Why photography?
I didn’t start out as a photographer. I actually started as military musician and retired from the United States Air Force Band after 20+ years. I got into photography during that time.
But I digress….
My “Why” Story: A short few years ago, a young woman called me to book a session. It was sorta business as usual. A few days later and in between the time she booked and the actual session, she learned she had Stage 4 Colon cancer at 35 years old.
Well, we went through with the session anyway along with her awesome husband, and we had a grand ole time! Not to bury the lead, but she died only a few short months later.
At the funeral, large prints of that day were stationed throughout the event and on that very day, the question as to why I do what I do was answered very succinctly to me.
I used to question and wonder if why I did made any difference to people, but after that day, I never questioned it again.
I want to bring all of this to you, and it’s my solemn promise to always do so.
I guess Marketing 101 dictates that I need to brag on myself. That is not something I like to do, but I’ll share it with you in case you’re curious:
I received my “Certified Professional Photography (CPP) in 2021 (there are aren’t many in the DC area who have this) and I’m also a member of the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) and the Virginia Professional Photographers of America (VPPA). I just got re-certified for CPP in 2025.
2022 - Virginia Professional Photographers of America (VPPA) - Illustrative Portrait - Court of Honor
2022 - Virginia Professional Photographers of America (VPPA) - Commonwealth Collection
2022 - Virginia Professional Photographers of America (VPPA) - “Zooming Through Paradise” - Merit Collection
2022 - Virginia Professional Photographers of America (VPPA) - “Take Me to Your Leader” - Merit Collection
2022 - Professional Photographers of America (PPA) - “Kindred Pair, Lighter Than Air” - Imaging Excellence
2022 - Professional Photographers of America (PPA) - “In the Valley of Molten Desolation” - Imaging Excellence
2022 - Professional Photographers of America (PPA) - “Thespian Bisection” - Merit Collection
2023 - Virginia Professional Photographers of America (VPPA) - Merit Collection x 3!
2023 - PPA Merit Image Review - “Helix Rising” - Merit Collection
2023 - PPA Merit Image Review - “Maestroso” - Merit Collection
2023 - PPA Merit Image Review - “Split Conductor” - Merit Collection
2024 - Virginia Professional Photographers of America (VPPA) - Best Portrait of a Man
2024 - Virginia Professional Photographers of America (VPPA) - Court of Honor Portrait of a Man
2024 - Court of Honor - Commercial Industrial
2024 - PPA Merit Image Review - “Leader of the Band” - Merit Collection
2024 - PPA Merit Image Review - “Vampire Slayer” - Imaging Excellence
2024 - PPA Merit Image Review - “Zenfully Carved” - Merit Collection
2025 - VPPA Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) Award.
2025 - Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) Renewal
