APUG: How did you first become interested in photography?
Growing up it seemed as though my mother was always taking pictures of my brother and me, my cousins, pets or anyone else that would stand still long enough to endure the flash from her point and shoot. I’ve often joked that there are enough baby pictures of me to make a motion picture, with that background picking up a camera was a natural thing. I didn’t become interested in photography as anything more than a means of documentation until the spring of my high school graduation. I used some money I got as a gift to buy a 35mm slr. After a year’s worth of shooting and experimentation, I was hooked.

APUG: Do you have a job aside from photography, or do you make your living as a photographer?
I’ve spent time working as a portrait, wedding and even a product photographer. I never found it to be nearly as rewarding as making photographs on my own. About two years ago I became more focused on my personal work and made the move to large format. The slow, contemplative approach required by a view camera was a natural fit and everything else began to take a back seat. Not long afterward I made a commitment to my photography and a decision to stop all commercial work. I shot my last wedding on Oct 30, 2004. I’m currently working as a framer for an online gallery.

APUG: How often do you photograph?
This is an easy answer, I photograph whenever I can afford to. Because I don’t always have money for film I tend to work in spurts. The same could be said of my printing. My current darkroom is a bit cramped but I’ve been blessed with good friends who have not only allowed me to use their darkrooms but even sold me paper by the sheet!

APUG: What equipment do you use to make your photographs?
I use a Calumet C-1 view camera with various backs and adapters to make 8x10, 4x10 and 4x5 inch negatives. I’ve used one 12inch lens to make all the photographs I’m showing now but just picked up a 19inch lens from a fellow APUGer. I only make contact prints so I don’t own an enlarger, the rest of my darkroom equipment is mostly homemade.

APUG: What are your favorite types of subjects to photograph?
I tend not to think in terms of subject matter. My goal when making a photograph is to create something new and beautiful, the final print itself. In that way I view objects as tools in the process of making a picture more than subjects of the picture. When I choose to set up my camera I’m usually driven by a mixture of intuition and visual curiosity.

APUG: Is there a place that you would like to photograph but haven't visited
yet?
I’ve always wanted to photograph in the American west but have never been any farther that direction than Chicago. That will change in late January when I leave to photograph in California and Nevada. I’ll be traveling with a few other photographers and our plan is to visit Death Valley, Owens Valley and Mono Lake.

APUG: What is your favorite topic on APUG?
My favorite part of APUG is the gallery! While I enjoy reading the posts it’s the pictures that keep me coming back.

APUG: Do you have any hobbies or things you like to do aside from photography?
Photography is my passion and consumes much of my free time though I also love to read, spend time with family, friends and a good cigar.