As a photojournalist, I strive to use photography in the literal Greek sense – “to write with light” – to communicate ideas, capture the essence of events, and make images that reveal the unexpected, instill compassion, and celebrate life. The enjoyment I find in exploring the rich diversity of people, and sharing that experience in a visually compelling way, is the essence of my work as a photographer.

As an artist, I venture outside of traditional photojournalism. I love to experiment with mixed media, which allows for a wide range of creative expression.  This includes my portrait photography work.

Graduating from East Texas State University in 1989 with a B.S. in photography and a minor in art, I began working as a staff photographer for the Branson Daily News, in Branson, Mo. Since then I have held staff photographer positions at other newspapers across the country, while freelancing for several other publications and advertising agencies. Clients include: The Washington Post, The Baltimore Sun, The Borenstein Marketing Group Inc., The National Neighborhood Coalition, Color Techs Inc., Innovative Business Technology, InfinityQS International, Associated Press, Dublin News Group, The Copeland Group, Lighthouse Design, Gallery of Fame, Wayne Newton Publications, Imax Theatres, Mel Tillis Theatre, Americana Theatre, Brenda Lee Productions, Inc., Jim Stafford Theatre, Silver Dollar City, Roy Clark Theatre, Destination Branson, Mutton Hollow Entertainment Park, The Branson Arts Council, Hollister Discovery Center, 2G Design Inc., Country Inn, Gallery of Fame, and the Fanne Mae Foundation. My work has also been published in many other news outlets including, The New York Times, Boston Globe, The Indianapolis Star, Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times, and The Oregonian.

 

Accomplishments

Accepted as a participant “Truth With a Camera Workshop” 2007

First-Place award for best multimedia production project.

Region Five National Press Photographer Monthly Clip Contest Quincy Herald-Whig

Second-Place Feature/Single Pictures (Nationals)

First-Place Feature/Single Pictures

First-Place Feature/Multiple Pictures

Second-Place Feature/Multiple Pictures

First-Place Feature/Single Pictures

First-Place Feature/Multiple Pictures (Nationals)

Department of Defense Combined Forces Thomas Jefferson Awards 2001

First-Place Civilian /Contract Photographer of the Year

United States Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Merit Awards 2001

First-Place Civilian /Contract Photographer of the Year

Department of Defense Combined Forces Thomas Jefferson Awards 2000

First-Place Civilian /Contract Photographer of the Year

United States Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Merit Awards 2000

First-Place Civilian/Contract Photographer of the Year

Region Seven NPPA Monthly Clip Contest Sedalia Democrat

Second-Place Feature/Multiple Pictures

Second-Place Feature/Single Pictures

Third-Place Feature/Multiple Pictures

Region Seven NPPA Monthly Clip Contest Branson Daily News

First-Place Feature/Single Pictures

Second-Place Feature/Single Picture

Third-Place Feature/Multiple Pictures

Third-Place Feature/Single Pictures

Third-Place Feature/Multiple Pictures

Missouri Press Association

First-Place Best Photo Essay/Dailies

Third-Place Best Photo Illustration/Dailies

First-Place Best Coverage of Rural Life & Agriculture/Dailies

Honorable Mention Best Photo Package/Dailies