While Mellang Photography & Media is relatively new (August 2008), I've been photographing & designing websites for well over 10 years.
My interest in photography began in 1998 while living in Israel & the West Bank. The starkly different cultures & rich history made me want to photograph everything I saw. When I returned to the States to finish my undergraduate degree, I immediately upgraded my camera equipment. I've been taking photos ever since.
In truth, I fell into web design. It wasn't an accident, but it wasn't planned, either. I've taken web design courses at Earlham College, Ivy Tech, and Indiana University but they were for my own enjoyment (or to fulfill Gen. Ed. requirements), not with the idea of future employment. But after designing websites for several friends & small businesses that turned out well, I decided to officially add 'Media' to Mellang Photography.
My philosophy of web design is "Keep Everything Simple." When someone visits a website designed by me, I want them to find what they're looking for within two mouse clicks. This philosophy applies to the code, as well. Once the website is completed, anyone with web design experience should be able to manage it, not just me. (Although, I'm more than happy to manage it, too.) For a sample of websites I've designed and/or currently manage check out the "Web Development" link on the left.
It's important for potential clients to know that while I often spend 40+ hours each week with photography or web design, it's not my primary occupation. My "9 to 5" job is the Systems Librarian for the Aurora Public Library District in Aurora, IN. In this job I manage the day-to-day computer operations, teach basic computer classes, manage the website, troubleshoot any technical problems that may arise, and also perform librarian duties for the hundreds of patrons who visit the library each day.
Education: