I've always been interested in the visual arts, especially photography and films.  When I was much younger, I worked with a Kodak 110 camera, its flat rectangular snap bringing joy into my life.

After high school, when I was trying to figure out what motivated me and where my passion was, I realized that my greatest loves were writing, photography and natural things (animals, forests, rivers, etc).  I'll always love writing and nature, but after purchasing my first 35mm SLR camera I knew that pursuing photography would be a tangible option.

Though I studied with the New York Institute of Photography, most of my experience and education has come from the 'school of life'.  There is much to glean from both formal training and introspection of one's life, and for me, it's helped shape how I capture images today.

Originally spending most of my time shooting concerts, landscapes, old buildings and so-called 'art shots', I've now defined my portrait style and am excited to help you create lasting images of those people, pets and things that are important to you.

I sometimes use the phrase 'capture a portrait' because that's exactly what I do.  I employ a photojournalistic style of shooting.  I seldom use a backdrop, try my best to veer away from artificial (and unflattering) lighting and I primarily shoot with film (both 35mm and medium format, depending on your needs).  So to say I 'capture' a portrait is accurate--no formal posing is needed on your part.

Let's be honest: nobody naturally sits in groups of five, in a symmetrical pyramid with Junior leaning on big sister's shoulder with forced smiles.  Nor do children look normal leaning against a carpeted pillar with Cumulus Cloud #7 background paper looming behind them.  Do you really want to remember a special moment like that?  Or do you want to remember that family event as the time when Grandpa pushed your daughter on the swing?  Or that senior portrait--do you want images that capture you in some strange studio or holding props that mean nothing to you--or do you want something that represents who YOU are?

To schedule a consultation or a shoot, contact me at the email or number shown on my Contact page.  I don't use a studio, but I'm happy to meet you in your home, at your favorite location or I'm glad to suggest places we can shoot, as well.  (Please check my Price List for fees incurred for travel to certain areas).

Thank you for taking the time to review my website.  I know there are numerous options out there when it comes to getting photos done.  I'm not highly competitive and I don't care too much for learning Shockwave or Flash or any of the other ridiculously slick, prone to error, website applications, but I'll do my best to represent your desires when it comes to a shoot.

My online samples right now are few because, as I said, I use film and I don't have all my current samples scanned and on my computer.  But what I do have, I think, is a good representation of what I can do. 

 ~~Jim