Introduction
When I turned 10 my dad taught me how to use his film camera and I immediately developed a passion for photographing people which has endured ever since. Although portraiture didn’t become my profession, it has remained a big part of my life. Photography also serves as an important creative outlet for me, and often as a counterbalance to a stressful, demanding corporate day job. During the most chaotic workdays I can sometimes escape into warm fuzzy daydreams of imaginary photo shoots, of light and shadow and technical details of cameras and lenses. Also at night there’s film and photos in my dreams too. Please don’t judge.
Present day, I’m a fairly shy person but with a camera in hand I feel liberated, empowered to talk with strangers and interact in ways I would struggle to do otherwise. Typically I use both digital and film cameras, and I develop film myself (it brings me the greatest joy).
People are interesting to me - everyone has a story. My favorite subjects are regular people encountered during my typical day-to-day. I enjoy helping them out of their shell and creating amazing photos together. I love helping people to discover new parts of themselves, overcome shyness, build more self-confidence. I'm addicted to that feeling when people love how they look on camera and then see themselves in a whole new way.
To me, the ideal portrait is one that reveals the subject’s very essence to the viewer. Their personality, emotions & experiences, desires and fears. Such that the viewer perceives their whole humanity, as though they’ve met before, all from a single, stationary image. I’ve spent a few decades practicing, growing, refining - all in pursuit of that perfect shot. It requires thorough preparation, technical mastery of the camera and lighting, intuition, flexibility, good weather, positive energy, creativity, rapport and trust between model & photographer, and a bit of good luck. When the stars align and there’s a perfect confluence of all those elements, the model and photographer, together, can co-create images that reveal the very soul of a human being. That’s my goal, my passion, and why after 30 years I’m still in love with photography.
Present day, I’m a fairly shy person but with a camera in hand I feel liberated, empowered to talk with strangers and interact in ways I would struggle to do otherwise. Typically I use both digital and film cameras, and I develop film myself (it brings me the greatest joy).
People are interesting to me - everyone has a story. My favorite subjects are regular people encountered during my typical day-to-day. I enjoy helping them out of their shell and creating amazing photos together. I love helping people to discover new parts of themselves, overcome shyness, build more self-confidence. I'm addicted to that feeling when people love how they look on camera and then see themselves in a whole new way.
To me, the ideal portrait is one that reveals the subject’s very essence to the viewer. Their personality, emotions & experiences, desires and fears. Such that the viewer perceives their whole humanity, as though they’ve met before, all from a single, stationary image. I’ve spent a few decades practicing, growing, refining - all in pursuit of that perfect shot. It requires thorough preparation, technical mastery of the camera and lighting, intuition, flexibility, good weather, positive energy, creativity, rapport and trust between model & photographer, and a bit of good luck. When the stars align and there’s a perfect confluence of all those elements, the model and photographer, together, can co-create images that reveal the very soul of a human being. That’s my goal, my passion, and why after 30 years I’m still in love with photography.
The role of nudity in my work
Though it hasn’t been my sole focus of artistic exploration, a recurring element in my work over many years has been the female nude. Since the age of 18 I’ve shot more nudes than I can remember; too many to count. I’m fascinated by the power of nudity as a mode of storytelling, a means of expression, and a tool for self exploration.
Posing nude permits the subject to present themselves in a way that feels truer to their essence. Without clothing and jewelry, a subject’s identity becomes decoupled from many societal markers of status, wealth, class, power, occupation, politics, religion, and their body takes on a sculptural quality, reminiscent of classical art. Facial expressions, body language, gestures, light, and shadow become the primary means of communication with the viewer. Without clothing to dictate contrast and texture, the curves, lines, and natural contours of the body will interact with light in new ways to emphasize movement, vulnerability, and depth. Shadows sculpt the figure, adding mystery and drama, transforming the subject into something timeless. Focus and depth of field take on new significance. Without the distractions of pattern, fabric, or accessories, I can guide the viewer’s eye with greater precision. A very sharp focus can highlight the structure of the body, revealing strength or fragility, boldness or quiet stillness. A shallow depth of field will create a soft blur behind the subject which draws attention to the skin, and to details such as goosebumps, freckles, and scars, all of which add to a deeper, more personal story.
Quite remarkably, many societies still view nudity as inherently sexual or inappropriate. Because nudity is so deeply linked to issues of morality, modesty, censorship, and shame, there’s also opportunities to challenge restrictive norms, push boundaries, and question our preconceived notions of beauty and acceptability. As a photographer, I want to push viewers to reconsider their cultural attitudes toward the naked body by normalizing everyday nudity and reclaiming the nude from over-sexualization - reminding people that nudity isn’t always about sex.
Over time my work has shifted away from bare-naked themes and a bit more towards implied nude themes. I’ve discovered there’s power in retaining the tiniest bit of mystery which also enhances viewer interest by evoking a greater sense of longing and desire. For me, this journey is a continuous dialogue—between light and shadow, subject and photographer, art and viewer. Every click of the shutter represents a small step of a broader journey, an ongoing exploration, a testament to the timeless beauty of the human form. Through my work, I strive to challenge conventions, celebrate individuality, and uncover the profound connection between body and soul. Because in the end, photography is not just about what we see; it is about what we feel, the stories we tell, and the truths we dare to reveal.
Posing nude permits the subject to present themselves in a way that feels truer to their essence. Without clothing and jewelry, a subject’s identity becomes decoupled from many societal markers of status, wealth, class, power, occupation, politics, religion, and their body takes on a sculptural quality, reminiscent of classical art. Facial expressions, body language, gestures, light, and shadow become the primary means of communication with the viewer. Without clothing to dictate contrast and texture, the curves, lines, and natural contours of the body will interact with light in new ways to emphasize movement, vulnerability, and depth. Shadows sculpt the figure, adding mystery and drama, transforming the subject into something timeless. Focus and depth of field take on new significance. Without the distractions of pattern, fabric, or accessories, I can guide the viewer’s eye with greater precision. A very sharp focus can highlight the structure of the body, revealing strength or fragility, boldness or quiet stillness. A shallow depth of field will create a soft blur behind the subject which draws attention to the skin, and to details such as goosebumps, freckles, and scars, all of which add to a deeper, more personal story.
Quite remarkably, many societies still view nudity as inherently sexual or inappropriate. Because nudity is so deeply linked to issues of morality, modesty, censorship, and shame, there’s also opportunities to challenge restrictive norms, push boundaries, and question our preconceived notions of beauty and acceptability. As a photographer, I want to push viewers to reconsider their cultural attitudes toward the naked body by normalizing everyday nudity and reclaiming the nude from over-sexualization - reminding people that nudity isn’t always about sex.
Over time my work has shifted away from bare-naked themes and a bit more towards implied nude themes. I’ve discovered there’s power in retaining the tiniest bit of mystery which also enhances viewer interest by evoking a greater sense of longing and desire. For me, this journey is a continuous dialogue—between light and shadow, subject and photographer, art and viewer. Every click of the shutter represents a small step of a broader journey, an ongoing exploration, a testament to the timeless beauty of the human form. Through my work, I strive to challenge conventions, celebrate individuality, and uncover the profound connection between body and soul. Because in the end, photography is not just about what we see; it is about what we feel, the stories we tell, and the truths we dare to reveal.
