Thursday, December 22, 2011

Progress. Growth. Change. Life.

First let me start by apologizing to those who follow this blog because I haven't updated in a while. I recently picked as a small X-mas gift to myself, an Epson V600 film scanner. I wanted to take a peak at my roots, and let me say this scanner was worth every penny. I was able to see images I haven't seen in 13-14 years.

This got me thinking about where I started. 1997, I was a kid immersed in being Straight Edge, Vegan, and into BMX riding(most of these havent changed). Around this time my life shifted and I spent this time period melancholy. I elected to take Photography 101-102 as an Senior at Northrop High School in Fort Wayne. I knew that I wanted to take photographs but I was really uneducated with the process over all. I had always admired those who carried nice SLR cameras to shows etc. I took the class with little time to acquire a camera of my own. Shortly after I was "loaned" a Minolta X-300 manual focus SLR. Little did I know at the time but the camera came with a 50mm f/1.7 lens and would in a small way pave the way for who I am today.

Through this steps in learning the ins and outs of film photography I had many hiccups in the beginning stages. I failed to load film correctly. I wasn't great at printing via darkroom but I did notice(looking back now) I had a knack for angles and composition, however I couldn't tell you if I knew a thing about lighting and how to make it work to my advantage. I eventually shot everything in Bulb setting and guessing my own shutter speeds and who knows what my aperture was set to. Its these things Im thankful for. I wasnt handed an amazing auto camera, The X-300 has a light leak by the film door. I didnt have "hands on" assistance. I learned through trial and error and I shot what mattered to me foregoing assignments for the joy of shooting, to create. In early 2000 I walked away from photography to pursue other avenues in life but I felt comfortable keeping myself at arms length with a then hobby to now my career(slowly building) and passion.

I am posting these images for a sense of accomplishment in a small way to chart where I am to keep me humble and realize where I started and where I am today. Thank you for reading and enjoying. I wish you all a Happy Holidays.


Photo 101 Film 1997-1998

Photo 101 Film 1997-1998

Photo 101 Film 1997-1998

Photo 101 Film 1997-1998

Photo 101 Film 1997-1998

Photo 101 Film 1997-1998

Photo 101 Film 1997-1998

Photo 101 Film 1997-1998

Photo 101 Film 1997-1998

Photo 101 Film 1997-1998

Photo 101 Film 1997-1998

Photo 101 Film 1997-1998


Photo 101 Film 1997-1998

..And the kid behind the camera...circa 1997

Photo 101 Self 1997

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Belinda & Kenny // Northwest IN

I was joyed to shoot this wedding. The location was literally in the middle of no where but on the way I was about to scout a few locations that I could shoot this couple in and I couldn't be more pleased. I few things on this shoot was that I used an assistant and a bare Alien Bee free of modifiers, which was the first time for both but I was about to make everything work in harmony and I'm super excited to get this wedding posted and move on to the next. Thank you again Belinda & Kenny and my assistant for the day Nick Parkurst. Enjoy!

Belinda & Kenny

Belinda & Kenny

Belinda & Kenny

Belinda & Kenny

Belinda & Kenny

Belinda & Kenny

Belinda & Kenny

Belinda & Kenny

Belinda & Kenny

Belinda & Kenny

Belinda & Kenny

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Lily & Jeff // Fort Wayne, IN

Lily contacted me to shoot her wedding and I could'nt have been more pleased with how everything turned out and the amount of mutual friends we all had. The location was down town Fort Wayne, IN so that gave us several locations to use. The only damper on the day was the rain(total pun) however I overcame and when the skies opened up we used the opportunities for outside shots as much and as fast as possible.

The Bride stayed in the beautiful LaSalle Bed and Breakfast LaSalle Bed and Breakfast in Down Town Fort Wayne. The Ceremony / Reception was held at the Fort Wayne History Center Fort Wayne History Center Im completely stoked on this wedding for sure. Thank you Lily and Jeff and I wish you both mass amounts of happiness.

Lily & Jeff

Lily & Jeff

Lily & Jeff

Lily & Jeff

Lily & Jeff

Lily & Jeff

Lily & Jeff

Lily & Jeff

Lily & Jeff

Lily & Jeff

Lily & Jeff

Lily & Jeff

Lily & Jeff

Lily & Jeff

Lily & Jeff

Lily & Jeff

Lily & Jeff

Lily & Jeff

Thank you and Enjoy your day.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Jenna Sessions v.4.5 // Lafayette, IN

This session was supposed to happen in the spring when it was still some what jacket weather. I had these ideas for a session, finally getting to use my Vagabond Mini and Im glad we used the ideas this session. Everything came out better than I expected while in the field shooting! Im really pleased. Enjoy.

Jenna Sessions v.4.3

Jenna Sessions v.4.3

Jenna Sessions v.4.3

Jenna Sessions v.4.3

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Pretender / Contender // Fort Wayne, IN

Lucas(black shirt) approached me about doing promo shots of his band while we discussed off camera lighting loosely through conversation and its an area I'd like to break into to advance my portraiture so I jumped at the chance. These shots were taken down town Fort Wayne. Im really pleased with the overall outcome!

Pretender / Contender

Pretender / Contender

Pretender / Contender

Pretender / Contender

Pretender / Contender

Pretender / Contender

Pretender / Contender