The Completely Superfluous Q & AQ: Do you like to talk about yourself or your pictures? If yes, about what aspects of photography? If no, why?
A: I don't have a massive ego so I prefer to talk about my images rather than myself. Generally, there is a really interesting story behind every image we create - and every person we shoot. It's a lot of fun and very entertaining to share these things and get to know so many people - if even just a little bit. One of the things I like to do is try to get everyone's personality to come through - so it's as much of a conversation as it is a photo shoot!
Q: When did you decide to become a photographer?
A: Probably when I was given an antique bellows film camera as a child...I was fascinated.
Q: How technical is your photography?
A: I know what I'm doing, but am more enamored with the emotion of an image as opposed to technical perfection... there's always just more feeling in it. But, by the same token - I'm a perfectionist - this usually shows up when I'm doing post production work. I can spend literally hours on one image getting it "just right" on even the finest details.
Q: How do you feel about cropping?
A: Good - for sake of universal things like frames etc. Bad - because one is forced into cookie cutter sizes and shapes to fit "standard" formats. One size does not always fit all. Generally my advance creative vision predetermines the framing and aspect ration before I even press the shutter - sometimes it might be cinematic, and sometimes it might be in the vein of an old masters style painting.
Q: What are your favorite subjects to photograph?
A: Young adults and kids for the fun, families for the friends, models for the high energy, creativity and professionalism - and musicians/bands for the edginess!
A: In my art and work I am extremely focused to the point that I sometimes forget even the basic things in life - like eating! But the creative side of me is a dreamer - and there are no limits to what I can dream up! Integrating the concepts I dream up into my projects is what keeps things new, fresh and unpredictable.
Q: What does photography mean to you?
A: Fun, friends, life, memories, communication - it's so much more. Really the only one truly universal language. Wether it's California, Florida or where one lives = home = memories... it's what we all treasure.
Q: Can you recall the first photo you took that made you go WOW!?
A: A black and white film image that was worthy of a magazine cover - the problem was - I was 10 year old!
Q: Do you have any formal training regarding photography?
A: Like most things in life I've wanted to achieve - I taught myself, but I do keep up with techniques and technology via publications in print and online.
Q: Where is your favorite place to live and work as a photographer in the World and why?
A: California, because it's a place where I know and love the area and it's people. There are endless possibilities there - even in just one day - from skiing in the mountains to surfing in the ocean, all within a couple of hours.
Q: Define the word "beauty"!
A: BE An Unbelievably Terrific You
Q: What is your most favorite and least favorite word in photography or life? How do they make you feel?
A: Most favorite - Yes!
Least Favorite - Can't. There is nothing that "can't" be done. Either someone doesn't want to do something - or they don't know how. Q: How does your personality change when you look through the camera?
A: I become more focused, when generally I'm not - except in golf.
Q: How do you feel about missed shots which cannot be recreated?
A: No worries - life is filled with endless opportunities - create new ones!
Q: What is your favorite image, either your own or someone else's or both? Describe its creation or meaning to you?
A: I wouldn't be able to choose a single one other than personal family images in general - the things everyone wants to have close.
Q: Describe a day in your personal or professional life.
A: Caffeine and emails first thing, then usually get into post processing, web development, other business things, and shoot in the afternoons on an average day...then catch up on emails at the end of the day as well.
Q: Tell your funniest, scariest, most bizarre story from a photo shoot!
A: I had a model cancel on me once because her boat sank... Serious! LOL
Q: What types of assignments are you attracted most?
A: Super artsy high fashion types of shoots with a full staff - assistants, makeup artists, hair stylist, clothing designers, wardrobe/accessories and a bigger than life vision.
Q: Describe what black and white photography means to you?
A: It's a medium that can be very compelling and dramatic that causes the view to imagine more of a story at times...
Q: Do you think of yourself as an artist and what do you think of the word artist?
A: Yes because my work in photography is a creative art - not an assembly line. I'm also a musician and multi medium art "artist" too among other creative expressions in life - so the word artist just doesn't say enough really.
Q: What has been the most surprising or most predictable reaction to your photographs?
A: When people that have known me for some time see my images for the first time and are overwhelmed by what I've created. - What did they think - I live under a rock and only ever come out to see them?
Q: Who or what would you love to shoot that you haven't already?
A: Shooting more celebrities would be a blast. The ones I have worked with have always been interesting and fun. But now we no longer live in L.A. so it's not so easy....
Q: What would you have done differently during your photography career so far and could this be an advice to others?
A: Stuck with it at an earlier age and continue to learn while doing other things in life - like moving around from art to music and beyond. I probably should have been taking business classes in college, because so much of being a successful photographer is about being a good business person and being tenacious.
Q: What are your thoughts on the paparazzi and their effects on photographers and photography?
A: It's their job, but I don't really care for it at all and never look at that type of thing. The effect is minimal as it is not artistic work at all, just snap shots in the wrong place at the wrong time and getting paid for it. Unfortunately the new "social" world means everyone with a phone is a paparazzi now.
Q: How do you feel about digital manipulation and to what extent do you utilize it?
A: It's part of the modern day darkroom and is used by anyone who is serious. The question is - how far? "Manipulation" is a word loaded with bad connotations. "Enhancements" is a more appropriate term for the traditional sense of using post processing. True masters of digital work have taken it to an entirely new level, and it has become an art form unto it's own beyond photography.
Q: What other thoughts would you like to share?
A: What are you reading this for? Give us a call or email and lets get shooting! :-)
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