David Rinker:  

The Very Long Professional History He was focused. Dave¿s roots in photography started early. Photography electives through 4-H and an uncle with a home darkroom were most likely the catalyst for the creative 4th grader. By 6th grade, he had already invested in his first 35mm camera, zoom lens and his own B&W darkroom. As early as 7th grade the young entrepreneur was selling homemade B&W prints to class athletes, local motorcrossers, and... a water ski team. His camera was employed throughout highschool. The yearbook provided access to school sporting events, and teachers still remember when Dave broke new ground by photographing his dissection projects in biology class. Photography was incorporated throughout his fine art education. As a member of his high school drama club, the shy honor student successfully avoided staring roles by becoming the group's photographer for four years where he photographed dress rehearsals and provided cast portraits, often processing film and printing all night for display on performance night. Needing to subsidize a growing photo equipment habit, the high school sophmore turned to the local newspaper and newly opened portrait studio where he worked after school and weekends shooting local sporting events, assisting wedding photographers and processing prints. Realizing the possibility of a passion becoming a career path, he enrolled in several PPofA photo courses at age 16. Returning with new skills, he was quickly promoted to portrait and wedding photographer, frequently being the requested photographer at the local studio. In 1982-83, if you played Little League ball in Lake County, IL, he probably had something to do with your team photo as well. Mr. "Most Likely to Succeed" also squeezed in a few senior portraits and contracted his first solo wedding before graduating high school. It was about this time that he started courting his first wife (a fellow artis...Expand for more