Strolling

I love photographing people just being themselves and doing their day to day activities. I particularly like the composition of this shot. The light on the top of the bushes and the old man in midstep: it just works for me

Raising the Bar in Milwaukee

I've worked in the service industry since I was 16 years old and have bar tended for the past 7 years. Over those years, I've learned a lot about people and their values, beliefs and tendencies. So for this project I sought out the veterans in my field- the beverage consultants who have been slinging drinks before I had even the slightest idea of what a brandy old fashioned sweet was. The gentlemen featured in my photo essay have made their careers serving tasty elixirs, listening to their customers' problems, and making those same problems disappear, if even for a brief moment. These men are wise beyond their years and have their collective finger on the collective pulse of the city of Milwaukee. With ever-changing trends, fads, and themes in the tavern industry, these men have withstood the test of time and continue to retain and collect loyal clientele.

Being a bartender, myself, I know the challenges that come with the job- unruly drunks, long hours and late hours, putting a smile on your face if even if you're having a bad day and trying to set yourself apart and represent your establishment in a positive way in a city that is saturated with watering holes. There were some challenges in doing this project, as well. I know the all the bartenders I shot. Some are acquaintances and some are close friends. My aim was to film them in their respected elements as naturally as possible. Some were camera shy and some liked to ham it up. Negotiating the lighting was a challenge, as well. Most bars are dimly lit with light sources placed inconsistently throughout the space. So, adjusting the camera settings was tricky as was positioning my subjects. This project was a lesson in light, space and people.

Hey you...I know you (or do I?)

That is the question. For this project, I set out to take photos of eight different people. The goal- to make the viewer decide which of the subjects I know, personally, and which of them are strangers. So you decide. Who looks comfortable in front of the camera? Who's acting? Who's sincere with their "pose?" As a photographer, I try to make everyone appear natural. That is the aim for me and, I imagine, others who look through the camera's eye. The camera doesn't lie. Can the same be said for those I shoot or for me?

Documenting Dog and Owner

I set out to capture images of dogs and the people that love them. It was easy to find people with their pooches, but difficult to find the "perfect" picture. In order to capture close-up facial expressions, I had to do some work. The best pictures often come when the subjects don't know they're being photographed. I found many instances where the owner resembled their four-legged companion, and also the opposite. It is enjoyable to walk out of your house, with camera in hand, and go on a journey, not knowing what you will find.

Lit

When you set out to find the light, you rarely do. Being prepared when the light finds you is the key. Whether you have a camera with you, or not, look at images through a lens, real or imaginary. When the "right" light presents itself, you'll be ready to shoot.

The lighting in a photo really defines it. It reflects upon an image nature's mood. Unnatural light gives life to an object that would otherwise not be visible to the eye.

I am a rookie in the art of photography and am learning to use the camera and just what a camera can do. I am excited to explore the world and look at it with a different, critical, eye. I am hoping to chronicle the images in everyday life that are important to me (and somewhat define me) and share them with all of you. And in the process of searching for the light, my camera will help me capture it and hold, if only for the briefest moment.