Why Photography?
"I was raised near the ocean
in Southern California. Growing up I always seemed to have an
inherent need for adventure. I would often find myself wandering in
the hills behind my neighborhood, lurking the depths of a dungeon
(in a video game), out of town at a soccer tournament, in a story or
down at the beach during the summer.
"Thankfully I haven't lost my sense
of adventure and desire to explore life. If not for my intensity (or
passion) I would be lost in the breadth of things I truly enjoy.
"My love for the outdoors and
interest in technology is what landed me in the realm of digital
photography. My unexplainable desire to share how I see things with
others has brought me here. I remember at a very early age sitting
out on the patio with my Father, watching the sunset and wondering
if anyone else enjoyed it as much as we did.
"I have many other examples scattered
throughout my life of specific elements in nature that had a
profound effect on me. As I grew older I started seeking them out
without realizing it. I often thought to myself how I wanted to
share my experience with others, if only I had a camera. While daydreams
of pulling off the freeway to take a photo haunted me from time to
time. Yet, I was never able to justify that sort of action and was
unable to capture what I saw 'out there' when I tried.
"While the adventurer within faded
to the background, I finished high school,
went to college and started my career as a video game developer
(another one of my passions). I still managed to fine some time to
get out into "the wilds," however, it was not until a few years ago
when I meet my wife Amanda that I started to understand my inner
connection to the outdoors.
"One
of our first common interests was rock climbing. I had spent most of
my time training in gyms so I would be prepared for the grand
adventure building in my subconscious, but Amanda is a real expert.
Since our first trip to the gym after work she has taught me more than
I would have every dreamed. Now traditional climbing trips have
become a big part of my life.
"Equipped with a much greater
understanding of the outdoors and an adventure companion my desire
to get out and explore has come back stronger than ever. It did not
take long for me to pick up a camera in earnest and get serious.
"To my surprise while striving to
become a better photographer I have learned a lot about myself as
well. Photography has become a great tool. I have been lucky enough to discover that
as an art form it allows me to explore my emotions. I now believe
that part of finding how to produce my best work requires figuring out how to
convey my emotions to others through a photograph. With billions of
years worth of evolution behind them these elements (vision, image
processing and emotions) are all intimately connected and exciting
to explore. I continue to study the work of inspiring photographers,
read books on the subject and try to improve in some way with each
new photo session.
"I'm still working hard as a game
developer and enjoy my time off with Amanda. As a photographer I've
grown immensely in the last 3 years (I like to think) and get out to shoot whenever I
can. Amanda continues to be a great supporter of my work and
accompanies me on many photography trips."
