Interview about my photography work

I mainly photograph people.  I take photos of models, actors, I do band and celebrity portraits.  My work has been described as timeless, classic and clean.  Even when I shoot in L.A. I bring New York style to each photo.  New York is definitely in my blood!

As a side project, I do self portraits.  This is something that I’ve been doing since day 1, as that little kid who first picked up a digital point and shoot camera.  It’s a time capsule for me.  It feels like diary entries, and looking at past self portraits, I can remember exactly what was going on in my life at that moment.  

Why do I take photos?  I don’t feel like I have the best memory.  But I feel memories are encapsulated in photos.  I can go back to a specific moment in time when I look at them, and everything is there.  

The best thing people say about my work?  I once spent a week on a cod fishing boat in Iceland.  After working 4 nights straight and coming back into port, the men were exhausted.  Before they left the boat to return to shore, I took their individual portraits.  

“Wow, I’ve never seen him looking so happy.  So peaceful.  You captured him so perfectly.”  These were the words the tired fishermen had

When I’m photographing models, I always strive to make them feel very comfortable.  I ask their permission.  I’ve learned A LOT from watching other photographers. Especially what not to do!  (Read about my photography journey here) I feel proud of how I act on set with people.  I leave the complaints and the drama on the sidelines and love having a fun and comfortable set.  People leave saying, “That was great!  That was really fun!”

I work hard to portray people accurately and respectfully.  It’s not about me. It’s all about my subject and that’s what makes my work gold.

Interview done by Cristy Jenkins of The Wisdom Ranch