My path to photography was not planned and somewhat askew. My education was technical which caused my approach to photography to be one of equipment first. With the arrival of my first son I began to investigate what made a good image at which point the pieces began to drop into place. One day at a niece's wedding I was watching the interaction of the photographer and the wedding party when I realized that the opportunity to purse a craft that included interacting with people, creativity and technical acumen was right before me. 

I love the geeky side of photography. Understanding how the equipment works is not only necessary for great photographs but is just plain interesting to me. 

The creative side of photography is fascinating. To be able to see possibilities that are not obvious, to wonder how the play of light can be used to emphasize a brides emotions, to find an angle that combines elements that tell a story is endlessly challenging.

Equipment

I use Nikon equipment for all my work. Nikon has been in my family since my father first bought one of these. My primary body is the D200 with a D70s backup. The D70s has a very high flash sync speed which is useful for outdoor flash photography while still maintaining large apertures and a shallow depth of field. What’s more, with a little chicanery, you can trick the D70s into even higher flash sync speeds.

I work with the AF-S VR Zoom ED 70-200 f/2.8 IF lens for many of my captures. Works well in low light, captures very sharp images, has VR for slow shutter speeds when needed and produces outstanding bokeh. Most of the time thought I am working with the "Beast" as it is known in Nikon circles. A mix of SB800 and SB600s are typically used for lighting. Most of the time the flash stays on the camera or on a bracket but when time allows I like to get the flashes off the camera using Nikon CLS .

Client Testimonials

"WOW!! You got those pictures up quick! We greatly appreciate it! 
I can't tell you how much we enjoy working with you. We are thrilled we chose you."
- Dee & Chris

Holy Cow John! I just went through the latest pics you've put up on 
the web! 1100? Are there much more? Just curious. That's a lot of pictures. 
We just LOVE them!! I just don't know how we are going to pick some over the others. 

It's unreal how many pictures there are. It's also amazing that you and Dan managed 
to catch every part of the day. I am seeing things, you and Dan caught that Chris 
and I missed! Thank you so much for everything.
- Dee & Chris

"...you did such a great job, we love them!!! ... Again, thank you so much and we love the pictures."
- Autumn & RP

"Thanks. Everyone loves the pictures. It is going to be hard to choose."
- Tracy & Maurice

"Thanks, John!  These pictures look great--we are so happy that you are our photographer!"
- Leslie 

"Thank you John. 

You have been awesome to work with and anyone that needs a photographer, you are the person that I will
definitely recommend. I cant wait to see the rest of the pictures and look forward to doing business with
you in the future." 

- Dominca