Everyone has a turning point in their life when an unexpected event triggers a series of other events, which in-turn, molds their future. Since I also get asked this question of how I became a portrait photographer quite frequently, here is the (greatly abbreviated) story of how I got started as a portrait photographer. This is a little different than how I became a wedding photographer, but similar, as I just let "connections" lead me down that path. Try not to fall asleep while reading!

For me, photography has always been much more than a hobby. For the first 15 years of my photographic career, I focused on "wildlife and nature photography". My love for the outdoors and travel allowed me to hone my photographic skills and truly enhance my photographic experiences. I don't just take snapshots. Instead, I strive to capture what I am experiencing with every carefully composed image. If you look at any of the images on this website and they touch you emotionally, then I've succeeded.

Anyway, When I was in school, long before I started my photographic career, I initially made the decision that I didn't want to deal with model licenses, royalties and the like, so I focused on wildlife, landscapes, fine art and so on. That was fine, as animals never worry about their expression, clothes, makeup, or lighting. I focused on natural light and natural settings.

In 2005, I started shooting large non-profit events for Blacktie-Colorado. After covering very large formal events with over 1000 guests, I gained a tremendous amount of self confidence and grew very comfortable at large formal events. Of course, I also documented smaller, more intimate events, where I would interact with the photographic subjects more closely. I quickly discovered that as I pose people, they became more and more accommodating. I also discovered that I really enjoy capturing expressions and raw emotion. Then, or course, the business side kicked in - as I covered a lot of formal events, guests often asked whether or not I did head-shots or formal studio work.

During the summer of 2007 at a private political event in Denver, I met another photographer and we became fast friends. It turned out he knew the man who was being roasted that evening and he was taking photos for his family as a favor to them. As we got to know each other, I discovered that his photographic career started more than 40 years earlier as a photo-journalist for the New York Times. He often blurted out "I'm getting too old for this stuff", admiring my energy. In the early '80s, he moved to Colorado and started covering events, weddings, shooting family portraits, and so on. He purchased an old building near downtown Denver and set up a formal studio. During one of our earlier discussions, he said he'd be retiring in the next few years but was intrigued that I was an engineer. He shared with me that he wanted to turn his quickly aging business into one from the 21st century before it died from attrition. We made a deal -- he said if I helped him create his website and give him the ability to automate getting proofs and albums to his clientele, he'd let me 'work with him' at weddings and in the studio. After a few months of mentoring me in his studio, I asked him if he would consider renting the space out to me so I could set up shop there and answer the question "Yes, I have a studio" when asked. He agreed and my studio career was born.

I worked with Bill for about 5 months, when events caused him to have to sell his building, close up shop and move to Arizona. Well, as I had invested in lighting equipment, backdrops, reflectors, props and other items, I decided to simply set up a studio in my spare bedroom. Well, I really didn't want people coming to my "home studio", but wanted to maintain my momentum, so I decided to focus on "on location" portraits. Of course, The Colorado Rockies are a perfect backdrop for portrait photography. As it turned out, it was the best direction I could have taken. Over the next few years, I mastered lighting for portrait work in a natural setting.

Well, there you have it. Now that I'm here in Florida, I'm looking to set up a formal studio with a fellow photographer, but even when that is secured, I'll continue to focus on "on location" portrait work on the beaches of South Florida. The scenery and natural light is absolutely breathtaking. Check out my gallery for some examples of recent portrait work done on the beach.

My passion for photography was ignited in the early 80's when I was a student at RIT in Rochester, NY. Although I was a computer science major, I was fortunate to study with some of the most talented photographers in the world.

I strive for balance, harmony and inner peace. I learned very quickly that photography allowed me to exercise both sides of my brain - the analytical and the artistic.

Having homes in both Colorado and Florida is a blessing. It places me within an hour or two of some of the most spectacular scenery and wildlife in the country (the Colorado Rockies and the Florida Everglades). Day trips over the years have helped me maintain my balance and capture some of nature's glamor.

People find different ways to escape. Some like to exercise, others like to hunt or fish to relax, yet others find peace in music. I find the most pleasure sitting and waiting for the perfect light at the end of the day. The 'Golden Light' as some call it. There is something about the warmth of the sun at the end of the day. Sometimes this is in the Rocky Mountains. Other times it is on a beach or on a hike.

As photography is a business, I contribute to many publications and am for hire to capture the energy and emotions of your event. I have shot images at events both large and small. These include musical, sporting, celebrity, social and political events. I've documented presidential rallies, concerts, events for national non-profit organizations, birthday parties, mitzvas (Bar, Bat and Bris) and weddings.

Most recently, I would call myself a “lifestyle photographer”. What, that means that I mix photojournalism, candid portraits, and creative photography approaches to capture the most beautiful and hidden moments.

I love to take candids and freeze moments in time - especially facial expressions. Do you remember when you were very young and every new place you went to seemed huge and exciting? Perhaps larger than life itself? I try to remember this innocence and lack of bias when I photograph people at events. I watch and wait for those instances of excitement or sadness and place myself in just the right position to capture that moment. The most genuine emotion is that which is not rehearsed.

I am more than just a photographer. In 2007, while on assignment for Blacktie-Colorado.com, I was tasked to take and produce short videos for each event I worked. I now look at the world through the eyes of a videographer as well as a photographer. So, what do I take videos of? Well, everything. I now carry as part of my kit a Nikon D7000 - this gives me the ability to take full 1080p High Definition video.

My photos and videos express what I feel as well as see. The quiet vulnerability & raw emotion is what I aim to capture.

Enjoy my photos and videos. They are a reflection of my soul.