A little about me.
I always had a love and fascination for the outdoors which drew me to nature photography. I grew up in a small Midwest town, South Bend, Indiana, where camping was a family activity that first sparked my interest. Today, I live in San Diego and have been living here in Southern California for almost two decades.
As a self-taught, black and white nature photographer, I was always interested in the natural world. I studied Kinesiology at Indiana University, but after I graduated, I felt something was missing. I packed up everything and moved to Cincinnati, Ohio for a fresh start. Several years later I met my wife and in the summer of 2008 we moved to Los Angeles, California. I fell head over heels in love with the ocean, deserts and mountains of the West Coast. I found that being outdoors was my refuge and capturing what I experienced was my passion. In 2010 my wife and I packed up again and we moved South to San Diego.
When I am not out on an adventure photographing, I also offer photo tours in San Diego and teach Photography Workshops. I am a proud member and ambassador for Nature First Photography in the Southern California region, where we educate photographers to practice sustainable methods to preserve our area's nature locations.
Artist Statement
The natural world has a profound effect on me and I am inspired to capture it. Everything disappears when I immerse myself in the beauty of life all around me. It is like therapy. There is a powerful presence in nature’s essence, and through photographing it, I can encapsulate glimpses of it in ways that words can not describe. I shoot all sorts of natural imagery, from grand landscapes, seascapes, flora, to wildlife. Untouched and untamed by the human world, nature is always in movement and I like to capture diversity in these moments. I choose to photograph in black and white to maintain the raw emotion that nature emits. Focusing on the simplicity of form through light and darkness, the essence of the subject becomes a powerful image that moves me.
Whenever I have the opportunity, I take my camera out with me on hikes in forests, by the ocean, or on my mountain bike adventures. However, when I do not have the luxury to go out far, I also find nature in common places like my backyard, neighborhood, or the local park. I am in a state of peace when I can observe songbirds, notice flowers in their peak bloom, and even sit still listening to the sounds of the wind. My photographs are pieces of the world that I can bring back. This deep connection I feel with nature is freeing and I aim to share it with others. My camera is the tool, and the photograph I create becomes a window to its vast perspective; giving others the ability to experience the moment with me.
Yes, my logo is my dog and her name is Sligo. She’s named after the County in Ireland where my wife’s family lives. Sligo is a yellow lab and is my little buddy, she love’s being out in nature as much if not more than I do.
Sligo
Awards
I’ve been fortunate to have a few of my images recognized in various awards and exhibits.
2023
“La Línea”, San Diego County Fair Exhibition of Photography: 1st Place
“Aeolian Dunes No. 2”, San Diego County Fair Exhibition of Photography: 3rd Place
“Burrowing Owl”, San Diego County Fair Exhibition of Photography: Honorable Mention
“Aeolian Dunes No. 3” San Diego County Fair Exhibition of Photography: Honorable Mention
“Egret on the Lake”, Neutral Density Awards: Honorable Mention
“Balance - Harmony”, Neutral Density Awards: Honorable Mention
“La Línea”, Neutral Density Awards: Honorable Mention
“Burrowing Owl”, Neutral Density Awards: Honorable Mention
“Eagle Hunter & Golden Eagle”, Neutral Density Awards: Honorable Mention
2022
“Egret on the Lake”, San Diego County Fair Exhibition of Photography: 2nd Place
“Winter Wonderland”, San Diego County Fair Exhibition of Photography: 2nd Place
“Morning Hymn No. 23”, San Diego County Fair Exhibition of Photography: Donor Award
“Balance - Harmony”, Fine Art Photography Awards : Nominee
“Egret on the Lake”, Fine Art Photography Awards: Nominee
2021
“Morning Mist at Bird Rock”, Monochrome Photography Awards: Honorable Mention
2020
“Children’s Pool Wall”, Neutral Density Awards: Honorable Mention
“Ballad of the Coyote”, Neutral Density Awards: Honorable Mention
“Chiseled by the Elements”, Neutral Density Awards: Honorable Mention
I’m excited to say that I’m an ambassador for the Atlas Packs Pro Team. I’ve used Atlas Packs since 2021, I trust them to protect my gear in the most extreme environments. If you’re in the market for a new pack, I highly recommend Atlas Packs. Please contact me for a discount code on your purchase of on your Atlas Packs.
I have used and trusted Red River Paper for years as my go to paper for my fine art prints. I am proud to be an Ambassador for the brand, if you looking for a top quality paper look no further.
I proudly serve as an ambassador for Nature First Photography in the Southern California region. Nature First is built on seven core principles that help communicate how each of us can enjoy nature photography responsibly. The Seven Principles of Nature First Photography were developed to help educate and guide both professional and recreational photographers in sustainable, minimal impact practices that will help preserve nature’s beautiful locations.
The Nature First Principles
Prioritize the well-being of nature over photography.
Educate yourself about the places you photograph.
Reflect on the possible impacts of your actions.
Use discretion if sharing locations.
Know and follow rules and regulations.
Always follow Leave No Trace principles and strive to leave places better than you found them.
Actively promote and educate others about these principles.
If you would like more information on Nature First Photography please click here.