1. Who were you named after?

The answer to that question depends on who you talk to. I was named after either the Disney character or a stripper. When I asked my mom, she said it was the latter [sighs].

2. What were you like in high school?

I always say I graduated at the top of the bottom of my class. I barely graduated. But I was not unintelligent. Just not interested. If I had been given a reason to learn, how it would benefit me as a photographer, I would have excelled. I’ve known since I was small that I wanted to be a photographer.

3. What do you find to be the most exciting thing happening in the photo industry right now?

I’d say it is the “story-driven” image. It excites me to see photographers like Benjamin Von Wong creating images that draw attention to environmental issues in an artistic way.

4. What would you consider to be the game-changing photographic technique for you?

For me, the game-changer was discovering the fact that light is light and that anything can be used as a light source. In my early days as a photographer, I was influenced by a book by George Hurrell entitled George Hurrell’s Hollywood. That book changed my life. His lighting was very dramatic and not necessarily perfect in the traditional sense, but it had a great deal of impact.

5. What’s one of your biggest pet peeves?

I have no patience for whiners and people who always make excuses for their failures. On the other hand, I have great respect for photographers who, despite their failures, handicaps or lack of funds, keep making better pictures. They use them as a tool for growth. Two of my heroes, despite having Parkinson’s disease—Barbara Breitsameter and John Cornicello—continue to make beautiful photographs and teach others.

6. What’s something that very few people know about you?

I engage in volunteer work helping people learn more about the Bible.

7. What do you feel wedding photographers aren’t doing but should?

I’d say photograph more than just the young. Especially at a wedding, many times photographers spend the entire time photographing the bride and groom in every location known to man, but very little time is spent on the family attending the wedding. To me, weddings are a family’s first heirloom, and more care should be given to capturing meaningful images of those who attend.

8. What do you think the photography industry in general can improve upon, whether it be an outlook, piece of gear or trend?

The one thing that hasn’t changed in 30 years: Photographers still worry too much about what other photographers charge, and then they undercut. Thus, most starve to death. I think as an industry, we need to focus on creating lasting relationships with our clients and count the cost of doing business.

9. What is your favorite photo or piece of artwork that you have hung up?

My favorite piece of artwork in my home is an image I shot while in Iceland a number of years ago. Iceland was a life-changing experience for me. I was among some of the world’s most prominent landscape and nature photographers, an experience completely out of my comfort zone, and I just used all of the concepts I’ve learned while photographing people and applied that knowledge to photographing landscapes, flowers and horses. The little lightbulb went off in my brain: I realized that photography is photography. The decisive moment is just that—decisive.

10. In terms of longevity in the photo industry, what advice do you have for keeping your work fresh?

I’d say keep exposing yourself to imagery, taking classes from others, and not being ashamed to fail but embracing those failures.

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