Every photographer has a cheesy story about how they fell in love with photography, here's mine...

I was in Madrid Spain in 2003. I had borrowed a friends 35mm camera and packed about 8 rolls of black and white film. It was the first time I'd ever shot a real camera and I loved it. My Dad and I were walking through the city center when we noticed the atmosphere changing. We asked around and realized that the US had declared war in Iraq. We saw people with protest signs everywhere, they set up a massive stage and were addressing the people over speakers. In the span of an hour, the inner part of Madrid had turned into an anti-American protest and there was a tangible distaste for what was happening. There was a hostility and tension in the air that I'd never experienced before.

Growing up in the midwest, I'd never seen anyone get that excited about any social or political issue. I found their anger and frustration so real and genuine, and wondered why I'd never been so motivated by any issue.

I did my best to blend in and photograph the emotions and expression of all the people there.

If there was one moment that I ever wanted to be a photographer, that was it. It was an awesome feeling having a tool to document that specific time and place.

Even now, after shooting the top of the line cameras, and spending countless amounts of time and creativity on making images for the past few years. Those photos from Spain are still among my favorite.

After college, I was married and putting my degree to use by working with students at a church. I got to hang out with students and teach them about what I think are most important things in life; that how you treat people matters and relationships are the most important thing you'll ever have. I guess you could call that my soapbox. I'm still on the same soapbox. I still believe that our relationships with the ones we love should be cherished and protected. That's why I find myself drawn to photographing people, because there are always relationships on display for me to document and explore, it's a great feeling to give those memories to people.

to life!

Below is a collection of personal photos I add to from time to time. Most are taken with vintage analog film cameras however there are even a few shots from the trusty iPhone in there. Enjoy!