I am an experienced visual artist and photographer with an “all or nothing” approach. In my late twenties I decided to take up bodybuilding, one reason was the challenge it posed. I pursed bodybuilding with my “all or nothing” approach because someone told me I didn’t have what it took to win … six years later I won a major bodybuilding championship, the 2009 Jr. USA in New Jersey.
During that time, I developed a passion for graphic design and photography. When I finally decided to hang up my bodybuilding career, I threw myself into design school with the same approach – all or nothing. I was actually told by one of my teachers my work would never amount to anything.
Hearing that again, it made me all more determined to make it. It wasn’t until last year’s PSW in Las Vegas I ran into the same teacher and I told him what a successful career I had. He told me I was only one out of a handful of students he had that were successful in their endeavors. Can you imagine him taking credit for my success? Please!
My first job in the graphic design field was working at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas Nevada. I designed and laid out their 50-page weekly newspaper. While my job consisted of mostly design work, I was asked one day if I could go out and do a photo shoot on the flight line. Wow! Was I excited! My taste for photography blossomed from there.
I mostly started shooting air shows, and since I worked on base and had a security clearance, I had access to a lot of places civilians usually weren’t allowed. In my three-year career at Nellis, I photographed some amazing pictures and people. Some of my photos were also featured on the Air Force News Web site and in Airman magazine, which is uncommon for a civilian. I also took home a few awards while working there.
After my three-year stint working on the base paper, I found a job as a graphic designer working for the government. While my first love is designing, I kept shooting photography on the side and got the occasional shoot at work. My favorite photo shoot however, was when my job needed aerial photos of the city where I live, Las Vegas, Nev. I got to ride in a police chopper with the doors off and hang out the window and shoot. Photographers dream! Talk about adrenalin rush!
I continue to shoot whenever I can. My inspiration comes from everywhere. I look at anything and think it’s a photo op! My motto is “The world is my canvas.”
I am also an avid animal lover! I have four dogs of my own. So my side hobby includes painting animals strictly digitally in Corel Painter. I love how this art takes me away from all the stresses of life.
I don’t know if you can say this is a problem or a gift, but I want to learn everything I can about all software and there simply isn’t enough time in the day to do it!
Though it may not be dangerous, I’m guessing that anyone that underestimates you would be seriously wrong 😉 Wonderful forward attitude and it shows in your work!
Incredible work. Some of the best I’ve seen. I know what you mean re wanting to learn about all of the software but not having enough time. Even so, it’s great to be alive when there is such a thing as “software”! (I found your work via Twitter, by the way.)
great motto to approach your work style. i don’t know why but it seems everyone around u seems so negative when it comes to pursuing photography. love your story.