SHOT! Magazine—April/May 2008

Which Photo Martini Club Shows have you participated in?

The Light Within, Mechanism, Artopia 2007, Gas, Things Unseen, Fight and Defend, Masquerade, Artopia 2008, Secrets.

Has The P.M. Club helped you as a photographer or otherwise?

One of the things the club has done is literally forced me to branch out artistically, initially I had began shooting landscapes but with each “assignment” from the club I have grown exponentially as an artist. Otherwise, the club is a network for friends, resources and opportunities.

As an artist what is your purpose in choosing photography as a medium?

The Keepsake Factor—whether it’s a piece or series developed for a theme or a project, a moment of inspiration and personal expression; there’s a feeling of permanence where you can earmark that specific time period. It becomes a reflection of self.

For me this also applies when I work commercially, clients definitely appreciate the “keepsake factor” when working with children especially; the candid moments. Incorporating art into portraiture allows you to timestamp specific periods in their child’s life; it also helps me develop an interpersonal relationship with my clients. I enjoy creating the pictures that they will look at when they are grandparents themselves and be able to look back at that moment in time with their children and realize the beauty captured in that trivial moment. Weddings are the same way; I believe a hybrid approach is best: Standard (posed) Candid (casual) and Photojournalistic (chronological, storyboarding) by incorporating these concepts and art into the event I can produce something unique along with the expected standard shots. One of my favorite things is working with my clients post-shoot, I love presenting the proofs of the standard (posed) shots, then presenting the candid, casual, (keepsake) shots. The reaction is always emotional and genuine, it’s a guilty pleasure I get to enjoy as a photographer.

Do you work with any other mediums?

I was into sketching and drawing when I was younger. I enjoy music; I play guitar, bass, and do some songwriting. Once upon a time I did some DJ work for fun and some extra cash. I’ve always had a fascination with culinary arts, so food and cooking is big on my list and consequently so is eating. A few years back I went to Bartending School and recently I’ve become intrigued with wine.

What is your favorite kind of photography and why?

Black & white. There is something timeless about it, color has its place and time (I’ve even been guilty of working in color on occasion). Whether I’m shooting for an art project or commercially, nine times out of ten I’ll end up producing black and white images.

What’s your favorite kind of martini?

Um… Scotch neat. Otherwise, vodka, dry no olive.

Who are your influences in art and why?

Danny Clinch, rock photographer, his images of Johnny Cash and Tom Waits are among my all time favorite. Annie Liebovitz, she’s a true master of capturing the portrait, the emotion and her composition is nothing short of amazing. John Fielder, Thomas Manglesen comes to mind especially because I started out doing landscapes and nature photography, Ansel for obvious reasons, nothing boring about a pioneer. .

Is photography your primary source of income and if so, how long has this been? (what is that profession; freelance, newspaper photog, etc.,?)

Not yet.

What’s your favorite piece of photographic equipment?

It’s not about the camera. Call me crazy but the short answer is … Colorado. We live in such a picturesque environment where on any given day; if you look hard enough there’s a shot somewhere. It’s a matter of showing everyone else the world as you saw it at the time; never underestimate the trivial beauty of a random encounter.

If you could spend a day with anyone, who would that be?

First and foremost my Grandmother without question, she made me the person I am today… all the world for one more day with her.