About Me
Over the past twenty years, my experiences working on and around the Chesapeake Bay have instilled in me a love and respect for its natural wonders, heritage, lore and most of all, its rich traditions.
From the deck of a research vessel, I've studied and experienced the Bay since graduating from college in 1992. My profession has provided me the opportunity to spend a great deal of time out on the water year-round - involved in a multitude of activities ranging from sampling fish to dredging crabs. During that time, my respect and love for the Chesapeake Bay and all that it embodies has grown with each passing day.
Since moving to Annapolis in 1999, I've continued work on the Chesapeake Bay, albeit in a slightly different capacity - that of a web designer. Over the past seven years, I've led the development and oversight of several information-rich, educational, Bay-focused websites. However, it's a little hard to continue the connection with the Bay behind a computer - thus the pursuit of Bay photography.
My Work & Philosophy
With the fast pace of life in the 21st century, I feel that it's important to slow down and notice the small beautiful details of life. Photography is my outlet for doing just that - a form of meditation in many ways.
There's nothing that compares to the solitude of a Bay marsh in the early morning - watching a blue heron quietly wading in search of prey or a raft of dabbling ducks diving in Bay grasses in search of food. It's in the incredible wetlands, tributaries, refuges and parks of the Bay that I've been able to hone my photographic skills, tracing the footsteps of the greats like Warren and Bodine and, but also trying to find my own identity at the same time.
While there's no denying the beauty of the Chesapeake - there's also no denying that we're in a very precarious position in its history. I feel that one of my most important roles as a Bay photographer is to capture compelling scenes that I can bring back to share with others. My intent is to evoke an emotion, create a connection, and garner an appreciation of the Chesapeake - with hopes that it will lead to the individual choices we all must make to help restore and protect this resource.
As you browse through my collection of photographs, you'll quickly notice a number of images of Bay workboats, blue crabs and scenic wetlands - places and traditions that define the Chesapeake Bay and make it truly a unique national treasure. Also, there are photos of birds, some of which use Bay marshes and wetlands as stopovers on their migrations, activities such as kayaking and sailing, and recognizable landmarks such as the Thomas Point Shoal lighthouse and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.
I sincerely hope you enjoy the photos as much as I enjoyed getting out there and capturing them. Please contact me if you have any interest in purchasing a print or using an image in a publication -- or simply want to talk photography.
Exhibitions
I've exhibited my work in a number of locations in and around Annapolis, Maryland including Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, the Annapolis Maritime Museum and the Willow Gallery at Quiet Waters Park. My work has been chosen and won awards in a number of juried shows.
Clients
Whole Foods, Hyatt Regency, Shoppers Food Warehouse, What's Up Magazine, Chesapeake Bay Trust, National Park Service, U.S. Senate, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
Equipment
I photograph exclusively in the digital medium. I also shoot with mostly Canon gear, and have had great luck with their equipment.
But, as you'll hear on most photography websites, the gear doesn't make the photographer - an eye for composition, good technique and a willingness to take chances are all important keys to getting good images. But, good equipment doesn't hurt.
Below is a short list of my camera gear. Trust me, you never have enough.
- Canon EOS 1D Mark III digital SLR
- Canon EOS 10D digital SLR
- Canon EF 75-300mm f/2.8 IS telephoto lens
- Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.5-5.6L lens
- Canon EF 100mm f/4L macro lens
- Canon EF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens
- Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 lens
- Canon 580EX II Speedlite E-TTL II
- Gitzo 2220 Aluminum Explorer Tripod
- Bogen / Manfrotto 3265 Grip Action Ballhead




