After purchasing his first DSLR camera, Gary Detonnancourt made the common mistake of investing in expensive equipment before learning to use what he already had. Eventually realizing that his gear was only as good as his understanding of it, he became a self-made expert in the art of digital photography. He went on to become president of the Northern Rhode Island Camera Club, and he now draws on years spent as a science teacher to explain to students how light works and why shining a laser pointer on something is hilarious. That same experience has caused him to apply a hands-on philosophy in workshops and online programs as well as lessons in studio photography, fine-art printing, and Photoshop. The shutterbug also appears at weddings to capture special-day grins, and portraits of young children beg for space in photo albums next to teddy bear–hunting licenses.