I have been taking pictures since I was 8 years old. I went to a two year art school and assisted some of the top commercial photographers in Houston in the late 80s and early to mid 90s. I then moved on to shooting for several local companies as a freelance commercial photographer. I was no longer able to pursue my career due to personal reasons that I am unable to discuss here. I was forced to go into the corporate world and work a 9-5 job for the past 12 years. I have learned a lot about business and myself, the main thing I have learned is if you have a passion for something no one can take it away from you. Photography is my passion and it has haunted me for the last dozen or so years. One day about two years ago, my new wife Katy stated that I should be doing what I am most passionate about: Photography. I was 36 and did not think I could start from scratch in the commercial business. Knowing how much I like people and that I could start a business without owning a studio, I decided portraits would be the best path. I have tried many different things and my wife always keeps me focused by telling me I do not have to change my style to get the jobs but to be myself and it will happen.
I call myself a portrait journalist. I do not do a whole lot of posing. I like to give general instructions about what might look nice but I like to light it and capture the personality and then work some extra magic in Photoshop. I am sure to most it seems extreme but in my gut it feels right. One thing I have learned is that my gut instinct usually does not steer me wrong. If you want a traditional posed normal lighting portrait at a low cost I am probably not the photographer for you. If you want something unique and like to be involved in the creative process then I am your guy.
