home  |  galleries  |  bio  |  sales info  |  contact me

I was a high school senior in 1971, when I first held a quality camera in my hands, and to my eye. It was a Pentax 35mm SLR with a honkin' zoom lens that my older sister's boyfriend, who had just returned from Vietnam, let me take to school one day. It was hard to give it back, and I will never forget the images I captured that day!

Since then, I have been known as ‘The Camera Lady’ — I always have it going on, one way or another. At this point in my life, I don't leave home with out it!

Being on the other side of the camera for a few years in my beautiful youth, life's twists and turns led me to a skill I never knew I had until I was put to the task of survival! Through work ethic, palette, and Grace (my mom), taught by example, I worked my way up to Chef in restaurants from San Diego to San Francisco.

When it came time to decide where I would like to live and be for the rest of my life, I chose Monterey County. Having an eye for beauty, it was a natural choice. 28 years later (and counting) I have never regretted my move here!

Since 1996 I’ve served as Chef for The Carmel Foundation (carmelfoundation.org), a wonderful and many faceted organization in Carmel. The security I have in my vocation at that wonderful place has given me the freedom to enjoy my first vocational love.

You see, I was a photographer before I was a chef! Now, at the threshold of my 'Other Senior Years', I get to re-enter that realm of my first love, Photography!

Please enjoy!

Gayle P. Cureton
www.photochef.me