From the artist, Joy McMurtry

I am a Public Defender in Monterey County and have been practicing law for  24 years. Photography, however, was my first love. I began taking pictures in the 7th grade when my father took an overseas assignment to Bangladesh. On our move to Bangladesh, we took a wonderful vacation, with ports of call all over the Far East.  In Japan, I begged my father for a camera and started taking pictures.  I was fortunate to travel all over the world, taking pictures of everything.

 In college, my side job was photography.  I took wedding photos, family portraits, and other special events. After college, photography has been my hobby and brings me joy and a sense of accomplishment. I love to catch the perfect light, find the best shot and be there for the moment that the wave breaks just right, or the sun sets in a blaze of color.