I am a photographer, cinematographer and director. I was a theatre major in college, who took a fine art photography class that changed the trajectory of my life. I had been pouring myself into theatrical productions. So many intense hours of rehearsals, and set builds and costumes, lighting design, etc. Then, after the run, it is all broken down, boxed up or tossed and reduced to a vaporous memory. It left me wanting a tangible object to remain after so much of an investment of myself. Not as memento or souvenir, but, as the art form itself. Anyhow, once I discovered photography, I loved that the result of all the effort was a tangible thing with some permanence. Ideally, something that could be discovered or returned to for inspiration or just observation of an expression of an idea held in space and time.

I poured myself into learning the craft. The art and science of it. In those days,(the 80’s and early 90’s) it was all film and darkroom. I got good at the craft. But, it took a decade or more before I found my voice and had anything meaningful to say with it. That came with some heartaches and traumas that piled up and left me with scars and humility that unlocked a profound compassion for others. Once I began seeing the interconnectedness of us all, I could relate on a deeper level and connect with my subjects in ways that made them feel safe and allow themselves to be seen. I work in both the commercial and fine art realms. But, I always approach the work in the same way. I am seeking to highlight those parts of us that are undeniably human. These are the most beautiful parts of anyone to me. But, most of us are tempted to hide these vulnerable parts of ourselves. It is ironic, because it is our authenticity and imperfections that make us relatable to others. They allow others to feel tender toward us. Yet, we are typically wired to keep our vulnerabilities hidden. This creates a distance you can feel as a lack of connection. To have a subject that is willing to drop their protective outer layer and allow themselves to be seen and even, documented with their mask off, is a momentous exchange of trust. I feel so honored and knit together with my subject when these moments happen. I feel such a deep connection with our shared humanity.  I fall in love with them.  I sense this resonates in the images we make. There is a quote that  by Howard Thurman that I return to again and again:“When you can go deep down inside yourself, really know who you are and are secure in who you are—then—you can find yourself in every other human being.”.” I have photographed the most marginalized to the most idolized members of our human family, and I approach them all with the same level of respect and humility. Whether a homeless trans person on the street,  the Dalai Lama, or a celebrity,  or a president…..we are all aspects of each other. We are peers. This sets the stage for an honest exchange.