About

My photography journey began nearly 14 years ago when I wanted to take better photos of my young kids. I took a class in San Diego’s Balboa Park from a retired war photographer who taught us “it’s not the equipment that makes you a photographer, it’s knowing how to use it.” The puzzle of the camera, light, posing, etc was intriguing, and with time my pictures went from bad to worse to so much better. I was also taught to shoot right the first time or “you’ll miss the explosion.” I share with my clients that I’m not there to take the same photo 10 times until I get it right, it’s my job to get it right from the start and if something isn’t working, we will simply move on to the next location / setup. I am constantly learning and challenging myself to find different ways to light a subject or position them within the frame.

That said, the technical piece is only half the puzzle. Clients need to feel respected, comfortable and themselves. Recently, I had a high school senior who arrived so nervous she was shaking. After a short walk and chat, she was ready for her first set of images. With each location change, she opened up more and more to the point she was twirling in front of the canals of Amsterdam with onlookers admiring her confidence. At the end, she admitted “that was so much fun because you helped me relax and just be myself.” I hear this with families too after we play games to loosen everyone up and get those real smiles and expressions. While I will of course provide an initial pose or direction, the real work and best images come from the reactions / interactions between myself and clients to each other.

I am an American living in Amsterdam, I’ve been here for nearly two years now with my family. In January of 2023 I officially registered my photography business here and have been working furiously to update my portfolio with local imagery.

My experience covers a variety of subject matter – couples, families, kids, athletes, small weddings and events. My work within these areas typically has one thing in common… motion. From a family biking through the streets…to little girls giggling as they smell the tulips..to a footballer fighting for the ball… to guests reacting to each other at an event. Movement, big or small, shows personality and emotion in a photograph better than any other means. It’s what I enjoy and what makes sessions fun and memorable.