About Me

'Swiss-Army-knife' Creative:

Think for a second. Do you know of the local service guy who will to do just about any task you ask of him? He'll fix the roof, cut your grass, and even work on the furnace and perform electrical maintenance. Well, that's who I am in the graphics and design field.

You see, I've worked for Arrow International, a large medical device corporation in product development. The company founders, who were also innovators, had fostered a self-empowered environment.

During my seven year tenure in engineering I studied and learned about the usual properties and strength of materials, statistical analysis, including problem solving and prototyping.

The Microwave Ablation engineering team, posing with our FDA approval documentation.

One of my micro-assembly catheter benches in the lab.

I also applied skills in 3D modeling, animation and video as part of my proof work for research and simulation. I liked it so much that I decided to go into traditional multimedia as a career choice. Again, because of the innovative culture I was under, I was given whatever software and hardware needed and transferred to the Ad deparment, (which was run exactly like an outside agency), and created a new multimedia position.

During the next eleven years I turned my life long photographic hobby into a full time profession, providing a full spectrum of services for, and spoiling rotten, several marketing and training managers. I ran the company studio like it was mine own business, and treated my co-workers as clients in hopes for their repeat business.

One of my product lighting rigs in "the lab", (Bowens QuadX lighting, and Medium Format Mamiya for this set).


Typical video interview set.


Trimming some 44"x60" posters from an Epson 9800 for a sales event.


Typical green screen shoot.

Lessons learned are the best advice:

If you're new to photography and video, (or any focus in the media industry for that matter), my advice is that you try not to become overwhelmed with all the technology at once. It takes time to master the art, and it's best accomplished in small steps.

First, while reading and research is a good thing. Don't believe everything you read, (which is especially true in today's blogged-to-death world), and when you do, make sure it's from reliable sources. Those sources basing their facts on the outcomes of an actual experience.

Second, the only way to truly comprehend a given subject is by hands on. That means doing it. Experiment with your friends, or rent or buy the thing and see for yourself.

A third point is that just because you hold a camera is not enough today. Access to jobs by way of gear is a dead monopoly. There was a time when a $100K Avid workstation and $40K Sony Beta SP was needed to get the job done. If you had those tools, you got the job. Today, with technology cheap and eBay even cheaper, you can put together an entire studio for about the same cost as one of those old broadcast camera's.

Four. Location is no longer an issue. With on-line sites such as eLance, Talent House and O'Desk, you are in competition with the world at large for many projects. Even with local events you're up against a legion of eager students in need of some experience or school projects, (a.k.a. work for free - this despite having to pay off those tuition fees as well).

While on the subject of new competition, I've experienced companies trying to cut costs by combining disciplines. Some have an admin clerk that doubles as their photographer, or it's now a requirement of marketing managers to shoot their own products. I've even seen three jobs: Event manager, Photographer and Corporate Communications Director combined into a single function, and labeled as the "Corporate Inspirational Leader". (I've worked for Event Managers and Communications Officers and can tell you that is a recipe for burnout). In those cases, you might have to learn some unrelated skills.

Despite what I've said above. Have fun with it. Enthusiasm is the fuel of the success engine. Just admit to it: You will be embarrassed. You will screw up. There will always be a "first job", or "first time". Such issues are either challenges, or obstacles. Your attitude will determine how you view them and whether or not you'll accept the next assignment, or put the gear on eBay.

To look at this another way: Your only as good as the clients whom challenge you. In the beginning everything is a challenge. Eventually, as you become experienced and more comfortable, you may find yourself feeling that you have only acquired mediocre skills, getting bored or that you are burning out. It is then that you need to seek out clients/employers whom have more challenging needs.

Finally, photography, while very rewarding, is not about money. You might have to hold a hammer, a steering wheel, or a spatula long before you can hold a camera to bring food to the table. Even then, you can't control everything and wind up having to start over again. That's life. If you want something bad enough, you'll keep at it.

Contact me if you have any questions, or are in need of my services or help.

About the Prints.

Click here To learn about my process and the printing services I use.

About this Web site.

I designed, built and maintain this website for the purposes of sharing my knowledge with the photographic community, and to showcase my work, projects and interests. I still prefer HTML, the de facto standard for the widest possible audience, and frankly, easiest to maintain.

I do my best to find time to keep it up to date. A website can be a timely undertaking for someone with a busy schedule. There are bound to be errors, and I appreciate any feedback on any corrections you find, or comments you wish to make.

Regarding site content, I'm not a journalist. However, working for engineers, I've learned under the strict rule of using documented evidence based on reliable, verifiable sources. Everything else is an opinion, (and god knows there's plenty of that already). It's the sole reason I don't have a blog and simply use a "projects" page. I will spend hours, days, even weeks on my works before I post my findings that I feel are worthwhile and informative.

Advertising on my site.

Do note that I am not affiliated with any particular brand, product, or service. If I happen to be using a particular product or service, it's only because that product or service is doing the job I expected it to do. Good enough?

Keep Shooting.