About me and my artistic evolution

As a child, I had a vivid imagination and was deeply influenced by every fairy tale I heard, not the Disney fairy tales, much older stories from Brothers Grimms, and stories my school teacher father would read to me at bedtime.

Although I have been taking photos professionally since 2000, I found deeper photography calling in my mid 30's.  I found a place to express my creativity through what I call Deeper Image photography. My earliest inspiration for photography came from a place of wanting to express and make visible to others, the way in which I see the world, in all its beautiful, real, raw detail. Initially, I photographed landscapes, wildlife, sunsets, and close-ups of flowers. I learned that my photos became far more interesting when I photographed people among the scenes in nature. Click hereto see examples of people in nature.

I see details without even trying: the way the sun catches the underbellies of dark rain clouds, the way a subject's cheekbone is outlined by the shadow of their hair.  I see all the constantly changing and shifting intricate details in nature. My passion for photography grew into more than an artistic expression; it became an opportunity to work closely with people, and I now see my work as a three-way collaboration between, myself, the subject, and the natural world.

I received formal training in photojournalism at Southern Oregon University, graduating in 2000. Using the world as my studio, I use natural light and natural settings as my backgrounds for portraits, outdoor weddings, and for Deeper Image photo sessions.

 I live in the lovely town of Ashland, Oregon with my 17-year daughter Nadia and our cat Sassafras. We spend as much time in the natural world as possible skiing, hiking, rafting, swimming, traveling, and taking photos. I also enjoy tending to the vegetable and flower gardens, spending time with my partner and his 11-year-old daughter, and with friends and family.