It all started in Hollywood in 1980 when I took a job managing a small camera store on 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 him and 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, I absolutely love it, I admire musicians 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.
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.