The beginning

I absolutely love photography; it truly makes my heart sing. After growing up in Michigan, and shortly after graduating from Michigan State University, I bought a one-way ticket to Southern California and immediately fell in love with the ocean and subsequently, photography. What started as a fun thing to do while scuba diving quickly turned into a passion, and I’ve been hooked ever since making my first image.

I found myself pouring over every photography book and internet article I could feast my eyes on. I couldn’t, and still can’t, seem to get enough. I joined a few dive clubs and the local Underwater Photography Society (OCUPS) in order to surround myself with artists more experienced than I. I started diving with people whose work I really admired: Mike Bartick, Todd Winner, and Kevin Lee, just to name a few. I’ll never forget seeing one of Mike’s images on the screen during an OCUPS meeting when he was sharing photos from a recent trip abroad. I think my jaw literally dropped open. It was so sharp, so colorful, so contrasty, and in-your-face-awesome. I knew I liked it, and I knew right then and there that I wanted to learn how to make images like that.

The later stuff

Fast forward a few years. I have had the privilege and honor of working with some really wonderful people at a variety of publications around the world, and seeing my work and my words in print. In 2013 I was inducted into the Ocean Artists Society, which uses ocean art to inspire people around the world and to create a greater awareness of our need to protect and preserve our natural world. It's a really great cause with a very important message. Later in 2014 I co-founded Immersed Imaging with my friend, Todd Winner.

As time goes by and opportunities present themselves, I find myself enjoying photography in a different and foreign realm … the realm of the terra firma. I know — gasp. Perhaps it’s the afternoon walks at our local park with my wife and children that sparked my interest to start re-living my childhood obsession with nature.

Of course none of my journey would be possible without the support of my wife and children. It was my wife, after all, who gave me my first underwater housing. Unbeknownst to any of us, that single gift would change the course of our lives forever. She and our two children have been nothing but supportive as I go on local and international trips, sometimes for weeks on end. I am very much looking forward to the day when I can share all that I have learned with my children, sharing my love of nature and the ocean.

Photographing landscapes and wildlife certainly brings a slowing of the photographic process to my work. Which, as it turns out, I quite enjoy. Both bring new challenges and new failures that I am looking forward to. Although my goal is to update this site monthly with my latest works, I do post quite often on Instagram and Facebook if you are so inclined to follow along. I’m starting a newsletter for the latest on upcoming workshops, events, and limited edition prints, so I hope you sign up!

Thank you for your continued support, and as always, please do not hesitate to reach out if you have questions or comments.

Highlights

Over the years I have been very fortunate to work with some really great people at a variety of publications, both domestic and international.

Lessons | Speaking Engagements

I am passionate about teaching and helping my fellow photographers take their skills to the next level. Whether you're looking for a private, semi-private, or group lesson, let me know! I promise you'll learn something, and have fun doing it.

Looking for a speaker for your next club meeting? I really enjoy providing entertaining and dynamic presentations for groups of all sizes.

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