It was in high school when I first fell in love with photography. Every aspect, from shooting to developing the film to enlarging the picture, I loved it all. I shot for myself. I took pictures that I liked and were meaningful to me and continued shooting on and off throughout college. While pursuing my degree in psychology, from Colorado State University, I spent a semester in England. There, I apprenticed with an American Master wedding and portrait photographer. I traveled, took pictures, and managed to fit school work in as well. From my experience as a 22 year old apprentice, I learned how much there is to know about the art of photography… Most importantly, I learned how little I knew and I learned that I wanted to know more…
After graduation, I worked for a year at a residential treatment facility for “at risk teens” then moved to Germany, completed a road trip across America, and finally visited Israel (photographing the whole time) before I allowed the praise of my pictures to motivate me toward a career in photography.
In my 6 years as a professional photographer, I have shot everything from pet portraits to the President of the United States. I have gone though architecture phases, landscape binges, and gorged on sports and events. The past few years I find myself gravitating toward documentary photography, photojournalism, and portraits.
A mentor of mine once told me that a photographer must have a practiced, “I.” When we get together for a talk he often suggests books to read and we talk about ideas and life because it is not the camera that takes a picture. It is the photographer who takes the picture with their life experience and feelings and vision of their world. Combine that with a knowledge of the technology but a camera is just a tool. Carrying one makes a person a photographer like carrying a hammer makes them a carpenter…
That same mentor once told me that, “To be a photographer is too important a job to do only.” I took those words to heart and in 2009, feeling a little… bit more than a little burnt out, I took on a part time job as an assistant teacher, at an elementary school, in Arlington. Working with kids was like getting a shot of creativity. They made me laugh every day. I was newly inspired and started to love making pictures again.
Through this teaching job, I took advantage of an opportunity to teach English, in Japan, While in Japan, I met a girl on the train with whom I fell almost instantly in love. It did not happen on the train, but three days later when we met for our first date. Aiko and I are now married and had a baby boy, in April.
We will split our time between Boston Massachusetts, U.S.A and Osaka, Japan, but I am available for assignment anywhere in the world. When you hire me, you will love what I do…. I love what I do.
Owner/Principle Photographer, Backer Photography; Boston, MA – 2005 – present
As the owner of a small business, I am responsible for shooting, editing, archiving and delivering images. I maintain records of accounts payable and receivable. Marketing and promotion are also a necessary part of keeping a small business alive.
Freelance Photographer, Gatehouse Media; Metro Boston, MA – 2008- present
As a freelance photographer for Gatehouse Media, my responsibilities include traveling to assignments, shooting a wide variety of news events from fundraisers to sports then editing images for publication while under pre-determined deadlines.
Freelance Photographer, Boston Herald; Boston, MA – 2007 – present
As a freelance photographer for the Boston Herald, I am responsible for shooting a wide variety of news events, editing and delivering images under the tight deadline of a daily newspaper. I also generate my own news leads, pitch story ideas and send in self assignments.
Official Photographer, Boston Roller Derby; Boston, MA – 2006 – 2007 season
As official photographer, I photographed all league and inter league play as well as play off bouts and promotional images. The images were edited and provided to the league for display on their website. I worked with the league’s major sponsor, b. good restaurants, to throw a grand opening party featuring 26 of my prints, live music and free food. My photography is still on display at two b. good restaurants.
Staff Photographer/Photo Editor, Somerville News; Somerville, MA – 2006-2008
As staff photographer and photo editor I was responsible for shooting over 90% of the visual content for the weekly paper, editing and submit the images by deadline. I photographed a color photo spread every week as well as general assignments and feature images.
Additional Clients
Animal Studio, Boston Bhangra, Barbarian Group, British and Irish Graduates in America, Can Entertainment, Center For Teen Empowerment, Cotton Field Clothing, Massachusetts Justice of the Peace Association, Metro West Sports Pix, Multai Entertainment Inc., No Comments, Panorama Magazine, Radical Media, Rhode Island School of Design.
Education
Colorado State University – B.S. 2003
Middlesex University, Enfield, England – Study Abroad program – Fall 2002
Apprenticeship
Ron Pownall, Somerville, MA – Assistant – Spring 2008
Imago Portrait Studio, Bremen, Germany – Apprenticeship – Fall 2004
Peter Dyer Photography Studio, Enfield, England – Apprenticeship – Fall 2002
Skills
- Photoshop CS3
- Aperture software
- Mac Operating System
- Able to shoot a wide variety of subjects and lighting conditions including: Party/Event photography, Documentary, Portrait, Nightlife, Fashion/ Runway, Concert, Architectural, Landscape, Cityscape, Wedding, Travel and Tourism, Fine Art, Sports, Street, Photojournalism, Lifestyle, Still Life Production Stills, Child Photography, Family Portraits,