I’m a professional photographer based in North Carolina in the USA.
I’m a bit of a nomad, I like to move around. It’s something I’ve been conditioned to appreciate since 9 years old.
I’ve lived in 7 different places with no signs of permanent placement yet.
I’ve been shooting photography for over 15 years. Throughout that time, I’ve found it to be one of the best ways to express and share my creativity with others.
I love to learn, and I love to teach. From film development to mirrorless cameras, digital editing and more. It’s an exhilarating, deep commitment to learn about something, love it entirely, and distribute it back to the world.
I started with black and white film.
Fifteen years later I’ve realized I prefer to edit, shoot and print primarily in Black and White. Most of my inspiration comes from other fine art photographers, and my high school Photography teacher in Charlotte. The process behind black and white fine art has become a focus in my work. Even when it was hand developed to print, there’s a technique that still has considerable value.
How I Spent My 20’s
I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 2011. I spent nine consecutive months hospitalized.
Unfortunately, I spent 3 years between 4 Hospitals in different states and consecutive months on end in between surgeries and medications. On the brink of death after a total blood transfusion; I vaguely recall several nurses that would stay with me, bring movies or snacks. One of them, I’ll never forget made me cry a lot, and ultimately her and her team got me strong enough to walk and go home.
It wasn’t until 2013 I was healed enough to seek some sort of normal life, or what was left of a normal life after most of my organs surrounding my guts were either removed or damaged beyond repair. Somehow, I tolerated a cheeseburger. I was okay to go home.
If only that’s all it really took to get discharged.
I had never seen so many people cry over a cheeseburger.
I still struggle with my Crohn’s from time to time, more like every single day. Fortunately, I only take an intravenous infusion every 8 weeks, and constant lab work and scans.
This isn’t something that defines me and most people never know or don’t know much at all. However the pain, has brought a lot of perspective for me as a Photographer, a Son, a Partner, a Brother, and close friend to many.
During the time I was unable to walk, sleep, talk or eat, photography was the one thing that I found to be a staple in my life. It felt right; it felt like home.
It was a cure to an incurable disease.
I had it with me all this time.
11 Years Later, Still Shooting, Still Eating
It’s incredible the way people have been moved by my imagery. The way my journey reaches beyond the print and to the heart. This provides a unique purpose in the creative realm, and we’re fortunate enough to share this experience with one another.
Music has this effect too. Which I also create and enjoy.
I believe no matter the hand you’ve been given, you have something beautiful to share with others. Now mine has a nu school bumblebee.
What you may share can heal you, and those you around you.
Creativity is love in raw form.
I believe in art. I believe in the expression of self.
When the two converge, that’s when something truly unique happens.
I offer prints wholeheartedly because the print is something special and physical. You own it.
The process of layers, the kind of paper, the finish. The lighting, framing and hanging it.
It’s a magical and transformative feeling. It may be the start or end to a story.
We’re becoming okay with just looking.
SENSORY OVERLOAD
Take pride in what speaks to you. Creating and purchasing artwork can be such a personal and fulfilling experience. It elevates it when you can take it home without a phone or screen and claim it as your own in that space, and hopefully share that space!
Thank you for supporting me, and local art.
If you’d like to support me further, check out my other website where I review Honey based products from commercial and local sources.