About

Photography is my passion - it's in my blood. My grandfather took his camera into World War II with him and when he returned to the States it never left his side as he traveled the byways with my grandmother. Both my mother and my father chronicled their travels and family events with their Canon SLRs.

From the moment I received my first camera - a Kodak Instamatic 110 - a camera has accompanied me almost everywhere, and I've always had an eye for capturing the moment. For me, my camera is a window; wherever I am, it allows me to transform strangers into friends.

In 2001, I began dabbling with digital photography with another Kodak - the DC4800. I finally retired my Canon AE-1 in 2004, and now shoot digital exclusively with Canon EOS 5D and 30D DSLRs. I enjoy the freedom that comes with the digital medium particularly the ability to experiment with angles, motion and lighting and get immediate feedback. With each shot, I strive to tell a story, and whenever possible work with existing light rather than flash to capture candids.

Style

I believe a photographer has a responsibility to chronicle events as they happen with as little intrusion as possible. To accomplish this, a photographer develops exceptional observation skills that they combine with editorial skills, artistic inspiration, and technical mastery. My photographic style reflects this belief and is best described as “visual” storytelling - a combination of photojournalism with traditional portraiture. With each shot, I strive to capture the action, emotion, and detail of the moment. My stories include establishing architecture or landscape shots that set the scene for where the story takes place, posed shots that identify the characters, candids (or "stolen moments" as I like to call them) that shed light on what the characters are feeling. Photography is deeply personal, there's no right or wrong style - just a style or combination of styles that moves you (it's assumed that technical details are right).

I work with each client to convey their unique story and create images that they will cherish, and put my heart and soul into each and every assignment.

Education

My parents recognized my creativity early and fostered it with art classes at the De Young Museum (now offered for children at San Francisco Childrens' Art Center at Fort Mason) and photography workshops and classes at the Junior Academy at the California Academy of Sciences. Local photographers inspired and challenged me to view photography as an art and not just as a science, and I eagerly applied styles from fine art to my photography.

I've studied art, photography, graphic design, and digital imaging at Santa Clara University and Foothill College. I continue to refine my craft and keep my skills current by regularly attending photography workshops and seminars, including summits and online classes from BetterPhoto.com.

Associations

I'm a member in good standing with:

Equipment

I shoot with Canon DSLR bodies and L series lenses. I believe nothing should spoil a client's day and bring backup equipment with me to every session.