It's Friday, and it's been 2 weeks since we've met a SmugMug photographer in our continuing series "SmugMug Corner." This week we meet 36-year-old technical project manager from Northeast Ohio, Eric Lammers. Fun interview, 13 great photographs - Enjoy!

Name: Eric Lammers
Website: lammersphotography.com/

Tell us a little about yourself.

I'm a 36-year-old technical project manager living in Northeast Ohio about 25 miles southwest of Cleveland. My job requires a considerable number of hours sitting in front of a computer, so I use running and photography to bring balance to my life. I ran my first marathon in 2004 and have completed a total of 9 marathons including my first Boston marathon last spring. I'm a husband and father of two wonderful kids who have taught me more about life in the past eight years then they will likely ever understand until they're parents themselves. My dream job would be to throw caution to the wind and become a full time photographer!

What is your background/training in photography?

I am completely self-taught with no formal photography classes. My passion began nearly a year ago and I've read as many photography books as my spare time will permit. Some of the more notable books that have helped me gain a quick understanding of the components of digital photography and the importance of composition have been Michael Freeman's 'The Photographer's Eye' and 'Perfect Exposure'. Anyone who is new to photography and needs help in understanding the relationship between ISO, Shutter Speed, and Aperture might want to consider reading those books written by Bryan Peterson.

How long has photography been a passion for you? When, where and how did it start?

I purchased my first dSLR nearly a year ago and since that first CLICK quickly uncovered this passion for photography that I had no idea existed and have loved every minute of it since! I am definitely 'wet behind the ears' and have quickly realized in this world of digital photography the more you know the more you realize you don't know. I'm eager to learn and improve with every picture I take.

What equipment is in your camera bag? What piece of equipment will be added to the collection next?

Thankfully there's nothing hiding in there that my wife is not already aware of, however the wish list might be in my best interest to keep a secret!

Current Equipment:

Camera Body: Canon 50D

Lenses: Canon 28-135mm lens, Tamron SP 17-50mm f/2.8

Flash: Canon Speedlight 430EX II

Miscellaneous: Canon EF25 II Extension Tube, Manfrotto Tripod, Westcott Illuminator Reflector Sunlight 4-in-1 Kit

Camera Bag: Tamrac Expedition 4x

Wish List:

Lenses: Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 and Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L

Camera Body: Canon 5D Mark II

What are your favorite places/subjects to photograph? Why?

My exposure at this point has been so limited that I wouldn't say I have a favorite subject, but I definitely enjoy creating images that invoke a particular mood and are abstract in nature. I've realized that the quality of an image can many times be more contributed to compositional elements rather than focus and detail, as is the case with abstract images. I've also quickly come to the realization that light is the one element that as photographers we must learn to control and mold to push our images to the next level. My current focus is on improving my portraits and learning how to make better use of my speedlight for striking a better balance between flash and ambient light. With my kids as willing subjects and given the long Ohio winters I look forward to much practice in this area.

Who are your biggest photographic influences? Why? What about their work influences your work?

I'm not sure I have any specific influences that I try to emulate, but there are so many amazing photographers in many of the SmugMug communities that inspire me everyday and are always there with great advice and a willingness to share ideas and inspiration. I look up to all of them!

How long have you been Smug with your photographs? What features do you most enjoy with your SmugMug account?

I joined SmugMug in February 2009 and love the ease of customization, unlimited uploads, and the sense of community that exists within the Daily community.

If you had do sum up in 50 words or less the impact SmugMug has made on your photography/photography business, those 50 words would be...

SmugMug has given me the ability to share photos and network with other like-minded photographers.

If you had to give one piece of advice to those wanting to pursue photography, what would you tell them?

Take your camera with you everywhere and take pictures everyday. In our fast paced lives it's easy to overlook the simple beauty that surrounds us, which we take for granted.