BIO

Throughout my life, I've always admired photographic works from the sidelines. It never occurred to me that I should try it out myself. The thought of me doing something as complicated as photography seemed impossible; after all, there was no way I could ever be as good as the photographers I've seen so far.

It was sometime back in February 2007 when I stumbled across a very talented photographer's myspace page, and immediately became engrossed in her fashion works. Greatly inspired, I took my Polaroid a310 (a very crappy camera to say the least, but what would you expect from something that was only 87 bucks?) and started taking photos of random objects and places. Needless to say, the images came out terrible (I dunno if it was because of me or the camera, but I'm more inclined to blame the camera ;P). However, it was my passion for taking photos that my lack of knowledge in the field of photography didn't stop me from using my camera.

I later organized my first photoshoot with two of my friends (Diny as the lovely model, and Adrian, the talented make up artist). Unfortunately, due to the poor quality of my camera and the lighting in my house, the images were not what I was looking for. Though the experience was a lot of fun, I wished I had gotten something good out of it, especially since Diny and Adrian had put a lot of effort into the shoot.

Thankfully, I finally received my first DSLR in December of 2007. The moment I got it, I was hooked! Still, my knowledge in photography was lacking tremendously (for a while, I'd just take photos without really knowing what I was doing), but I was keen to master my camera as best as I could, even if I had to consult my camera's manual frequently before taking a shot.

It wasn't until early 2008 when things began to take off. I enrolled in my first photography course at Mountain View College and met a lot of incredible people in the process. Initially interested in the technical aspect of using digital cameras and lenses, I was intrigued about stuff such as 'shallow depth of field' and 'shutter speed' and how I could use them to take better photos.

Little did I know that once I discovered the works of photographers like Jerry Uelsmann and Elena Chernenko (among many others), all of the technical knowledge I yearned to master would no longer be of importance to me. Subsequently, I started doing my photography as a form of art. A mere hobby I did occasionally quickly grew into a creative outlet that enabled me to express my thoughts and emotions through photographic imagery.

With a decent camera at my disposal, I started organizing shoots with models via modelmayhem. The many photoshoots allowed me to gain more experience, not only with working with models, make up artists, hair stylists, etc., but with mastering my camera as well.

My roster of clients includes Blue Light Pictures, Tum-Dii Designs, Sherrill Hotrods Assoc., Maribelle Maquillage, High Voltage Glamour, and Booksurge Publishing.

Born 1989, San Bernardino County, California
Currently live in Dallas County, Texas
Use Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi, 18-55mm kit lens, 50mm f/1.8, 35mm f/2, 60mm f/2.8

FAQ

Are you studying photography or are you self taught?
I am mostly self taught, but I took a course in both digital & analog photography at my college.

What inspired you to be a photographer?
I've always been interested in art. Even as a kid, I'd draw anything & everything. The thought about doing photography never even crossed my mind until I browsed the internet for art one year and it inspired me to want to try it myself.

When did you start taking photographs?
I started sometime around March of 2007.

What Equipment do you use?
I currently use the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi with Canon lenses (18-55mm f/3.5-5.6, 50mm f/1.8, 35mm f/2 & 60mm f/2.8). I use mainly natural light but shoot with a basic Smith Victor studio kit when indoors.

Your first camera?
My first ever point-and-shoot camera was a 3.2 megapixel Polaroid.

Where do you get your inspiration?
I get most of my inspiration from dreams/nightmares, music, movies, stories, art, etc.

Do you have your own studio or work at home?
My small studio is based in my own home, so yes I work from home. I also have access to a studio in Arlington.

Do you shoot on location or indoors?
I prefer shooting on location; you get a lot of freedom and scenery makes your photographs much more interesting. I am not a fan of shooting on plain backgrounds but I do have a studio available for commissioned purposes.

Where do you get your models?
When I first started out my models were mostly friends and family. I'm lucky enough to have a few reliable models I use very often on a TFP basis. Other models were met through networking sites such as myspace/flickr/modelmayhem or past clients I have worked with.

Who does the make-up and styling?
I often work with various make up artists and stylists per shoot.

Can I license your work?
Yes, my work is available for image licensing but you will need to contact me with details of what it will be used for. I will then send you an estimated price and a small contract for you to fill in.

Do you sell prints? Where can I buy your work for my home?
Yes, I'm selling quite a few prints here.

Do you edit your pics? If so, what program do you use?
Yes, I edit my images. All my photos go through post processing in Adobe PhotoShop CS3 Extended before they're classed as finished pieces.

How do you take photographs of yourself?
Simple, if your camera has a timer function, set it on self timer and get into place. Self-portraiture is really hard and it involves a lot of guess work. It's also time consuming and a real let down if you don't obtain the photo you were hoping for.

Which photographers do you admire?
There's way too many photographers I look up too.. Jeffery Scott, Eugenio Recuenco, Nadya Lev, Floria Sigismondi, Cindy Sherman, Julian Knight, Man Ray, David LaChapelle, Annie Leibovitz, Melanie Pullen, Francesca Woodman, Elena Chernenko.. to name a few.

I'm starting out in photography, any advice or tips?
I'm actually an aspiring photographer myself, but I found that the best way to learn is to shoot, and keep shooting. There's only so much school can teach you; it can guide you through the technical aspects of photography and help you gain exposure, but learning through personal experience will help develop both your own distinctive style as well as your eye for composition (the lighting, the framing, the minute details, etc.) If you ever experience creative-block, just flip through magazines, browse online galleries, etc. to stir up some ideas of your own, and get that inspiration you need to shoot. Practice with your friends and family, experiment with various photographic styles, and find what works best for you :)