biography

Self Portrait: Travel Bug

I was born in San Diego, California and then traveled the U.S. and South Korea while my father served in the United States Navy. My childhood experiences have inspired me to travel around the country and soon the world, finding unique images that come from my surroundings. The ever-changing landscape of the United States has captured me in its beauty and uniqueness.

The images I have collected for this site are from journeys I have made while trying to discover America. I capture a unique view of the different U.S. cities – in my “Boston Politics” image, stickers on a light pole refer to peace and stopping Bush and the war; my “Key West” image reflects relaxing under an umbrella at the beach with no care in the world. I feel photography is a freedom of speech without saying anything. I can imply or display an image to touch your heart without using a word. I love to capture both sides of the coin and do my best to reflect no bias in my subject matter. I have photographed state senators shaking hands with the public and homeless people digging in the trash for food. I want to see and show the world as it really is with no blindfold.

I received my BA in Art Photography from Eastern Kentucky University in 2002 and have worked as a freelance photographer in the Lexington area since 1997. I have photographed local bands and weddings and gathered a significant amount of experience from these events on how to deal with people and mothers in-law. I am currently the photographer at a children’s unique Portrait Shoppe in Lexington, KY. I have found it to be very amusing and skillful – not too many people can keep the attention of a two year old and have them cooperate to get the perfect shot. It has kept me on my toes.

I have entered and been accepted to several juried shows in Kentucky and West Virginia, including the Appalachian Corridor Exhibition in Charleston, W.V. and the Glories of the Garden in Lexington, Ky. I received Honorable Mention from the International Photographers Association in their yearly Photography Contest in 2003.

I fell in love with the camera when I was a child and haven’t put it down since. Some people even question me when I don’t bring it with me to certain events because they are used to seeing it with me at all times. When I look out a window I think in photographs, and I can imagine a view in black and white or a different style of photography. I really hope that people enjoy my work as much as I do and that is why I want to share it with the world.