When I began to show my first interests in photography, I was told in order to be successful you have to find a niche. My niche was not having one.

Since I purchased my first camera at the age of twelve, it only took me three years before I was hanging out of helicopters, attempting to get run over in pit lane and trying to get struck by lightning. Older and wiser now, I still try to hang on the edge to get that perfect shot.

My experiences have gained me the position of being one of the key photographers for Laguna Seca Raceway as well as one of the premier air show photographers on the West Coast. Shooting everything from large format cameras to super-telephoto 35mm proved invaluable for covering the Monterey Bay Blues festival or F/A-18 Hornets blasting off a carrier deck.

In between motor sports, aviation and journalism assignments, I found the time to slow down and concentrate on studio and commercial work. Five-minute conveyer-belt style food shots during a CEO convention at the San Jose Tech Museum seemed just the right thing.

Throughout the years I have been fortunate enough to work freelance for the local papers, see my motor sports images published worldwide and continue as the assistant photographer for the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Although it’s been difficult, I have graduated my ten-step program and have learned to open myself to the world of digital imaging and graphic/web design. Hands-on experience with the process of graphic design from layout to pre-press to final output has made me a better photographer. This understanding has helped me to provide a superior image, not only by the standards of the client, but what it takes for an image to be a success with minimal work in the production process.

Of course, what’s graphic design without the understanding of the Web? I chose to design and publish my own website using programs such as Macromedia’s Flash, Dreamweaver and Fireworks as well as Adobe’s Photoshop and Illustrator. So much for that niche thing!

Photography runs through my veins and will always be a part of me no matter what form it may take. If a picture’s worth a thousand words, one day I hope to be a great storyteller.