My brief bio

After 8 years of making photos for the San Bernardino Sun newspaper, where I was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize and twice selected California Press Photographer of the year, I joined the magazine staff of an international Christian ministry. About 12 years later, I embarked on a freelance career making photos for magazines and books, as well as non-profit organizations such as Samaritan’s Purse and Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

My favorite client is a firm that helps raise money ($250 million last year) for inner city rescue missions and homeless shelters across the country. I travel to 30 rescue missions each year making photos used in fund-raising.

I live in Redlands with my wife Lane and our 3 cats. Our daughter lives in Seattle. In my off time I enjoy watching soccer matches, hiking, and playing violin, flute and saxophone. When I grow up, I wanna be a jazz musician!

Fifteen fun facts

1. I’ve made photos in 65 countries.
2. I started shooting Nikon, but was converted to Canon in 1980.
3. I got bombed shooting a brush fire in the 80’s. Covered in red goo.
4. When I went digital in 2002, I felt like I was born again... again.
5. I carry a red pen in my camera bag to use as a prop in portraits.
6. I have never used the topline professional model cameras.
7. I love digital, and have no interest in ever shooting film again.
8. Best book for photographers: Dale Carnegie’s “How to Win Friends and Influence People.”
9. If you love people, it will show in your pictures. If you don’t love people, it will show in your pictures.
10. I have no interest in shooting pretty scenery pictures.
11. When I’m not “on the job,” I pack only my point-and-shoot camera.
12. I hate it when I’m called “paparazzi.”
13. I hate it when parents tell their kids, “Look at the camera and smile. ”
14. Aperture priority is my favorite camera mode.
15. My wife is awesome!

My recent favorite

At the Long Beach Rescue mission, a young man in the program poses for me.