“You don't make a photograph with just a camera. You bring to the act of photography all the pictures you have seen, the books you have read, the music you have heard, and the people you have loved.”
What I love most about photography are the intimate moments when your lens allows you to focus on something so intently that it feels like you are the only one in the world seeing it. I love what focusing into a lens does by bringing me awareness of the moment, a steady calmness and more importantly a grace that comes with knowing that each person is trusting you enough to let you into their most intimate and special moments.
For this wedding it was particularly special because it was a friend of mine I hadn’t seen since high school. She had moved abroad to study and met her now husband when she was travelling and studying in Turkey. She told me she had always followed my work and would love if I could capture her special day. The ceremony was held ever romantically on Valentines Day, on a private beach in Mexico. The bride and groom’s closest family and friends gathered for their intimate sunset wedding. I saw friends I hadn’t seen for years, everyone now in their adulthood getting ready for the next phases of their life.
Every time I think about my journey as a photographer I think how interesting it is that one item/tool (a camera) has brought me so much adventure, mystery, passion and comfort. As soon as I picked up a camera and started expressing my self through photos and film, a whole world opened up to me and with it, great lessons I had never experienced before. I feel very lucky to know that my work not only sustains and supports me, but that others as well can feel emotion and comfort from it.
I think being an artist can be one of the hardest professions because art is subjective and you have to believe in yourself and your vision very clearly to understand the power it holds. Whatever your art is, photography, film, cooking, designing, writing, teaching, the most special thing you can offer is your own unique prospective on the subject and producing what feels right to you!
Whenever I am shooting, I’m always looking for those candid moments in between the more choreographed shots. The candid moments are always my most favorite and surprising, it’s the moments when you see the most natural emotions. Depending on the location we are shooting and what the feel is of the photo will depend on the way I stylize and conceptualize my ideas. I try to take photos that inspire me, so they can reach out to others as well. Currently I work between Los Angeles and San Diego where I am a freelance photographer as well as film producer. I am fortunate enough to be around some of the most amazing people as my camera continues to lead me into my own next phases of goals in life. Please get in touch if you are interested in working together!
Website www.daysofthelion.com
You do the best photographies ever! Most pictures are only worth a thousand words... Your are worth 7 billions!
Beautiful work. I love all of these!