Bio

As the photograph suggests, I have been fascinated with the photographic image since my youth. It wasn't until taking a photography class as part of an art degree at Eastern Washington University that it began to become a passion. This introductory class emphasized the art of photography and was taught by photographer Robert Lloyd. Part of the curriculum required research into many of the masters of fine art photography. It was during this research that I discovered the work of Wynn Bullock. His body of work became an inspiration to me. One of his photographs named “Stark Tree” is my favorite. It is a dark image that depicts a lone tree standing on a hill surrounded by fog. The tree is back-dropped by the sun breaking through clouds highlighting the clouds and fog around the tree. The photo has a sense of mystery and loneliness that I find appealing. After seeing this photograph I knew that photography was to be my vehicle of artistic expression and started me on a path of more than 40 years that continues to this day. 

At Eastern I received a bachelor of arts degree in studio art. In order to pursue my interest in photography I continued my education in the photography program at Spokane Falls Community College (SFCC) earning an applied science degree in photography. Here, under the guidance of instructors Mike Rojan, Meryl Brown and Bill Campbell, I was introduced to a more technical and commercial application of photography. Mr Campbell was especially influential as he stressed the importance of the basic elements in photography such as light, film, lens theory, exposure, and the development process. This understanding and the proper application of these elements in combination with my artistic training has provided me with a strong foundation as a photographer.

After graduating from SFCC I worked in photo finishing making photographic prints of other people's work. During this time I was married and started a family. I also started a photography business, photographing weddings and portraits on the side. As a result there was less time to devote to fine art photography. In 1992 I stopped working in photo finishing and began doing real estate photography for two local publications. This work lasted for 13 years. Since it was not full time I was slowly able to return my attention back to fine art photography. This happened mostly on family vacations and other outings, which I am sure was a source of frustration to family members as I would frequently stop our travels when inspiration struck.

The beginning of my photography career was prior to the digital age. At SFCC I was trained in the use of the 4x5 view camera. I used the view camera predominately for my fine art work. As digital applications arrived I used the view camera and scanned the film or transparencies for digital printing. With the advancement in quality of camera and printing output I have now gone completely digital in all my work. While I respect the medium and processes of the past, the freedom and options available in digital photography are too compelling.

In describing my fine art work I go back to what inspired me in Wynn Bullock's “Stark Tree”. I tend to photograph darker images that sometimes have an element of mystery and loneliness. I like to create order in chaotic or busy scenes. I can easily succumb to taking the pretty or dramatic landscape picture, but feel more inspired photographing dead trees rather than live ones. The images I create tend to be full contrast with a lot of detail. In my fine art images there are no people but I will include buildings or other man made objects and it is usually done as a contrast to the natural elements.

At this time I continue to do general photography and explore opportunities to expand my creative portfolio. I have been married 39 years to the same wonderfully patient wife and have two adult sons.