My love affair with the art of photography began with the purchase of my first Canon camera back in 1978. Shortly thereafter, I began to think of my high school’s photography darkroom as a second home. Later on, as a freshman at U. C. Santa Barbara, I tapped into my rapidly growing interest in photojournalism by joining the staff of both the campus newspaper and yearbook. After earning my degree, and confident that I had found my calling, I became a freelance photojournalist shooting for various Bay Area newspapers.
Taking the opportunity to expand my photographic repertoire, I apprenticed with an established local wedding and portrait photographer. While the experience proved valuable, I did find the very traditional approach of “deliberate poses” and “smiling on cue” decidedly foreign and counter intuitive. I vastly prefer depicting life as it happens by photographing people (and pets) as they are and events as they unfold naturally. Hence the name Real Life Photography.
As such, I do all shooting on location. I primarily use natural existing light (i.e. no flash) and a minimum of camera equipment. This approach allows me to travel light and work efficiently, which in turn fosters a more relaxed atmosphere between myself and my portrait subject. Additionally, at events such as a wedding, I’m able to work in a relatively unobtrusive manner -- a hallmark of the photojournalistic shooting style. While I do shoot color, working in black and white holds particular appeal for me. I feel that the simple and direct nature of black and white often allows the subject’s personality to show through more readily, which in my opinion makes for more interesting images.
To have a unique Real Life portrait done for you, or to chronicle your Real Life event, drop me a line and let's discuss the details.