" I hope that my work will encourage self-expression in others and stimulate the search for beauty and creative excitement in the great world around us."

– Ansel Adams

I came across this quote a few years ago – inspirational words that have had a lasting impact on me. In 2016, I was honored to receive the Ansel Adams Award for my photo titled Agave, a recognition that deepened my connection to his work and legacy. Adams’ photographs introduced me to a landscape that I only dreamed of seeing as a young child. They heightened my curiosity to explore the American West. My photographic journey has taken me to these landscapes and many others and allowed me to immerse myself in the beauty found throughout North America.

Growing up on a farm in the flatlands of Northwest Ohio instilled an appreciation for the land. This innate passion has followed me throughout my life and culminates in the collection of photographs presented in these collections.

My early years were filled with exploration. Time escaped me as I wandered a small wooded plot on our farm; I became lost in my surroundings. In retrospect, I feel that it was my introduction to the wilderness, albeit a four acre wilderness. The desire to wander has followed me throughout my adult life.

I consider myself an avid adventurer and am most happy when I’m off the beaten path exploring remote locations. I’m particularly drawn to diverse locations throughout North America – the rugged Pacific Coast, the vastness of the Southwest, the tranquil shores of Lake Superior, and on to the beautiful Canadian Maritimes – places that renew my soul and draw me back time and again. During visits that often span weeks or even months, I connect with the land, allowing it to form the foundation of my quiet, contemplative photographic work.

More often than not, the experience is as much about spending quiet time in the outdoors as it is photography. Without one, the other wouldn’t hold much meaning – they are inseparable. During my visits I feel myself decompress as I immerse myself in the landscape. I interpret my surroundings and capture the images seen in these portfolios. Hopefully my work offers a glimpse of what I experienced. May you feel the quiet stillness that I encountered, and perhaps, in some small way, sense what I strive to capture.

My early work was rooted in the legacy of the Group f/64 photographers, a small circle of illustrious West Coast artists. Their images were defined by sharp focus and careful framing – principles I adhered to in my early work. Now I prefer to convey an impression of what I observe rather than document what exists if someone were to view the same scene. Through techniques such as long exposures, water takes on a smooth, sinuous flow – no two frames are alike. There is always an absence of human development on the land.

Whether my subject is a plant, a landscape, or a man-made structure, each photograph becomes an opportunity to consider the subject, almost apart from its meaning or function. I aim to convey an intimate view of a plant’s inner folds, a secluded canyon, a quiet coast, or a sand-swept dune, narrowing the scope so the eye sees only selected elements of the whole.

My work has been recognized with numerous awards and grants, with the Ansel Adams award topping the list for the photo titled Agave. I’ve crossed paths with some incredible people who share a love of the outdoors. I’ve also brushed shoulders with some outstanding, contemporary photographers. The knowledge they’ve so generously shared has broadened my technical skills as well as my aesthetic sense. Their continued support has provided inspiration throughout this incredible journey. I’m passionate about wilderness and the protection of it. A majority of my images illustrate natural beauty that cannot be replaced once it’s lost. I feel that it’s important for me to document the splendor provided by these landscapes before they disappear. As you look through these portfolios, it is my hope that you will feel a connection to them in some way. They are my personal interpretation of a world that has touched me in one way or another – a magnificent world that awaits exploration.