A little about me.
I’m an artist shaped by wild places.
I don’t just photograph the landscape—I live in it. I hike through snowstorms, explore remote deserts, ride through mountain passes, and sometimes come back with a few broken plans and one good frame.
My black and white images are about more than beauty—they’re about what nature does to you when you give yourself over to it. Through simplicity, contrast, and mood, I try to translate that emotional weight into something lasting.
I’m not trying to impress with the places I go. I just want people to feel what I felt—and maybe, even for a moment, feel like they were there too.
BIO
I’m a black and white nature photographer based in San Diego, California. My work is shaped by time spent in wild places—deserts, mountains, and coastlines—often explored on foot, by bicycle, or motorcycle. These experiences aren’t just about getting to a location—they’re about being immersed in the landscape, feeling small, connected, and alive.
Though I grew up in the Midwest, it was the open spaces of the West Coast that pulled me in and changed the course of my life. I’m self-taught, and much of my photography is driven by instinct, emotion, and a deep respect for the natural world. Over the years, I’ve developed a style rooted in contrast, simplicity, and mood—creating images that feel both intimate and expansive.
In addition to my fine art work, I lead photography workshops and tours, helping others connect more deeply with their surroundings and creative vision. I believe strongly in practicing low-impact photography and following Leave No Trace principles—protecting the wild places I photograph is just as important as capturing them.
Artist Statement
Nature is where I feel most connected, physically, emotionally, and creatively. Whether I’m exploring the vast openness of the desert, hiking into remote backcountry, or quietly observing wildlife near home, I’m always drawn to places that feel raw and untamed. These experiences are the foundation of my work.
I create black and white photographs from nature, images shaped by presence, patience, and effort. Stripping away color allows me to focus on form, contrast, and emotion—revealing the quiet strength in a snow-covered tree, the curve of a sand dune, or the stillness of fog drifting through a forest.
My goal isn’t just to make a beautiful image, but to bring the viewer into the experience, to make them feel like they were standing beside me when the shutter clicked. Through each photograph, I aim to share not just what I saw, but what I felt. A window into the stillness, vastness, and beauty that nature offers when we truly slow down and take it in.
Labs Behind The Lens
Over the years, I’ve been lucky to share the trail with two incredible yellow labs.
Sligo was my first adventure companion—steady, curious, and always close by. She was there for so many early outings and quiet moments in the wild. Her spirit left a lasting mark on me and my work—she’s even in my logo.
Sierra is my current sidekick. She’s full of energy and affection, always eager to explore the next bend in the trail or bury her nose in fresh snow. She’s joined me on countless hikes and camping trips and brings joy to every outing, even the cold ones.
These dogs have been more than pets—they’ve been part of the journey. Watching them move through the landscape reminds me to slow down, look closer, and stay present.
Awards
Recognition is always appreciated, but it’s the personal connections and moments in the wild that matter most to me.
2025
“Hokkaido: Act III”, San Diego County Fair Exhibition of Photography: 1st Place
“Red Fox with Bread”, San Diego County Fair Exhibition of Photography: 2nd Place
“The Quiet Between”, San Diego County Fair Exhibition of Photography: Honorable Mention
“Hokkaido: Act X”, San Diego County Fair Exhibition of Photography: Honorable Mention
2024
“Red Fox and Tree”, San Diego County Fair Exhibition of Photography: 4th Place
“Hokkaido: Act I”, San Diego County Fair Exhibition of Photography: Donor Award
“Eagle Hunter and Eagle”, San Diego County Fair Exhibition of Photography: Donor Award
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
Over the years, I’ve partnered with a few brands whose gear I genuinely use and believe in. These companies support the kind of work I do—quiet, immersive time in nature—and align with my values of quality, simplicity, and function over hype.
If you're looking for solid gear or supplies, here are a few brands I recommend. Some offer discounts or affiliate support, which helps me keep creating and sharing more art and adventures.
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.
→ If you’d like to try them, this link helps support my work (no extra cost to you).
KETL Mountain Apparel
Durable, comfortable gear for everything from desert hikes to mountain mornings. I wear their stuff constantly, and they’ve held up to long miles and rough weather.
→ I have a 20% off discount code I can share—just shoot me a message if you're interested.
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.