A true native of Northern Va., Timber has seen the area grow from beautiful and natural 

landscapes to the modern and exciting architectural arena it is today.  He has been involved in the arts his entire life and recently became involved in photography as a hobby.  As a professional makeup artist, he has a natural eye for color and composition, and has traveled around the world working for smashbox photo studios in L.A.   Now, he has moved his talents to behind the camera and is enjoying every minute.  

"I wish I had been into photography during my travels for work, but, now I have an excuse to go back to all the exciting places a second time!"

Timber is currently a member of the Northern VA Photography Society and has acquired many awards from the club, including numerous first place images, "photographer of the year" in the enhanced print category for the club in 2007-2008, and for advanced prints in both 2008-2009 and 2010-2011!  His work has been juried into Meadowlark Photo Expo, MANPE, and was finalist with an image juried into fotoweekdc (2008) exhibit.

Timber really enjoys photographing landscape, architecture, wildlife, and abstracts with macro.  He is especially interested in Night Photography, Long Exposures and HDR.  His specialty is finding the dramatic in the mundane. 

Timber says "I shoot to please myself, and, enjoy being in control of my images.  If I shoot for anyone else, then it becomes work!"

Melanie is an independent Gemologist/Jewelry Appraiser by trade.  She discovered in 2005 that she could take pictures of other stuff besides jewelry.  This quickly developed into a full-blown passion.  Eventually, an acquaintance suggested she check out NVPS, and so she did.  She and her friend Timber Gooding joined the club in the spring of '07.

At first, she practiced on flowers in her backyard.  Her main inspiration was, and still is, Georgia O'Keeffe.  She was struck by her paintings, the deceptive simplicity, and the use of light, shadow, and color.  She wanted her pictures to have that sensibility, and still strives for that.

Melanie graduated early this year with a Professional Program diploma from the Washington School of Photography.  She currently serves on the NVPS Board as Co-VP of Competition.