Feb. 2001
President's
Message
Portrait of ...
Portrait Of ...
Steve Berkowitz
I was born in Philadelphia in 1955 and raised in Rydal, a northern suburb in Montgomery County. Since my father and older brother and sister were physicians, it was assumed that I would follow in their footsteps and attend med school. My love for animals and the outdoors convinced me that veterinary medicine was the right path for me, so after obtaining an undergraduate degree from Penn in 1977, I applied to Penn's vet school.
Competition for entry to vet school was very tough in the 70's and it took me two years to be accepted. In those two years I worked at New Bolton Center, the vet school's large animal hospital in Kennett Square, PA. During this time I became interested in horses and learned how to ride. I also met my wife, Susan, there.
I graduated from vet school in 1983 and am in a four vet, horse only practice in Oxford, PA. Chester County has many horse shows and events throughout the year and I often work at these shows in case of accidents or injuries. This often requires me to be outside for 8-10 hours in all kinds of weather watching horses gallop and jump, hoping that none of them are injured.
Copyright
© Steve Berkowitz
Several years ago I began to bring my camera with me to shoot friends and clients at the shows. It helped to pass the time and reduce stress and if the shot turned out well I would give it to the rider. Professional photographers also attend these shows and I became friends with several of them, including Karl Leck. They were all very helpful and encouraging to me when I asked questions about technique, equipment, and composition.
Up until two years ago, I was a "point and shoot" photographer. I didn't understand f stops or film speed. Since then I've attended photo workshops and lectures and read as much as I can. I went to Yellowstone in 1998 on a photo trip and last October spent two weeks in Kenya on a photo safari. I joined the DCC in November '99 and it has been an educational and humbling experience. The best part is getting to know the members who are all so willing to share their years of experience.