Picking your family portrait photographer is not like picking out bath towels at a department store. You're investing in someone's skill as an artist, and you're choosing someone who will make beautiful portraits of your family, but also someone you feel comfortable with. The more comfortable you are with the photographer and the portrait session, the better the results!

 

So why choose me?

 

What My Clients Say About me:

In the image galleries and on the home page, you'll see testimonials from my clients. If you would like some referrals, so you can ask clients about their experiences with me, I'd be happy to provide them!

What Ventura County Says About Me:

The readers of the VC Reporter voted me "Best Photographer of Ventura County" two years in a row! Read about it here.
The readers of the Ventura County Star voted me "Best Photographer of Ventura County (West)"
They also voted me a "Favorite Photographer" for the east county area.

I'm extremely honored and humbled by the results of these readers polls!

I Guarantee My Work:

For some reason, most photographers don't guarantee their work. I find this a little odd...if you're good at what you do, than why wouldn't you guarantee it? And I take it a step further: I guarantee my work TWICE! Check out the details here.

What Do I Do?

I make images of people! Family and children's portraits, actor/entertainer headshots, corporate headshots, and commercial/fashion/modeling work. Contact me for pricing and services here.

Why Don't I Shoot Weddings?

Because I like weddings! Seriously, I've shot weddings before, and it's not what I do best. I'd much rather attend a wedding as a guest, and leave wedding photography to those who specialize in that area. I'm a portrait specialist; it's what I'm good at. So no, I won't shoot your wedding. I'm happy to recommend a photographer who fits your budget and style though, so just contact me. I will however make your engagement or wedding portraits if you'd like.

Where's My Studio?

I don't have one! I'm a location photographer, and I shoot in places that make my clients the happiest. Yes I've seen some really beautiful studio portraits, using fake props and fake backgrounds. But really, if you're trying to preserve a memory, why not do it in a place that you'll remember? The beach, a favorite park, or even your own home! (Yeah I know, you're thinking "ugh, my home??! You'd be surprised how nice a family portrait can look when made in someone's home.) And if you really need a studio-style shot, for example an executive headshot or elegant black background, I can do that anywhere. But most families love portraits in the outdoors, and so do I!

Who I Am:

I'm married and have two sons, ages six and three. I have lived in the city of Ventura for about five years, although my wife grew up here. I was originally born in Canada, lived in the US almost my entire life, and just became an American citizen in 2008.

Photography is my second career. Before that, I was in the music business for about fifteen years. Photography went from hobby to profession when I discovered I really enjoyed making portraits! Shooting landscapes and other types of photography was enjoyable, but it became an obsession when I put people in front of my lens in a serious way.

I love to learn new things. I'm always reading, studying, and researching. When I'm at the doctor's office, I page through women's magazines to study the photography and lighting in the ads. I love when my six year old asks me questions about how the world works: sometimes I know the answer, but when I don't, I equally enjoy looking it up with him in a book or online. But the best thing is showing my kids how things work!

I'm pretty silly when there are children around. Which is good, because it results in better photographs! People seem to think I'm funny, and I assume they're not talking about my looks.

And ultimately, I really care about each one of my clients. I know that sounds like an obvious thing to say, but it's not just talk. I limit my bookings so that I can make each portrait session an important project, and you won't ever just be a number, or my "Friday 3pm". I spend - literally - many hours preparing each image to be printed. While this is a digital age, what I do requires a lot of craftsmanship and intensive labor. It is, after all, art!

And yes, all that personal attention and obsession with detail means that I'm not the cheapest photographer around. But I wouldn't have it any other way. What drives me is seeing the expressions on my clients' faces when I hand them a portrait into which I've poured my heart and soul.

So are you thinking about having family portraits made? Let's meet, have some coffee, and talk about the possibilities. Contact me here.