Who I am as an artist, what is my particular "style," is as much a product of my experience as well as my philosophy. I started as a photojournalist while serving in the Navy, but expanded my focus to include nature photography while working as a canoe guide in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in northern Minnesota.

My experience as a canoe guide brought more than just exposure to wild places and things. I grew up in the Black Hills of South Dakota, so I knew a little about the outdoors. My time in the Boundary Waters also infused in me a philosophy about how to interact with wild places, how to cherish "wildness" as expressed by Thoreau, that I had never before encountered. Inspired by the writings of Sigurd Olson and others, I came to learn and experience anew an ideal of wild places that merged with my photography and photographic philosophy.

Despite, and because of, my love for outdoor and nature photography, I continue to photograph portraits, sports, weddings, special events, and other things on assignment. You may wonder why, if I love the outdoors so much, I would photograph other subjects. I like to keep my style fresh by not becoming too entrenched in any one subject. It is easy to spot someone who does nothing but wedding photography or nothing but portraits. Their photos fall into a sometimes predictable style. By approaching photography from diverse viewpoints, I often bring techniques and ideas from other disciplines that might not always be expected.

Behind every image I capture, no matter the subject, is a passion and love for photography. I love the feeling of being on location when the first light of day strikes the landscape. But photographing wild places also allows me to share with others a wonder and awe of nature they might not otherwise experience. Capturing the essence of a moment, whether a wedding or portait, allows me to help create and preserve that moment for the future. These are the things that drive me.

I reside with my fiance Michelle in Anchorage, Alaska. We share four feline children: Harriet, Bolshe, Menshe and Tash. Want to know what I use for equipment? Take a peek inside my camera bag.

GALLERY