ABOUT
My interest in photography began sometime around 1997 when a friend offered to sell me one of his old cameras and some lenses. During this time, I was heavily into raising reptiles and tarantulas, and I wanted some way of capturing their unique beauty. I dove in the deep end and started swimming with my Minolta XD11 film camera. I say the deep end because it wasn’t fully functional, so I had to shoot everything in manual mode. It certainly taught me the necessary principles for getting the right light. I am so grateful for the technology that is available to us now, but I wouldn’t take back the experiences and frustrations that came with my early film days.
The Early Days
I met a girl, and my focus was changed from snakes and spiders to the more refined aspects of life. (She shared my love of photography, but definitely not my love of creepy crawlies.) I had to make a choice, and I chose wisely. I married Kayleen in 2001 and brought my old camera with me. After having been dunked in the river on the day of our engagement (that’s another story), the old Minolta had seen better days. Kayleen and I had been asked to shoot our first wedding, and we thought it would be good to have a real camera. So, we bought a Nikon D3100 DSLR. Then we went to the UK for our 10th anniversary, and we thought it would be better to have two. This is when the landscape seed was planted, and I've cultivated it ever since. The D3100 served me well for many years - too many, I began to think. It was time to upgrade.
Moving On
I fell in love with landscape photography as time went on, but something clicked when I went on my first road trip through Arizona and southern Utah. Some people just see boring old red rocks, but something special happens when the morning sun catches the underside of Mesa Arch and transforms it into absolute brilliance. Or when the sunset is so spectacular in Tombstone, Arizona, that you wonder if the sky really is on fire. I firmly decided to step into the mirrorless world and abandon the D3100 for a Nikon Z 6 and eventually a Z 8. I find real fulfillment in getting out on the road with my camera and no firm itinerary, capturing the world as I see it. Everyone has a story, and since I’m not gifted with words and a picture is with a thousand of them, I let my photos do my storytelling. What do they say to you?
Stepping it Up
Outside of photography, I am a mechanical engineer by trade and enjoy doing 3D design work. I dabble with playing Celtic finger style guitar and aspire to be an amateur guitarist. I’m looking for an outlet where I can blend my talents of 3D design, music and photography together. I’m not sure what that would look like, but I am quite curious. Twenty-four years ago, I married my first girlfriend who shares my love for travel, getting out on a whim and seeing what’s around the corner. She pushes me to be better, and I keep her grounded, so we make for interesting travel companions. I’m always looking forward to the next road trip, wherever that might be, and I can’t wait to share my experiences with you. Thanks for reading my story.
On Another Note
