At some point in my life, I realized that my way of seeing things was not only unique, but people really enjoyed experiencing it. Photography allows me to share that view with others. Here’s the story of my journey:

My first artistic endeavors were centered around music, piano, and voice. Thinking that photography was for geeks hanging out in the darkroom, I left the photography for others. From an early age, my mother impressed upon me the value and importance of photography for remembering people, places, and events. It was only after I left home in NW Pennsylvania to Brooklyn, New York in the late ’80s that I had the opportunity to travel to Europe for my roommate’s wedding in Italy. My mother made sure I had a decent camera to capture all the fun of the big trip. Italy made a big impression on me, so I returned 5 months later to experience more of it and learn the language. Unfortunately, I packed that camera in a check-in bag. The camera never made it home.

Feeling terrible and ridden with self-imposed guilt for losing such a precious gift, I interpreted that loss as a sign that photography was not for me and that I didn’t deserve to own a camera. My friends at work heard me voice that interpretation and quickly told me that I was wrong, that photography was the greatest thing ever, and that I needed to get another camera. In an effort to silence them, I purchased a used Minolta Maxxum 7000 with a zoom lens and a nice flash for $350. I told myself that I would only spend that money as if I had borrowed it and needed to redeem myself for the loss of the gifted camera from my mom. I said I would learn how to create images that someone was willing to pay for and earn that money back by using that camera. I read magazines, books, asked for critiques and mentoring for a few years until finally a part-time pro photographer friend said that he needed to have me come with him to his wedding jobs. Wow!

By 1998, people started to ask me to photograph their weddings for them. Photographing weddings well requires skills in many types of photography: portraiture, photojournalism, food, architecture, sports, children, fashion, product photography, and more. I learned a lot and got to travel to some great places to photograph weddings: the New York City, New England, the midwest, California, Texas, Bermuda, Italy, and the Caribbean. After moving to Central Connecticut in 2004, I continued to develop my portraiture skills with families, children, pets, and professionals. Marrying the love of my life Martina brought me back to New York City for a few years where the COVID pandemic helped me hone my skills as a food photographer.

After being away from the area for over 30 years, I’ve finally returned to my roots in Northwest Pennsylvania where I can be more helpful to my 100+ year-old grandfather, be closer to family, and do a little farming.

I look forward to working with families and individuals in this wonderful part of the world.