I guess my story starts right after high school. I was interested in photography but really never paid much attention to it. I’d play with a friends camera or maybe a little disposable one but nothing more. With the first paycheck from a new job I decided to buy something big.
I remember thinking about buying camera and how it all seemed reachable now. It made sense since I’d have a steady cash flow and could afford film and processing. I’d give it a shot and either way it would be good to have one around. With that first check I bought a friends old Canon SLR.
Most of my buddies were and pretty much still are in bands. This ended up being a big influence on me. Tagging along as they played small local shows I’d help set up, bring in equipment and the such. I’d bring my camera along too and take a couple rolls.
Shooting at these shows started being the thing I’d look forward to the most! The bands going crazy on stage, all the different people, hanging with my friends and doing something different. I felt like it all needed to be documented. It all felt like the most important time in my life so I took as many pictures as I could.
Today I’m still shooting bands and concerts. Though I’ve found no matter what I just want to interact and take pictures of people. I’ll play around with some landscapes. Maybe see something interesting and take a quick one of it. But I’m incredibly drawn to people.
I fell in love with portraits just as soon as I fell in love with live concert photography. Both are pretty much the same though in different environments and settings. Nothing beats the one on one interaction of a portrait shoot. Though you still can’t beat getting beer thrown at you and dodging stage divers while shooting at a local punk rock show.
Most of my inspiration comes from this field of photography. Mainly Glen E. Friedman who is in many ways the eyes of the early hardcore punk generation. His books filled with pictures from punk rock shows, rappers and skateboarders from the mid 80’s left me speechless.
Every day I take pictures. Sometimes only with my iPhone. Though often not taken seriously I feel shooting with my iPhone has helped make me a better photographer. I freelance for a local arts and entertainment magazine here in Chicago and am always on the lookout for more work. Along with other freelance projects I’m currently working on my own. My new online portfolio/blog has given me a new outlet for all my different work and interests in the photography world.
Photography has given me an outlet and insight into my own life that nothing else could. I hope to keep shooting and keep exploring on a daily basis.
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