About Me

I am a native North Carolinian living in Durham with my wife (a transplanted Californian), my son Isaac, and our dog. My photography began as a way of recording the life I saw around me and as a way to get to know the city and state that I lived in. As I continued to document the world and the people around me, my hobby became a passion. I enjoy shooting a variety of subjects, but catching people’s personalities and emotions in glimpses and fleeting moments is my favorite theme. I am deeply interested in the human condition and even most of my landscapes include some anthropological element. I strongly prefer black and white, with the photography of 40s and 50s celebrities, along with Dorothea Lange and Henri Cartier-Bresson, being some sources of inspiration. When not out with my camera, I enjoy hiking, cooking, eating, and spending time with my family (though sometimes the camera comes out for that stuff, too!)

Photography

The photos on this site were shot with a variety of equipment including a Nikon D70, D200, and D300, and most recently a Canon 1D-MarkIII and a Canon 5D — by far my favorite body. I shoot 100% digital because of the simplified workflow, but can shoot film as well, upon request. I enjoy film, but find much more control and efficiency in the digital darkroom (but, of course, sacrifice the contact high from darkroom chemicals). I use Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop for all my processing.

If you like what you see, I am available for hire for portrait sessions, weddings, engagement shoots, you name it. I love shooting on location, I love casual shoots, and I love natural light. Please get in contact with me through my contact page.

Friends and sources of inspiration

• Amanda Van Scoyoc Painter, photographer, documentarian, friend, godmother.
• Canon Rumors Where I get the scoop and speculation on new and upcoming gear.
• David Christie Design Need some graphic design, web design, logo design, or help with some layout? Check out David’s work.
• Eli Van Zoeren The designer of this, and other, well-thought out websites. Eli is also a great godfather to my son, and a photographer, to boot.
• Luminous Landscape A good resource for mainly Canon and Medium Format gear reviews. Michael Reichmann also provides interesting commentary on the state of the industry.
• Mute A photoblog of a Canadian in Toronto whose work I like and follow regularly.
• Onexposure Ponderous and artsy photographs that range from photographs to digital art. A great source for moody photography.
• Tamara Lackey Photography A great local wedding and portrait photographer. Nationally known, Tamara also works with Rachel Garrison, a good friend, a great photographer, and an occasional co-worker.
• Thom Hogan A Nikonian, but also a great source of information about camera gear and technique.