How would you describe your photography?

I would say that my photography blends the editorial considerations of composition and light, with the documentary priorities of authenticity and naturalness.

How long have you been a photographer?

I have been making images professionally for 17 years. I started making photos the last year that I was studying art at Emily Carr University, and within a few months of starting, people were already hiring me for record albums and author shots.

What do you suggest if people are uncomfortable in front of the camera?

Occasionally I work with people whose professions often have them in front of the lens, but mostly I work with people who don’t spend that much time in front of a camera. I usually keep reminding people to return to an awareness of their breath. Breathing adds depth, relaxation and vitality to an image, and it also works as an anchor to the present moment. I have also become quite adept at giving cues that people find helpful and encouraging. People come to understand that I am there to collaborate with them on authentic and beautiful images, and that this process can yield unexpected joys. I often refer to what we are doing as ‘playing the photo game.’ There is a lot of, “can we try this?”, “what about if we go over there…”. Good conversations during a session go a long way as well, and learning about peoples’ likes, and preferences really helps me understand what kind of images are going to be a satisfying delight to the people that I work with.

You often shoot outside, using natural light. Living in the wet, Pacific Northwest, what do you do on a rainy day?

Usually, leading up to a session I continually return to the forecast to make sure we have complimentary weather for the mood that a client wants to create in their images. For each shoot we usually pick a main date, with a back up date. For people that don’t have the flexibility to keep 2 dates open, I have found that there is usually a work around - either moving to a location with some shelter, or finding a time on the shoot day, where the rains aren’t that heavy. In all my history with image making, I have not found the weather to be disruptive, and many of my clients seem to appreciate this rogue element of the weather. We all tune into it in a special way! For weddings… clear umbrellas seem to get points for the win. They still let in the light, and they don’t disrupt the flow of the landscape. I think they actually have a romance of their own!

What is the process of booking in with you? Do you take a deposit for the session?

The best way to book with me is to send me an email. Then, I love to jump on a call, so I can best understand the purpose and the hopes people have for a session with me. We can decide on the best location to fulfill their vision, as well as what kind of wardrobe to prepare, and some fun things to do to feel ready for the session. This applies to my portraits, and my branding sessions, as well as my weddings. I then take a deposit to hold the day.

How do you deliver the images?

I use a wonderful portfolio service called Pic-Time, where people can download their images. They can also share a link with anyone who they would like to share their folder with.