exactly 9 a.m. he did a flyby in a LAFD JetRanger and circled for a few minutes. For a couple of young rotorheads it was a great experience; we loved it!

As far as helicopter photography goes: I have been shooting since 1985, when I bought a Canon AE-1 with a 50mm lens. At that time there was plenty of helicopter activity in Southern California with many photo opportunities. I would mostly go to local airports and shoot whatever I found. I did find many helicopters painted up for the movie industry, mostly Hueys and JetRangers and some strange conversions.

As time passed, I realized I was documenting helicopter history and began storing my photos and negatives for future generations. Hopefully, 50 years from now, people will appreciate my efforts.

In 1991 I inherited a couple Nikon F3 cameras and used them until 2004, when I transitioned to a digital Nikon D70. Since then I have upgraded to newer Nikon digital bodies and lenses. Digital is a huge leap in the understanding of photography and has made me better photographer. There is something to be said for seeing your work and your mistakes immediately.

Regarding Vertical Magazine: I'm not sure who put me on the mailing list, but I started receiving issues in about 2005. I had known of Mike Reyno's photo work over the years and was always impressed: he is truly one of the most talented aviation photographers, with a great eye for helicopter photography. Over the last few years, Mike has always been willing to give me advice and let me bug him with questions. Mike is a busy guy, but finds time to help. Thanks, Mike.

I also had the pleasure of meeting and spending time with Dan Megna, another extremely talented photographer, who, without even knowing it, taught me a lot. He gave critiques on some photos I sent him and I listened to the advice he gave. He liked my photos and gave me tips that I use today. Thanks, Dan.

I eagerly anticipate Vertical and Vertical 911 arriving in the mail. The writing is interesting and informative, plus the photography is the best in the industry. I travel and speak to many helicopter operators and Vertical is always the magazine in the lobby or on an office table. People are always complimenting the quality of the magazine and say it's the spectacular helicopter photography that grabs their attention in the first place. That's the greatest compliment of all. Mike and Linda Reyno and the entire Vertical team have a lot to be proud of.