FAQ

1. What gear do you use?
My primary camera is a Canon 1Ds, I also have a Canon 1D Mark II, and Canon 20D that I keep on-site as a backup, As far as lenses, I have a lot but my favorites are the Canon 70-200 f/2.8L, and the Canon 85mm f/1.2L. I use a Quantum Q-Flash for portable lighting, and for studio work I use an army of Alien Bees, a fantastic, near indestructible little strobe made by Paul C. Bluff.

2. Do you have a photography degree or any formal training?

None whatsoever, in fact I don’t think I’ve ever even read a book on photographic technique. I read the manual of my first camera and somehow got to where I am now.

Weird.

3. How do you work?

It varies depending on the shoot, every assignment calls for a new dynamic strategy. My digital workflow after a shoot is a little easier to explain though. When I pull the images onto the computer, I immediately make a backup copy of the negatives on DVD. Then I spend no more than 20 minutes racing through the images. I flag every photo that jumps out at me (with no consideration for why it did). That is my first pass, with the first images picked (they usually end up being my favorites) I make another pass through every image again, taking anywhere from 1-3 hours to browse and select from the entire collection.

After the favorite images are selected I check each for consistent color, retouching requirements, and overall exposure accuracy.

Then, if retouching is required I make those adjustments. That is often the longest part of the process, but also where I get to have the most fun.

After all of the images have been processed I make another backup of the edited results.

Then I make a sandwich.

4. How do you light your shots?

I try to use natural light whenever possible. It is attractive, produces beautiful color and contrast, and is a bit easier to cart around than studio equipment. In studio, my setups are generally very simple. I try to use the smallest number of strobes that can get the job done. Minimalism drives everything I do.

5. Do you shoot RAW or JPEG?

I shoot in RAW with jpg backups written to a separate card.

6. Do you use any automated processes or actions?

I do not use actions, that fact makes things take a bit longer but, I prefer to have my hands in every image rather than automate any function that should be done by an artists eye.

Program-wise, I use Photoshop, and Lightroom.

Truth be told, you don’t need anything else.

7. Which are you, a portrait photographer, fashion photographer, commercial photographer, or fitness photographer?

That is a bit difficult to answer. In short…all of them. I began my photographic career with fashion, commercial and advertising photography. I got into this industry through graphic design and concept art and those experiences have given me some unique methods and ideas for commercial work. I love people and tend to snap a portrait or two even when I’m on an unrelated assignment. Fitness came about as a result of my own lifestyle and the people I’ve met along the way. Even that at it’s core is still a form of portraiture to me. In the end, I pride myself in the ability to photograph people well, and for any purpose.

8. So wait, you’re a designer too?

Yes, I have been involved in graphic design and cinematic concept art for as long as I can remember. Even longer than I have been a photographer.

9. Do you need any assistants or interns?

Not currently, when I need an assistant I pull from an extremely talented pool of people that I trust to reflect and support my own style and vision. Most of them I have trained myself.

10. I have a question that isn’t listed, what do I do?

Ask away, I am an open book. Use the contact form in the upper right corner of this site and shoot me an email. I will get back to you as quickly as I can.