My love for photography started before I was even born. My father discovered photography while stationed in Okinawa, Japan during the Korean War. When he returned to the US, he compiled a book of the images he captured, which included photos of the locals and their daily lives rather than the war and its destruction. As a child, I remember sneaking into the living room to flip through the book, mesmerized by two particular images that remain among my favorites to this day. One was a portrait of a weathered elderly person, and the other was a set of three broad-grinned kids. The images spoke volumes, conveying the contrast between the enthusiasm of youth and the weariness of experience. These photographs ignited my passion for photography, and I knew I wanted to capture stories through my lens.

I started taking photography seriously during the digital revolution, when Canon introduced the 10D. I was immediately hooked and have since upgraded my gear multiple times. Currently, I shoot with a Canon 5D Mark IV. While I'd love to say I'm self-taught, I have to credit the many talented photographers whose workshops and classes I've attended. I see photography as a lifelong journey of learning and discovery, whether it's mastering a new piece of equipment, exploring a new genre, or perfecting post-capture digital processing.

I call Los Gatos, California my home, but I am fortunate to spend a significant amount of time in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and visit Death Valley, Yosemite, and other parts of the western US frequently. These landscapes provide endless inspiration, from the rugged coastlines to the majestic mountains and the barren deserts. I strive to capture the beauty and essence of these places through my photography and tell the stories of the people and cultures I encounter along the way.