FEW WORDS ABOUT ME

Everyone’s life has these moments of joy, happiness that are like fireflies - they need to be captured, put in the bottle, be preserved and then proudly shown to others. How often you wanted to stop the time and savor this one moment? I know it happens to me and that’s when I reach for my camera, take a photo of this moment because I don’t always trust my mind to remember it, and remember it right. Of course it doesn’t stop the time but it creates a snapshot of the mood, specific time, people in that specific moment.

Creativity has always been a part of my life. I started playing guitar when I was 9, picked up piano on my own around 12, sang at times poorly, other times decently, played in bands with some very talented people, produced my own and other people’s music over the years. While I pursed music seriously, at some point I realized that I want to connect to people through some other means. One Saturday in the midst of the wedding season I joined my good friend photographer Joseph Kohn (owner of IQPhoto - one of top rated and established photo studios in the bay area) as he was shooting a wedding in Napa Valley. He gave me a camera, instructed me to not get on the way and just shoot whatever I wanted. Of course I got on the way, shot terrible images but I had an amazing time. I loved the adrenaline, the rush, I loved the emotions, being part of these very special moments for the couple and their guests. But most if all I loved the connection between the photographer and the people. Joseph really showed me the potential of being in unison with the people you’re shooting, trying to understand and guide them anyway you can. I realized it’s not simply just about artistic shots with unique angels (yes, these are cool, don’t get me wrong) but it’s about understanding the environment and people you’re shooting. It’s about being their real true friend even if you will not see them again. It’s about being genuinely curious and interested in these people. That stood out for me. I realized I wanted to be a photographer and get as good as I possibly could in this newly discovered craft. Now years later, with thousands of hours behind the camera, whether it’s a wedding, a portrait, an editorial or family shoot, I’m still as excited as in the beginning, but with more skills and tricks up my sleeve.