After seeing my images many people wonder why these photographs look like paintings. The answer isn’t a simple one. Since graduating from Art Center College of Design (Los Angeles) in 1971 I’ve been earning a living in Photography. Because of this experience I can see potential in unusual subjects, and am able to capture images under challenging conditions. Another difference is a matter of philosophy. I approach a photograph as a painter approaches a canvas. The Image is the sacred element, not image integrity or detail. Anything captured by the camera that takes away from the essence of the image has to be dealt with. Typically I make hundreds of changes; simplifying, eliminating or exaggerating elements within an image. Each of these changes moves the image away from its photographic roots, and toward something a painter might create.
