I never set out to be a portrait photographer. In fact, I resisted it. Why would I pursue a career in a world saturated with photographers (and damn fine one's at that!) each vying for attention in an industry that often prioritizes trends over meaning, but for me (along with many others) photography has never been about keeping up...it has always been about transformation.
Before stepping behind the camera, I spent a couple of decades working the front desk of a dental office. That experience taught me the power of customer service, but not in the transactional sense, but in the deeply human way of understanding people, their fears, their needs, and their unspoken stories. In customer service, listening was everything. Connection was everything, and I’ve carried those lessons into my work as a photographer.
Several years ago I had a woman hire me for a boudoir session. That woman was my dear friend, Deb. Given how much I cared for her (and still do) there was a bit of pressure to deliver, and I was still riding a steep learning curve. When I showed Deb the final images, she was silent. My gut reaction was panic, maybe she didn’t like them? Maybe I had failed her? But then, with tears in her eyes, she whispered, “I'm pretty.” That moment cemented my purpose. I realized that my work isn’t just about capturing an image; it’s about revealing something profound, something people often overlook in themselves. That’s the kind of impact I want to have.
The clients I work with today - C-level executives, actors, musicians, and those who expect a refined, bespoke experience, come to me for more than a headshot. They come for something deeper: a reflection of their power, presence, and authenticity. They want to see themselves as the world should see them...strong, poised, and undeniably remarkable, and that’s where my approach comes into play. Is it unique? I don't think so. I treat people the way I’d want to be treated - with respect, kindness, and a bit of "HELL YEAH! SPOIL ME ROTTEN!" Because, who wouldn't want that?!?
I’ve spent years honing my craft, learning not just the technical aspects of photography but the art of connection, and I am still learning. Great photography is about more than good lighting, and a sharp image. It’s about guiding someone to let down their guard, to breathe, and to trust the process. That’s why I don’t rush my sessions, and while there are those who think it should be quick and easy, I do not. Whether it’s that one-on-one session, or a corporate session involving 20 people, I will always prioritize creating an environment where my clients feel seen, not just photographed.
I collaborate closely with Harmony Arnold, an exceptional image consultant, to ensure that styling, wardrobe, and creative direction align seamlessly with my client’s vision. Every detail matters, from how a jacket drapes over the shoulders to the way light shapes the face. This level of care and intention isn’t something you get with a standard portrait session, it’s something cultivated through a commitment to excellence and an unwavering focus on my clients.
In this business, confidence is everything, and yet, even the most successful individuals struggle with how they look in front of a camera. That’s where I come in. I know how to bring out the best in my clients because I’ve spent the time refining my ability to direct them in a way that feels natural, adjusting the smallest details to make a monumental difference, and creating images that evoke emotion rather than simply document an appearance.
The truth is, a photographer's work is deeply personal. Every client we photograph is another opportunity to show someone the strength they carry, the presence they exude, and the undeniable truth as to who they are. This isn’t about vanity, it’s about self-perception, and if a photographer can shift that perception in even the smallest way, then we have done our job well.
So, why do I do what I do? Because I believe photography is more than an image—it’s an experience, a revelation, and sometimes, a turning point, and that’s something I will never take lightly.
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