Tell us a little about yourself:
I am a native of Tacoma, Washington. I am a commercial/editorial photographer. I currently live and work in Chicago, Illinois. When I am not working I am usually spending time with friends and family, traveling, training for a race, or going to an estate sale.
What kinds of art do you create?
I am a documentary photographer at heart, and my work reflects this. Whether I am traveling and documenting my experiences or working on a personal project, I strive to capture real moments that are spontaneous and honest. Recently, I have been collaborating with other artists to create pieces that combine photography with other media. I am constantly pushing myself to take risks and push myself creatively.
How did you get started?
I have always wanted to be a photographer. I bought my first camera in 7th grade. I took my first photo class in 10th grade and was the photo editor of my high school paper and shot my first newspaper assignment for the teen page of the local paper. I was a journalism major In college and was the photo editor of the college paper and the student magazine. I interned at five newspapers and ended up getting my first job as a staff photographer position at a community newspaper in the suburbs of Chicago right out of school. I worked at the paper for a few years and then left to pursue a freelance career. I have been doing that ever since. My career spans almost 20 years, and I have worked with magazines and Fortune 500 companies such as Apple, Burberry, Esquire, Forbes, The New Yorker, and Smithsonian Magazine.
Describe your artistic style:
My photography is inspired by people, places, and things. I was trained as a photojournalist so I find inspiration everywhere — from my travels abroad to my own backyard. My biggest source of inspiration is light, especially the way it can dramatically change a scene. I love the glow of morning light through fog, the graphic shadows of noon light, the light of an overcast day, and the dramatic rose-colored light at sunset. I am fascinated by people and their stories — from celebrities and people overcoming a life-changing obstacle to simple loving moments between a parent and their child. There is so much beauty in everyday life. I meet so many people from drastically different backgrounds and all of them inspire me to tell their stories with photography. I am also drawn to nature, from vast open landscapes to intricate details and patterns. The experience of really noticing the world around me is the greatest inspiration of all.