After graduation, I moved to New York and spent twelve years managing a studio for the photographer for the New York City Ballet, building an independent business and working creatively. Being a photographer in the city, you have to constantly adapt and evolve in order to survive. The manic pace and ceaseless competition reinforced my ability to be creative in tight time frames without sacrificing my vision. When I made the decision to move back home to North Carolina, I brought with me a unique perspective influenced by over a decade's work in New York City. Now that I’m home, I’m reestablishing a tribe of alluring free-thinkers. Above all else in my work, I value authenticity and my clients feel the same.
My Philosophy
Nobody wants to look back at a photograph of themselves looking stiff, shy and uncomfortable. Listen, I get it. Getting your photograph taken can be awkward. I like to tell my clients that the first 5 minutes of a shoot are like an awkward first date, but then it gets better. It's my job to make you feel comfortable and - maybe crack a bad joke or two - so that before long you’ll forget the camera’s there and we’re just having fun. Robert Cappa once said, “if your pictures aren’t good enough, you aren’t close enough.” To me, this doesn’t mean barking commands and staging meticulous poses in the attempt to get a perfect shot; it means creating an environment where you feel comfortable enough to let your guard down and be who you genuinely are. That's the version of you I want to photograph. I strive for authenticity with everything that I do and I’m always rooting for my clients to have the best experience.
What is essential about photographing a wedding? Of course the undeniably important moments, but I’ll also work the peripherals of the room. I take pride in capturing the moments that otherwise would have slipped through the cracks. The look in your grandparent’s eyes as they admire your first dance or your baby cousins’ running underfoot. The little bits of time that without a photograph would otherwise be forgotten. I take this philosophy with me to every shoot. Whether it be a portrait shoot, elopements or events: capturing the imperfection of humanity is the foundation of what drives my photography. Our lives are an ongoing developing experience and I want your photos to tell the story of what really happened.