When we work together…
Choosing a documentary photographer based on photos on a website or Instagram alone isn't really ideal, especially considering the unique and personal nature of this work.
I often go over this during our first phone call when we get to know one another, but I'd like to share it here as well.
It’s about the moment.
There's a lot of talk about different styles when it comes to photography, but I think it has less to do with aesthetics and more to do with what the photographer is interested in capturing.
Photography is a singular pursuit, and a photograph tells as much about the scene or the people in the image as it does about the photographer who took it.
For me, what I find interesting are the genuine human moments that unfold. Whether that's the emotional connections at a wedding, the traditions and rituals within your cultures, the collaborative energy at a corporate event, or the impact of a community program on the people it serves.
The way I photograph has been refined over 20+ years of doing this work. Each event is different, each group of people acts differently from the next, and the overall atmosphere affects the images I shoot. Not every event provides the opportunity to capture some of the very close and candid images you see here.
Each event is different, so each set of photographs I make represents the individuality of that moment.
Genuine moments are fragile.
It's actually quite impossible to photograph an event without any sort of involvement on my part. Just the fact that I'm there alters things slightly as people act a certain way knowing someone is documenting.
However, there are many times throughout the day where I am simply a quiet observer. During this time, I do not interrupt, direct or ask you to perform in any sort of way so that I can get a shot. If I want genuine images of moments, the only way to do that is to observe and record.
The day isn’t a formal photo shoot.
There are many photographers, and for that matter, many clients who want direction, who crave it, and who want to create a curated version of their event. I respect that, and if that's your thing, there are plenty of photographers who make that type of work.
What I do though is far more personal, resulting in a completely original one-of-a-kind set of photographs that can never be duplicated in any way whatsoever.
I don't pose or tell you to act certain ways. If something happens in front of me that I didn't capture, I don't stop the moment and ask everyone to repeat themselves. I work closely with you, experiencing the day as you are, and as you've planned it.
For wedding clients, this means your day stays focused on the time you spend with your guests, not posing and manufacturing moments for the photographer.
For corporate and government clients, this means your stakeholders, employees, or community members remain engaged in the authentic experience of your event, while I document the genuine impact and human stories that support your communications and engagement goals.
An overview about me and my approach to documentary photography.
I'm a documentary photographer who captures very intimate, personal and real photographs of people. Since 2003 I've been photographing weddings and corporate events like this locally as well as abroad.
I'm a dad of three kids, married over twenty years, and dog walker to two furballs.
My approach to documentary photography is simple really — it starts with connection. The way I work is close, so getting to know one another is important.
On the day of your event I'm there with you, experiencing it and capturing images from my point of view so that you'll have images to tell your own stories for years to come.
My unobtrusive "first person's style" of documentary photography works perfectly for:
Couples who are looking for a photography experience that's all about the moments they share with their guests, not staged portraits
Organizations who need authentic visual stories that showcase the human side of their work, engage stakeholders, and support meaningful communications
My portfolio showcases my aesthetic and what I look for during the day, and the images are a clear representation of my overall approach to this work.