My obsession with photography began in earnest when I purchased my first camera (a Pentax K1000) in 1984. It didn't take me long to start learning to develop my own film and make my own prints in the darkroom. I picked up my first training in the Zone System while still in high school.
After graduating high school, I served in the US Air Force during the Gulf War as a Computer Programmer, obtaining my Associates Degree in Computer Science along the way. As an additional duty, I served as my unit's official photographer, documenting promotions, awards, VIP visits, and other ceremonies. One of the most important qualities the USAF instills in its members is attention to detail, a mindset I bring with me to every project I undertake.
Upon leaving the USAF, I attended the University of New Mexico, where I majored in Computer Engineering while minoring in Photography and History.
After graduating high school, I served in the US Air Force during the Gulf War as a Computer Programmer, obtaining my Associates Degree in Computer Science along the way. As an additional duty, I served as my unit's official photographer, documenting promotions, awards, VIP visits, and other ceremonies. One of the most important qualities the USAF instills in its members is attention to detail, a mindset I bring with me to every project I undertake.
Upon leaving the USAF, I attended the University of New Mexico, where I majored in Computer Engineering while minoring in Photography and History.
After 23 years of shooting film, I went digital in 2007 and started diving deep into studio photography. I started offering my services professionally on a part-time basis soon thereafter, specializing in portraiture and printmaking. My background as an engineer synergizes well with the highly technical nature of studio lighting, allowing me to master lighting techniques that others find challenging.
After a 30+ year career as a Computer Engineer and Systems Architect at some of the top software companies in the world, I'm shifting my focus to doing photography full time.
My personal photographic style is heavily influenced by the old masters of Group f/64, especially Edward Weston, combined other more contemporary inspirations like Arne Freytag, Steve McCurry, and Peter Hurley.
As a traditional Zone System photographer, I prefer a more subtle and natural look in my post-production work. I generally avoid the excesses and sterile artificiality of digital manipulation by limiting myself to effects which could have been achieved with traditional darkroom methods.
As a traditional Zone System photographer, I prefer a more subtle and natural look in my post-production work. I generally avoid the excesses and sterile artificiality of digital manipulation by limiting myself to effects which could have been achieved with traditional darkroom methods.
I strive to deliver images which are classic, timeless, and exhibit the highest standards of craftsmanship that I am capable of producing. My work is informed by the philosophy that less is more and that quality supersedes quantity: one perfect image speaks far louder than a dozen mediocre ones.
