How did you get started in commercial photography?

I got into photography during college, after becoming fascinated by black and white printing, inspired by Ansel Adams, and by watching my own prints come up in the darkroom. I was also inspired by National Geographic. I shot sports for UPI and CBS during college. From there I became interested in advertising photography, went to The Porfolio Center to learn more about it, and then started assisting. After working for all kinds of photographers I realized I most enjoyed location work with people and grew into that role. The digital age has required that I adapt my production processes, which I enjoy.

Describe a production from last year you are really proud of.

I love all the projects I have done this past year. I guess one that stands out to me, probably because I am a fan, is the digital compilation I did of Phil Mickelson for Rifle shafts. I shot Phil at the Masters and combined him with a couple of scenes I shot in California.

What are some of the big trends you see coming in the next 5-10 years in the production industry?

The biggest thing I see happening is video production by still photographers thanks to the fine video quality achieved with current SLR cameras. Image production has changed for me based on doing compilations, shooting pieces of the pie so to speak. That is just a coordination thing though. You still have to get people in front of the camera and direct them. What I suspect might happen is that the quality of video could become so good that photographers shoot everything in video mode and pull still images from the video. That will only change the method and the equipment.

What advice can you give to talent when they're on set?

Be actors. I like to hire models who have acting experience. It makes directing easier. My work is usually creating "candid" moments. So I need those moments to look real. If I have multiple people in a candid scene I usually give them direction and I like them to take it and run with the scene while I shoot. I don't like to have to continually stop to direct talent on every gesture, nor do I want them to stop and continually look to me for more direction. Most of the talent I work with are professionals and understand the basics of being just that while on set, professional.

Unrelated to work, what are you passionate about?

I am most passionate about my family. That is first and foremost. I have two teen aged kids. My wife and I celebrate 25 years together this summer. I was incredibly lucky to have met her. I have a 24/7 shadow named Trooper, my 4 year old Boykin Spaniel that is the other part of my family I am passionate about. I love fly fishing, am a big UGA football fan, and love to share a good bottle of red wine with friends over dinner.

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February, 2013.