Honestly, I had no intention of becoming a photographer. I fought it for a long time but to no avail. I guess what drew me was the freedom in that there is no absolute correct or incorrect way to photograph something. It can be as abstract or organic as you like.
Gateway National Park, Sandy Hook - Personal Project - GW690III Ilford 400
I started around the age of 12 when I stole my father’s medical camera and began tinkering with it. Soon after that I acquired 35mm cameras and began experimenting with both mediums. The driving force behind learning how to use a camera was for friends and I to capture each other skating and surfing, but curiosity soon took over and I wanted to learn everything about them. My technical skills and knowledge plateaued at a very young age but once I began to incorporate the elements and principles of art did I finally start to develop a sense of style outside of simply capturing and documenting events.
Something I feel that has helped elevate me as a photographer was never limiting myself to one type of photography. I’m not just a wedding photographer. Aside from weddings I shoot sports, portraits, landscapes, corporate photo and video, and tons of personal projects.
I personally believe what visually separates me from mainstream wedding photographers would be my dark and moody aesthetic compared to the light and airy photographers of the digital age.
Flower at Sunset - Personal Project - Digital
Lifeguards - Personal Project - Digital Artificial light
There are a few key aspects while creating an image that determine the impact of the photo. The camera settings, lighting, and compositional elements lay a strong foundation for what the final processed image may look like, but the physical act of taking the photo sets the foundation for the memory attached to it for the subjects. I tend to put more of my effort into the latter. Not only will my images be visually impactful, but your wedding images will bring back memories of your wedding day, not an exhausting photoshoot.
I don’t believe I am greatest photographer, but we’ll make some amazing photos and have a hell of a good time doing it
