I remember seeing images and shapes in all the odd places when I was as young as 8 years old – I found them in stains on the walls, chipped paint, and peeling tree bark. When I noticed these patterns, I always saw shapes first and details second.

Years later, as I became a photographer, I have translated my peculiar way of observing the world into art. What you see of my work is the result of taking images, bringing out their focal points, and eliminating the unimportant elements.

In essence, my photography is about highlighting the essential tones while filtering out all the extraneous detail. I love finding natural scenes that are too busy or complicated, and simplifying them to their most basic elements.

Armed with one of my favorite lenses, like the Wide Angle or a Macro, my goal is to always simplify images as much as possible. This is accomplished by isolating the subjects against uncluttered backgrounds, while preserving the true sense of their natural environment. The end results are truly fascinating, being a product of relentless persistence, patience, good timing and a little bit of luck.

While observing my scenes with a critical eye, I have taught myself to slow down and take my time to take in the surroundings. I have learned to wait for subjects to move in and out of the frame, to wait for the right moment, and compose my pictures deliberately and consciously.

I have also found that my favorite projects are the ones that require me to learn more about the lifestyle of my subjects. Through photography, I come to understand them and get close to them, learning their history, purpose, and meaning.

Since each photo I take is significant in its own way, they rarely stay exactly as I captured them. Often times removing a lot more than adding to the photo, I strip away the distractions and leave only what works in each image – and so it becomes a constant hunt for simplicity.

I also enjoy photographing people who are relaxed and feel at ease in their own environment. I enhance this sense of tranquility in my images by working with elements that convey harmony and balance – such as lighting, tones, and a certain symmetry of composition.

Artists are often asked what they admire in others’ works…I can tell you that I am moved by photos that are compelling and pleasing to the eye. I like to be led into a picture – following ones that get a subtle hold of me and entice me with their simplicity, individuality, or an entirely unique take on life.

As for myself, I know my work is complete when a photo keeps me from wandering off…

“A great photograph is a full expression of what one feels about what is being photographed in the deepest sense, and is, thereby, a true expression of what one feels about life in its entirety.” ~Ansel Adams