I am a photographer that is passionate about art. I am insatiably curious about the story behind a person, the story behind the places I visit. I suppose if I aspire to be a storyteller, then I should probably start with my own story.
First and foremost, I am a follower of Christ, but I haven't always been a Christian. Maybe someday I'll share my testimony through this medium; but for now, my story begins long before my birth, because to truly understand me, you have to first know a little about the two most influential men in my life, my grandfather and my father. Both men selflessly served our country in war and were proud American patriots, which is the source of my own patriotism.
My dad was stationed in Germany in the 70s, so I was born in Frankfurt, Germany. My earliest memories are from living in Newport News, Virginia while my dad was working at Fort Eustis, we moved to Hampton not much later. Growing up in a military family, respect and admiration for our military naturally becomes part of your DNA. I remember many days going to Fort Monroe to pick my father up from work.
If I needed stitches I went to Langley Air Force Base Hospital, notice I didn't say if I got hurt. My dad was one of those rub some dirt on it kind of dads. In fact, here's a funny story. My older brother Bill once fell out a really big tree, face first and landed on both arms. My brother complained for days thinking he'd broken his arms. My dad swore he'd only sprained his wrists and he needed to suck it up. My mom finally took him to the hospital only to learn he'd in fact broke both arms, it was hilariously funny at the time; just rub some dirt on it. My dad was a hard man, war had made him that way, but he was a good man. I lost my dad in 2010. He died from complications stemming from exposure to Agent Orange during his time in Viet Nam. He was buried with full honors at the veteran's cemetery in Suffolk, Virginia.
Sadly, two years later we lost my brother Bill to a sudden heart attack, he is also buried in the veterans cemetery, within line of sight from my father. Billy was a free spirit with a big heart, and he loved unconditionally. Losing your father and brother has a resounding effect on your life, you often find yourself rifling through family photos in hopes of reliving the memories of those you have lost. Pictures become priceless; I think this may be part of the reason photography has become so important to me.
The other big influencer in my life was my grandfather, he was one those rare ones from The Greatest Generation. He like so many others had fought to free the world from tyranny in World War II. He was a a gunner in a B24 Liberator named "Guess Who's Here". He was a kind, quiet man with a gentle spirit and a strong devotion to Christ."
I can remember sitting and listening to my grandfather telling me of his missions over enemy territory, beaming with pride, always saying, "...we flew the day before D-day, and the day after D-day, but not on D-day. My grandfather's bomber was part of the 787th Bomb Squadron, flying out of Attlebridge, England. The crew flew 31 missions and are pictured below.
Standing left to right: Romigh, Elmer J. (P); Lashlee, Herbert C. (CP); Bullerman, Woodrow (N), Bernstein, Burt (B).
Kneeling left to right: Line, William A (G); Wilson, E.L. (E); Gray, James K.(G); Barr, John E.(RO); Sabalaske, William (WG); Miller, Edgar H (TG).
I've always had a bent for art and drawing. When I was growing up, I would often be sketching, and so when the opportunity came up to attend ITT Tech for CADD drafting it was great fit. Early in my career I worked with a consulting engineer in Norfolk, Virginia. During my time there, we did ninety-five percent government work, most often working on projects on military bases up and down the east coast. Though I didn't go into the military, I took great pride in my work for our military, seeing it as a small way to thank them for their service. Twenty-five years later I am still in the building design industry and working as a plumbing designer in the food and beverage manufacturing industry.
I picked up a camera for the first time about 10 years ago, it was an entry level point and shoot. I found the technical side of photography interesting, but it took me a long time to learn the artsy side of composition and lighting. I often photograph most anything that catches my eye, but lately I've found a passion for landscape photography. God shows us great grace in the beauty He puts on display all around us. His glory shines in many ways, such as in a beautiful sunset that makes it look like the sky is on fire, or in the incredibly intricate design in the eyes of an insect.
I have found lately that I enjoy telling the story behind the picture, whether that story be of a person, a place, or even an event. I recently started a project called "Snapshots for Servicemembers" in honor of my family's military service, through the project I photograph US combat veterans and provide them with a couple prints as a way of honoring their service as well.
These days you can find me photographing the sites and peoples in the Southwest Virginia area. I enjoy photographing places with a story, especially historical sites. If you see me out there shooting, and you like my work, I would love for you to say hello. I have met some of the most interesting people in my travels. You'll hear some of their stories here real soon.
Fall is here in Southwest Virginia, and it is amazing. I'm hoping we get a hard freeze this winter and waterfalls like The Cascades freeze in place. I hope you enjoy the fall colors I have been able to capture, get out there and take it in for yourself, it won't be around for much longer.
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