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My professional career really started in Hollywood in 1980 when I took a job managing a small camera store on the sunset strip. Right next door was the studio of one of the most eccentric people I have ever met, Hungarian Photographer Martin Szipal (Martin S. Martin as he was known in Hollywood). I began hanging out with watch him and sometimes assisting him in both the studio and the darkroom. Martin was a genius and we somehow connected and I learned so much from him.
I started taking my cameras to shows I would attend at clubs like the Palomino Club in North Hollywood, or the Troubadour. That lead to odd jobs shooting live music for a few prominent public relations firms. I photographed concerts of performers like Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Neil Diamond, Willie Nelson, Emmylou Harris and more. I also Freelanced for a entertainment columnist in the LA Herald Examiner at this time. In my portraiture I strive to create a connection with my subject and when that happens a sort of magic is communicated to the viewer. As for working with musicians and artist, I absolutely love it, I admire all artist anyway and I love that they come to the session with creative ideas and are open to mine. I still love photographing musicians on stage and have done several CD covers for some local musicians. |
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Why so much black and white and so little color? For me, black and white captures the message that lies beneath the surface of color. I do reach for color when the image demands it. I am always open for different ways to approach my art, it's what drives me creatively.