“Character, like a photograph, develops in darkness.”
- Yousuf Karsh
background
At the ripe age of 7, my godfather gave me my first camera and shooting assignment which led to a gallery feature in NYC but more importantly, a lifelong love affair. Since 2012, I have been photographing professionally as a freelancer expanding both my knowledge and expertise.
Self-Taught
You may have gotten the sense by now that I can be a total nerd. Photography is no exception as I often find myself nose deep in learning about the nature of light photons or color theory or whatever subject matter curiosity strikes. I took the self-taught approach to learn this trade by reading exceptional books (few examples to the right) and by studying my photography idols like Peter Lindbergh, Richard Avedon, Irving Penn, Annie Leibovitz, Ansel Adams, and Steve McCurry.
Journey
Years of experience and countless failures gave me the education I needed for this art medium. Familiarizing myself with the different branches of photography such as wedding, travel, brand, lifestyle, product, and portraiture, exposed me to the many dynamics of photography. Exploring these areas helped shape my latest direction which could be described as conceptual, narrative fine art with a fashion and cinematic influence. The most important element, however, is that I want my images to invoke emotion and stir something deep within viewers. Emotions make us unique as a species and should not only be embraced but cherished.
Credibility
Let it speak for itself
It’s been more than gratifying seeing my work published in all sorts of mediums. Here are a few highlights:
The MGM Grand on the Strip in Las Vegas, NV
The Asia Golf Expo held in Tokyo, Japan
Corporate offices in Salt Lake City, UT
The homes of all my wedding clients from California to France
Amazon book covers
Various websites, advertisements, look books, and local magazines
References
Call sheets and release forms are nothing new to me having worked with 8 fantastic modeling agencies during my professional career. Spanning major cities including LA, Boston, New York, and Mexico City, I’ve been able to provide services to some remarkable models and clientele.
Professional
Even though there isn’t a clear and universal photography certification, there is an organization that comes close. The cherry on top of my credibility is being a member of the Professional Photographers of America - the world's largest photography association organized for professional photographers. Founded in 1958, the PPA now boasts a 30,000-member creative community spanning more than 50 countries.
COMMUNITY
Becoming a self-taught professional would not have been possible without dozens of mentors along the way. The responsibility of paying it forward led me to host the first portrait meet held in Salt Lake City, UT. Gathering over 40 local photographers, videographers, models, and social media influencers, we were able to create content but more importantly, create a community of learning. Today, when time permits, I host smaller group shoots with aspiring photographers or TFP sessions with newer models. If you’re interested in getting involved, check out a few of my inspo boards to see what’s on my mind.
