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I have had a camera in my hand since I was 5 years old.  I can remember the first photo I was allowed to take.  It was with a Polaroid and was of my family during Christmas.  It turned out quite blurry but I was immediately intrigued.  When I was about, six my dad gave me his old Kodak Brownie, a camera he had when he was young.  He provided me with a limited amount of film, so I learned quickly to take my time and compose a shot I was happy with instead of burning through rolls of film.  

I have always been attracted to the landscape and to nature shots.  As a matter of  fact, my mother would reprimand me when she would look through my newly developed film only to see rocks, trees, and wildlife, but no humans.  She would say," You need to take pictures of people and your family; the 'important things'."  I would simply think, why?  I have since learned the importance of  these "snapshots" she encouraged me to take, as I have found, memories begin to fade.  But I am still passionately attracted to the wilderness scenes. 

I have spent much of my life playing and working in the wild.  I have been a whitewater river guide for some time, most of which has been on the Kern River in California.  I have also spent a fair amount of time backpacking, kayaking, rock climbing, and mountain biking.  I consider the West my home, although I have lived on the other side of the country and love its beauty as well.

I am a student of the sciences.  I am currently working on a degree in geology.  I enjoy learning more about my surroundings and being able to share that with others.  I also believe it is indispensable  as a photographer.  The more you know about your subject, the better success you will have. 

Equipment

Since starting Hydro-Graphics in 2000, I have used digital cameras almost exclusively.  The amount of control I have over the photo from beginning to end is what won me over.  With the quality of the cameras improving exponentially and at such a rapid pace I don't see any reason to go back as I would be shooting with 35mm anyway.  Someday I would love to learn large format and haul an 8x10 into the backcountry like Ansel did.  But for now digital is a tremendous advantage and opportunity.

I use a Canon 20D and 10D, assorted Canon lenses, polarizers, and graduated neutral density filters.  These filters only block light and do not change its color.  I generally have a good sturdy tripod with me and use it consistently.  I throw this all in a Lowepro backpack and I am ready to go. 

 

Accomplishments and Publications

52 Great Weekend Escapes: Southern California. Ray Bangs and Chris Becker. 2004 - Cover image and insided photo p. 144 (misprinted captions under Kern
River Tours and Robert Holmes)

Caselle 2004 Calendar - three images including the cover

Exhibit at Borders Cafe - April 1 thru April 30, 2003  MORE ABOUT EXHIBIT

Chairman's Choice Award - Kern County Fair (Sept 2002) for "New Life"; also received  1st, 2nd, & 5th place ribbons on other photographs.

Kern River Tours- Brochure (2001-present), Promo poster for "The Forks of the Kern" (2002)

First Place-International Library of Photography for "Carnage at Dead Man's Curve"; 
        "Carnage" also published in two books; Quest for Tomorrow (Nov 2001) and Wandering Spirits (Oct 2003)

Water Gardening Magazine - Dec 1996 (misprinted caption under John Nagle)