Artist Statement

    I document visual moments of humanity, particularly of people whose lives would otherwise be bypassed by art and history.

    I study people. I like to know where they are, how they live, who they're with, what they do, and what type of person they are. I try to blend in and remain unnoticed as I work to capture the decisive moment that will encapsulate a person's life story in one image. That moment, saved from oblivion, will never repeat itself.

    It is important to me as an artist to present the viewer with soul-searching images that will spark a conversation.  What is this story about and how does it relate to your own life?

    My goal is to portray my subjects' environment, lifestyle, sorrows, triumphs and values in a dignified manner. If my pictures concurrently evoke compassion, admiration and introspection, I've done my job well.

    Furthermore, my photography is an agent for social and historical action. Most of the people I photograph have no one to record their stories; they have seldom seen a picture of themselves. I take the essence of their spirit and engrave it permanently in a tangible memory. Now I have something to give back. I present them with a visual moment of their lives—a timeless gelatin silver print. This is the most rewarding part of my craft.