My professional life before photography included 9 years in the State Legislature in the 90s, and then 25 years as an IT Director after that. Like a lot of photographers in the Pacific Northwest, photography started in the wilderness, with a camera and a backpack. Around seven years ago, my interests began to shift from landscapes to people.

My role as a photographer is more personal than technical. Making a portrait is about the subject not the camera, and definitely not the photographer. I think alot about my need for humility and respect. Most people feel not only vulnerable, but oddly ‘subject’ to the photographer. Not in my studio. My interactions and respect communicate an easy peer relationship and collaboration.

I’m very transparent. What I’m looking for are moments where you forget the camera and are just being yourself. Those are the images that will stand out. It’s a lot to ask, for you to step into the light, “just relax and forget the camera.” So, how do we get there?

For headshots in the Express Session, we begin taking images and reviewing them together on a large monitor, and we talk about what’s working and not working. The session becomes a collaboration, and inevitably, you relax and we capture some genuine moments. In a longer session, there’s more time to allow yourself to forget about the camera and the process. It isn’t about posing or thinking about how you look; it’s an effort to allow yourself to be seen, which can take time. In either session, I’m looking for unguarded moments – mining for them, lighting them, capturing them.

My clients have been from all walks of life – actors, small business owners, real estate agents, executives, professionals, aspiring politicians, authors, surgeons, judges. They’re usually at a turning point or entering a new role. Some are updating their websites. Some have never had a professional headshot, and others are simply updating theirs.

I’m a member of Professional Photographers of America, and an associate with Headshots Matter, an industry community of portrait photographers worldwide.

Review session types and book a session→

You can call me, 253-330-8802 (option 2 – this is a shared auto-attendant with my wife’s business), or send a message below, and I’ll respond ASAP.