2018 LEGO Promo Mailer

Once a year, I send out personalized promotional mailers to current and prospective clients. The first time I gave it a go, back in 2010, they were an instant hit with not only the recipients, but within the photography community as well. Adding a personal touch such as a hand-written note, and piecing together a unique package raises more eyebrows than a basic 5×7″ postcard to say the least. Considering many of the people I do business with are extremely busy and surrounded by some of the most creative and innovative people in the world, this is my trojan horse.

Handmade 2014 Promo Mailer

Nearly 4 years have passed since my previous mailer. And let me tell you, a LOT has happened since then. My photography has matured, received more work, and made connections with bigger clients such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Pepsi, KFC, Porsche, STA-BIL, Harley-Davidson, etc. And now, I felt the time has come to accumulate my latest work and show it off… but if you know me, I don’t do simple.

What’s in your bag?

Why hello there. Nice shirt. What?? You would you like to get to know me better??? Maybe, take a peek inside my bag and see what I use?!? Well don’t you have a dirty mind!! But you did ask nicely… ziiiiiiiiiip

I don’t think I’ve displayed my photo equipment before, mainly because I don’t take much stock in the gear making the photographer. I believe that an aspiring mind is more important than any piece of camera equipment you can possibly own, because an aspiring mind will not ask questions like “how can I get that shot” or “how are you so successful” at a seminar; instead, he/she will already have the mindset that they CAN do it. In my experience, an eager mind coupled with setting goals will be able to purchase any camera gear in given time.

From SoCal to SoCar

After nearly 5 years living and working in Los Angeles, California, I found out my heart belongs in South Carolina. Funny how the place that you swear upon yourself that you will move away from as a child turns out to be the place that you eventually want to dig your roots deep. It was an insanely tough decision, which ultimately involved me jam packing up my little Scion xB with nearly everything I could fit in there, and drive 2,486 miles to my new destination.

Road trip mixed with Base Jumping

Last weekend I spontaneously drove across the Mojave desert with Bogart the foster dog to visit my Aunt and Uncle in Phoenix. Nothing too extraordinary. Growing up in the South where trees and grass dominate the landscape like love letters to Justin Bieber’s mailbox, it still fascinates me to drive through the desert. I usually drive at night to avoid the notorious LA traffic. But this time I drove there and back during daylight, with my camera and a 50mm lens.

Aiming at the Sun: Venice Beach, CA

For Luke Munnell’s birthday we randomly took a trip to Venice Beach, CA to see all the crazies. Even though the winds were gusting up to what felt like a Cat 4 hurricane sandblasting a layer of skin off our top layer, there were TONS of people walking the strip. Drum circles, men walking in nothing but silver briefs, crack heads, men dressed up as women, women dressed up as men, and marijuana doctors filled the strip… so naturally I tended to aim more UP at the sun, birds and unpopulated beach. If you enjoy people watching, this is ground zero for you!

LA on fire

Enjoy the sights from the rooftop of my new loft in downtown LA. Those aren’t clouds, that’s the San Fernando Valley getting smothered by ash. There’s a downside to having perfect non-rainy weather every day in SoCal, and you’re looking at it. The terrain gets so dry, a simple spark can set off a raging 1,000+ acre fire. Luckily the wind is playing in my favor and my lungs get to breath the natural polluted air of LA instead of thick burnt ash.

Wheels of Steel

Road biking is addictive. It’s a great way to stay/get in shape, and explore the area where you live. Tip, never ride far without a spare tube. I’ve been road biking for about half a year, and the San Gabriel riverbed is my main training ground. It stretches for nearly 50 miles without stoplights. I’ve heard of “gang activity” but haven’t seen anything shady going on… but hopefully my blistering speed on the Giant TCR will outrun their knives and guns! Nothing quite beats the feeling of going 30mph under your own power and hearing nothing but the wind passing by.