“I found that one thing that always makes me feel grounded; offering me a creative outlet and a sense of purpose (which took many years to discover). In becoming part of the photographic community, it connects me to something much greater than any singular goal.”

“Professionally, I’ve loved the culinary industry - Food, drinks, and the culture as a whole. There’s something satifsying about the experience of that collaboration with a chef, kitchen team, FOH and those involved in the vision.

Privately, and in a more quiet manner, I’ve always loved to photograph things in nature, including macro and timelapse. I have to include sports and live performance as preferred genres also, as they’ve been a great way to add another dimension to my event experience and photography work.”

“With the landscape of digital photography changing so rapidly, the introduction of video services as a package is a must. The percentage of online content now heavily favours videos (reels and shortform content), so it’s all about continuing to stay relevant in a fast-evolving market. The ‘comfort zone’ is a awful place to sit.

In addition, continuing with volunteer sessions in the community. It separates me from my typical photography and keeps me grateful for where I am in my life. To ignore gratitude, even amidst the challenging days, is a recipe to fail.”

“This is an answer that could fill pages of a novel. The biggest takeaway from 2024 is two-fold…

1. I’m more resilient than I thought.

2. I saw some good momentum from a year that put my expectations into perspective.

Ethan Suplee, an American actor stated it best…

• “I can remember being able to talk myself into or out of just about anything.
  Inertia seems to play the biggest role here for me. Inertia, the natural tendency of objects in motion to stay in motion and objects at rest to stay at rest. Just knowing this is one of the fundamental principles of classical physics has bolstered my excuse making.”

With that, there’s a simple yet profound idea that the only person responsible for MY success or failure is MYSELF. I can’t point at the economy and rant about its effects. I can’t shout at all the cellphone users that seem to be replacing food photographers. I have to adapt or get left behind. Just Keep On keepin’ On (as my grandma would say).”

“Learn how to use your gear with your eyes closed. Understand how to problem solve quickly and efficiently…If there’s a technical hiccup and the client is sitting next to you during the session, there’s no valid excuses - so know your stuff. Fix the issues.

Secondly, find the thing that suits your style the most and that will tend to result in being really satisfied with the outcomes. If there’s no love or creative vibes in the work you do, what’s the point?

Lastly, be respectful of the space that a photographer has worked incredibly hard to establish with a customer or recurring client. This means, do not, under any circumstances, try to under price a photographer just to get that client. It boils down to ethics… You’ll be respected for showing that initial awareness.”

“Yes. There’s no question that this will be the one that hits the hardest and really impacted me personally and as a guy with a camera. I won’t expand on it, as there’s a full story available HERE.”