Frequently Asked Questions
What gear do you use?
From 2013-2020, I used a Canon 6D with a Sigma 35mm f/1.4 lens 90% of the time. In 2020, I upgraded to a Canon 5D Mark IV and have been photographing people with a Sigma 24-105 f/4 lens, and product with the same 24-105 and my Canon 100mm f/2.8 macro lens. For conceptual portraits taken outside or in studio, I find that a low aperture is less important, since my work isn’t focused on bokeh/shallow depth of field, and I usually have plenty of available light.
HOW Do you choose to expose your photos?
Personally I enjoy exposing for the highlights (making sure the brightest detail in the photo is preserved) and raising the shadows later, to give it that nice low-contrast look. So I do shoot under-exposed, technically. Your own choice should depend on your camera's ability to handle shadow detail and your editing workflow. I just got into the rhythm of raising shadows, and it stuck!
Did you study photography?
I took one class in high school and one in college, though the one in college was mostly theoretical – lots of abstract ideas about truth and art. I wouldn't attribute my current knowledge of photography to either of those classes – rather years of practice. School is valuable, of course, but I recommend studying something else that's interesting to you and just learning as you go with photography.
How do you edit your photos?
I use Lightroom for cataloging, comparing, and initial toning, and I use Photoshop for clean-up, color manipulation, and graphic elements. I have my own presets, which are available for sale here. You can also check out my YouTube channel for lots of editing tutorials.
Do you have other resources for photographers?
Yes! I'm always adding new content. You can check out my blog for photographers, my YouTube channel, and various interviews on my about page. I also have some photography courses available for purchase.
Do you offer individual portrait sessions?
I offer a limited number of individual portrait sessions each year starting at $2800. My current focus leans more toward creative projects and commercial photography.
Where do you get your inspiration?
This is probably the hardest question for me! It's hard to pinpoint where my inspiration comes from. Rather than one main source, I'd say it's a conglomerate of little bits of inspiration that I come across daily. Maybe it's a new location that I drove past on my way to the grocery store, or a mural I saw on a building. An outfit can inspire an entire shoot! I like to take an interdisciplinary approach to inspiration - using music, other art forms (and other artists), nature, and color to just feed my mind and gradually form a more specific vision. There have been a few shoots where all I had in mind was the location and a general color scheme for the stylist, and I actually worried about not having a more concrete concept. But they ended up being amazing shoots because I got inspired on the spot! For example, the shoot I did with Quinn was like that. After we started shooting, I had this vision of a rebellious housewife running around her too-perfect neighborhood without shoes and wearing a slip. Almost like a dream state. And that shoot, which started out without much of a concept, turned into one of my favorites ever!
CAN I MODEL FOR YOU?
I’m always looking for new faces to shoot! I need people of all sizes, skin tones, ages, and abilities. Experience isn’t always necessary, but you do need to be comfortable in front of the camera. Most of my shoots take place in the San Francisco Bay Area, but when I do travel, I often like to do test shoots while I explore a new spot. Please reach out and send me your location, current measurements, height, a selfie or headshot taken in good lighting, and a full-body shot.
I also need parts models for product shoots! Hands and feet of all skintones. Please reach out and send a few photos if you’re local to the Bay Area, so I can add you to my roster.