BIO

Hello - my name is Russell Pickering. I was born and raised in the Kitsap area. I always call this my home. While attending the old North Kitsap Junior High I was introduced to antiques and collectibles through a family business which has remained a life long passion.

I left for 6 years when I was 18 to do a tour of duty in the Air Force. I was a Crew Chief on the C-130. The military was a great experience but not a career choice for me. During my assignment at Hickam Air Force Base I took photography courses at the University of Hawaii.

After leaving the service in 1985 I worked in marketing around downtown Seattle for several years. I also went to local schools to try and define my interests. I had a fun stint as a bicycle messenger too.

I became interested in emergency medicine (maybe from the bike crashes) and worked for Shepard Ambulance. During this time I volunteered as a firefighter on Bainbridge Island. Helping people was very fulfilling so I applied with the Seattle Fire Department.

I was hired there and worked as a professional firefighter until 2002. The comradery and intensity of the job was great. I eventually tired of being exposed to negative situations day in and day out. During this time I had to learn to use a computer. I began learning as much about them as I could, especially the photography tools.

I decided to pursue my interest in photography which I had always kept in the back of my mind. In January of 2002 I moved to the Yellowstone region of Wyoming in a remote mountain area. Photography was a natural match for the scenic beauty and wildlife there. I was very fortunate to have success there with photography. I had a bread and butter business doing real estate, rodeo and advertising photos. I received a good break and started supplying magazines with stock photos. From there I established a business guiding photo safaris on horseback during the summer and during the winter I took photographers on trips into Yellowstone aboard a snowcoach.

The isolation in Wyoming was great at first. I pursued my writing and art. After about 4 years I missed the social environment of this area. Believe it or not, I missed rain too. I won't take all of the rivers and Puget Sound for granted ever again after living in a high plains desert for 5 years.

Having my own business in Wyoming following government employment for many years was refreshing. I began dealing on eBay in May of 2000. I have maintained this as a hobby and recently took it to a new level by doing it for others.

After returning home I wanted to open a business helping others do eBay. I get to combine computers, creativity, photography and the pleasure of working for myself in one package. I came across a great opportunity for a business space and here I am.

I can assure you I will give you the best results possible!

Russell