Beyond my Kodak Instamatic 100 or my dad's Yashica 35mm to my first 35mm Canon AE-1 in 1980, I am a gadget guy. After my daughter stole my Canon D-10, I bought a Canon EOS Rebel XTi. So after my daughter stole that one, I now use the Canon Rebel Xsi. I am a more ameture photographer than I am a beginning fisherman. You know the drill - more enthusiasm than ability. perhaps some knowledge of framing and the effects of ASA, ISO, Aperature and shudder speed, but filters? HA!
I know what I like to look at. I love Black and White. Developing is a trip. The freedom you have in the developing and printing processes is something you have to experience.
I am fortunate to have several friends and acquaintences who offer help when I ask (just the way I like it) They don't offer opinions when I'm not open to it. (Something my poor daughter is unfortunately in need of from me...). Steve, Flip, Craig, Jeff, Esteban... always there to help.
Published work? Well, if you consider a picture used in a commercial website published work, then yes. The header for Spey Casting on the Streams of Dreams website (here) I took on the Grand Cascapedia river at the Tracadie lodge of fly shop owner Jonathan Huff. The reflection of light on the fly line is (enhanced) but captured in the photo. More luck than design...
I have had come pictures used in fly fishing booths as backdrops, and have several pictures on other friend's web sites.
Here are some of my favorites:
Bird Under Sun May 2007, Islamorada, Florida
Eagle Pre-flight, May 2007, Islamorada, Florida
New Friends, Easter Sunday, 2004. North Riding Point Lodge, Freeport, Bahamas.