During my tour of duty in the U.S. Navy, I served as Plane Captain for F-14 fighter jets in the VF-213 Black Lions squadron, attached to the USS America. We embarked on a world tour that took us to Cuba, Spain, Australia, Singapore, and beyond.

Working night shifts on the flight deck was thrilling and unforgettable—filled with excitement, teamwork, and some risky moments. I witnessed everything from a massive fire after a plane crash to a collision with a supply ship.

After my Navy service, I teamed up with my father to start a furniture business, Designcraft, in Denver. We built custom upholstered and wood furniture for interior designers, primarily working on show homes during a major housing boom.

This was my first real lesson in craftsmanship, problem-solving, and working with clients to bring a vision to life. Every project taught me something new, deepening my understanding of design and precision—skills that would later shape my photography.

After closing my woodshop, I stumbled upon an unexpected opportunity—photographing babies and children in K-Mart stores throughout the Rocky Mountain States. It seemed too good to be true, but in 1987, $1,400 a month (equivalent to $6,700 in Silicon Valley in 2024) with no experience necessary was an offer I couldn’t resist.

I took the job and decided right then to make photography my career. I loved the work and the independence it offered. I traveled through beautiful mountain landscapes and spent my days making families happy while improving my photography skills.

That job wasn’t just a career shift—it was the moment I realized that growth comes from experience. I learned on the job, refined my technique, and developed a deep appreciation for the way photography could shape someone’s presence and confidence.

After leaving Olan Mills, I took a job at a photo lab to learn more about the technical side of photography. I thrived in the detail-oriented environment, quickly advancing to lab manager. In this role, I was responsible for ensuring that everything ran smoothly, from film development to print quality.

I developed a love for the technical precision of photography, which laid the groundwork for my future work as an architectural photographer. During this time, I also purchased my first 4x5 view camera and fell in love with its ability to produce high-quality, compositionally superior images.

This camera, with its unmatched film quality, marked the beginning of my journey into large-format photography, which was essential to my next chapter.

Inspired by a photograph of a McDonald’s in Manhattan by Norman McGrath, I knew I wanted to capture architecture with the same dynamic energy. On March 13, 1992, I left my job in the photo lab and began my journey as a self-employed architectural and interiors photographer.

I started by photographing model homes, fitting since I had previously built furniture for these spaces. My career evolved as I worked with passionate, creative people who pushed me to capture the best possible images, whether it was a closet or a $30 million home.

Every shoot was an opportunity to refine my skills—understanding light, composition, and perspective at a deeper level. Photography became more than a profession; it became a lifelong pursuit of mastering visual storytelling.

My wife, Erica, has always been my purpose. She is kind, brilliant, and endlessly supportive. She’s generous and challenges me when I need it most, making her an amazing partner in both life and business.

We rely on one another in deep and meaningful ways. I depend on her for love, guidance, and support, and as a disabled woman, she depends on me for many things, too. Together, we figure out how to make life work, and our partnership is built on mutual strength and understanding.

The compassion I’ve developed over time is something I learned from Erica—an acquired skill and a muscle I’ve built with her help. She has taught me to bring that compassion into everything I do, which has made me not only a better photographer but a better human being.

After 30 years as an interior photographer, I was ready for a new challenge. The long drives, heavy lifting, and late nights photographing interiors took a toll, and I wanted to stay closer to home to spend more time with my wife, Erica.

One night after class, a young woman asked about my early career. When I shared my story about photographing in K-Mart, she asked if I didn’t like the work. Without thinking, I replied, “No, I loved the work. I hated the job.”

That moment reframed everything. I had spent years honing my skills in different fields, but I realized what I loved most—capturing people. That realization led me back to portrait photography, this time with a new level of precision and expertise.

During the pandemic, I operated out of a 350-square-foot studio that was just big enough to work in but small enough to control the environment. With airflow constantly circulating through the space, I could safely photograph clients while maintaining the recommended six-foot distance.

It was a difficult time—fewer than 15 clients came in that first year—but I stayed committed to my work routine, ensuring both my safety and theirs. Thankfully, no one got sick from visiting my studio.

However, I was locked into a five-year lease for the space, and once the pandemic eased, I realized the studio was too small to fully explore my creativity. Luckily, in the fourth year of my lease, an opportunity arose to move into a larger space in the same building. After negotiating a new agreement, I finally moved into my fully equipped, spacious studio, where I could expand my creative vision.

In June 2024, I moved into my spacious new studio, located just off Highway 101 and San Antonio Rd., making it incredibly convenient for clients with reserved parking and easy access.

With a private dressing room, makeup station, lounge area, and a 450-square-foot shooting floor, the space is designed to make clients feel comfortable while delivering exceptional results. In an area like Palo Alto, where real estate prices are sky-high, having a dedicated professional photo studio is a rarity.

My studio isn’t just a place to take photos—it’s a space where I continue to refine my craft. Every session, every client, and every frame is an opportunity to learn, adjust, and perfect the art of capturing confidence.