I care about art, and I care about people.  I have compassion for people and passion for art.  Usually the two get intertwined, and I'm reaching a person's soul--or at least her or his emotions--what makes personalities and desires.

So I'm both passionate and com-passionate in my camera and in my people.  I really wrap myself around a wedding or a portrait because  I am expressing both the people and my own being.  I don't want to put out something that doesn't represent how I feel, and of course, how the people feel.

How long have you been doing photography?

I had my first darkroom when I was 14.  I hate to say how long that's been, but our team has combined over 50 years of dedicated experience.

Canon EOS 1-Ds Mark II, the 16.7 Megapixel digital camera that is the fastest and best.  Then a small cousin, the famous Canon Rebel XT that announced to the world what digital is all about.  I also have lots of expensive lenses and gadgets that plug into these bodies.

Why do you shoot weddings?

Well, I'm not much on cake, but the people are always something beautiful to take pictures of. I never know what to expect. I've been surprised by all kinds of emotional and physical outbursts at a wedding. I like real situations, and much at a wedding is quite real--a deep experience.

I like births too.  Both of these punch forth with vibrancy and a fresh start.  These invigorate me.

And then there's the contact, quite often deeply emotional and real.  the juices flow, and I feel myself in a spiritual setting.

How do you shoot a wedding?

Many shots.

We meet in advance and discuss what's likely and wanted at the wedding: unexpected things that might happen, events or people to note and what formal photographs we shoot. I try to limit what is posed fairly dramatically. Time is of the essence, and timing as well. I prefer the candid, but we certainly also do the series of family if that's desired.

At that meeting we establish a timeline and where those posed formals fit in.

In the ceremony I seek the depth of feeling the couple have for each other, and the empathy the family and guests feel in living the marrying experience vicariously.

At the reception I like to be invisible--without flash if possible, taking the shots to be remembered always.

Video is also important to me.  It doesn't have the resolution (even with HD), but it captures qualities that stills are unable to.  I encourage Brides & Grooms to spend for both.  They'll be happy they did!  [See info on Video here.]

How do you meet with the people?

Your place, mine, or the Sunshine. When you call, we can set up a meeting here, your place, the Sunshine Met or Grille Bites. . . .  Then I'll show you my work if you haven't seen enough online.

How do you book the wedding?

I use a standard contract for the couple to sign give me with a deposit.

What's your favorite location to shoot a wedding?

Wherever I haven't shot before. I always am looking for something artistic to shoot.

Do you travel for a wedding?

As little as possible, so I stay in the Medford area, but will go up to Roseburg, Eugene, and Portland, Oregon; and down to Shasta and Redding, California.  I charge a travel fee according to distance and current gas rates.

Do you shoot bridal portraits and engagements?

Definitely! I like these especially. I shoot around town, or in the park, or wherever. Candidness is always the goal.

 

Do you shoot anything other than weddings and couples?  You mentioned births.

Actually I place no limits--birthings, babies, moms in their 9 months, school/college seniors, and seniors over 50 leading to a family History.  I love 'em all.

What's the coolest thing you've ever shot?

A wild deer standing staring at me a few feet away and letting me shoot away.  My regret is not having my camera with me when a bear ran by me.  I won't let that happen again.

Have you won any awards?

We'll see.

Do you teach any classes on photography?

I teach workshops on occasion to kids and local persons who are searching for the next great thing. I don't know what it is yet, but I'll find out before the next workshop. I want to help other photographers unleash what they really want to do in photography and enjoy teaching about technique, technology and how to create art despite those two. 

I have a Ph.D. in literature, so I expect to use this in teaching camera and photography.  I have a class starting in May, I may teach at Rogue Community College in the fall.

How then are the photos displayed?

I've searched out various inexpensive, quality albums--bound or spiral or ring.  The photos are then printed by offset or by me.  You pick out the classiest you like and can afford.

But you can also have the album online for your family and friends to visit.  Both are quite special.

What're best compliments you've ever gotten?

"You actually make me look good!"
"You caught my daughter beautifully.  Right to her soul."

Who are your other photographers?

My amazingly talented photojournalist friend, Lewis Anderson, whose artistic eye is fabulous, and who loves photography with passion!  He's been a mentor for me and stimulated my work as it is now.  He's top notch.

When video is part of the scene, Joyce  joins us and gives an elegant documentation with sound, a feature my camera work can't offer.

Why are you in Applegate, OR, the Medford-Grants Pass area?  You could make much more money elsewhere.

I love the Northwest, I love nature, I love the small amount of summer rain, I love the small amount of crowding. 

Where do you see yourself in ten years?