How did your passion for photography start? What came first, a love for photography or the outdoors? Where were you born, and what did you like doing as a child? Were your parents or friends an influence?
My passion for photography started in my early teens. I grew up in Hood River, Oregon, a small town surrounded by mountains, rivers, and trails. Back then, I was kind of a weird kid (still am), and I was completely immersed in skateboarding, snowboarding, and mountain biking. Those sports were seen as fringe at the time, which made me love them even more.
My dad gave me his old Pentax film camera, and I started shooting photos of my friends skating and riding. I had no idea what I was doing, but I was hooked. That led to photography classes, hours in the darkroom, and eventually diving headfirst into the world of image-making. It all felt like a natural extension of the life I was already living outside.
Why did you choose to photograph adventures and people in the outdoors?
Outdoor sports and exploring have always been part of who I am. I was lucky to have parents who introduced me to that world early on. Camping, hiking, and always seeing what was around the next bend was how I grew up. That curiosity and need to be outside has never really left me. Photography just became the way I process and share that experience. It’s how I make sense of those wild moments and places.
What do you enjoy about photography?
I love the unexpected moments and happy accidents. It’s not always about perfection, it’s about feeling something. For me, creating is essential. If I go too long without making something, I start to feel like I’m drying up inside. Photography keeps me moving, both creatively and physically.
What do you focus on while composing your shots? Is mood or vibe important to you? How do you try to capture that in an image?
I’m often trying to simplify what’s in front of me. There’s so much happening in nature that it can feel chaotic. My goal is to highlight a subject or moment while still pulling in the character of the landscape. In action sports, body language is everything. It tells the story in a split second.
Mood definitely matters. Whether it’s a soft fog rolling through trees or harsh afternoon light on a ridgeline, I want the image to feel like you’re standing there. Sometimes that means stepping back and letting things unfold instead of forcing the shot.
Would you say the camera is a “ticket” to adventure?
Yes and no. Adventure happens whether or not you have a camera on you. Some of the purest experiences I’ve had were far away from any gear or agenda. But at the same time, photography has been a passport. It’s taken me to places I never imagined going. Having a camera is a great excuse to get out the door and look at the world differently. And you end up capturing not just the beautiful parts, but the real stuff too—the challenges, the mishaps, the weird in-between moments.
Have you ever had any dangerous or surprising experiences while shooting?
Plenty. I’ve seen crashes, concussions, avalanches, exhaustion—you name it. But one story that always sticks with me happened on the island of Guam. I was exploring a reef about a quarter mile offshore, walking along a cliff edge. I came across a man floating face up in the water, unconscious, bleeding, and choking. I pulled him out and yelled to my friend on the beach to call paramedics. They eventually came and took him away, and my friend and I just stood there, speechless, trying to process what had just happened. I never found out what became of him.
Is there a specific environment or type of activity you’re especially drawn to? Any place you'd recommend visiting?
Mountains and snow. Always. It doesn’t matter if it’s a massive peak or a small backcountry zone. It’s a different world up there. The mountains are unpredictable, wild, and moody. They challenge your patience, your energy, and your decision-making. That’s why I keep going back.
Do you have any advice for readers who are passionate about outdoor or adventure photography?
Be ready for anything, and don’t force your vision over what’s actually happening in front of you. The best images usually come from real, unplanned moments. Let the story unfold naturally, and your photos will reflect that honesty. Gear and settings matter, but they’ll never be as important as awareness and instinct.
