Great Guitar

You have to see this guitar in person to understand the outstanding craftsmanship and beauty. Made by Grover Jackson, a living legend in electric guitars, and a very good client.

More guitars

More of Grover Jackson's wonderful guitars. It's hard for me to photograph them, because I want to play them all! 

Product Photography

Night Flight

This photo was created by painting and drawing with light, a photographic process that uses long exposures. Picasso and Matisse experimented with this medium in 1949, but they did not have the benefit of photoshop to enhance the image. I had a solo show at the University of Redlands earlier this year that displayed over fifty of my photographs that were created with this technique. You can see some of them on my other blog...   http://photomandalas.blogspot.com/

Man in a Box

This image of a man in box has been my most published and exhibited photograph, including the cover of "Psychology Today"and "Sciences"magazine. I built the box so that the model would touch all sides, giving the sense of being boxed in. A feeling we all get sometimes.

Travel

Travel photography is a continuing enjoinment for me. I first started when I worked as a staff photographer for Colour Library International, a London based photo agency. They would send me off on assignments to capture scenes that were later published for many things, including adverts, books, magazines, posters and travel brochures.

Swan Lake

I have photographed a fair amount of theatre work, including plays and dance. Most of the time its captured during rehearsal, or performance. This photograph was taken backstage, which allowed me to use my own lighting, and then I created and added the background and foreground with photoshop, using one of my landscape photos.

Wildlife

Wildlife normally takes much planning and amazing patients, plus lots and lots of waiting time. I first heard the hawk before I saw it. It was circling above my house, so I rushed out with my ready-to-go camera, and in seconds I had got this shot. Luck and experience also works!

Portraiture

Lighting is a key factor in portrait photography, and by using a strong backlight in this photograph, I achieved the air of mystery that I was seeking. "Elementary, my dear Watson!"

Architectural Photography

The history of architecture was something I studied at art college in London. Although I had trained to be an illustrator, my first job was an architectural model maker, which involved making
scale models for architects. I think that all this extra knowledge has helped me to photograph and appreciate architecture more.

Theatre Photography

I usually photograph several plays throughout the year, and theatre photography requires a different approach to other work that I do. To start with, it is a good idea to know the script beforehand, or you have to anticipate every next move. The low light values cause the biggest problem. In this particular photo, I added the curtain afterwards to add a little more intrigue and mystery.

Gas Cylinders

As a subject to photograph, gas cylinders are a bit of a challenge. They are heavy, reflective, and sometimes hard to stand up if they have a round bottom. Its my job to make products look more desirable and dynamic, which was my aim with this image. It was so well received by the client, that they made a 6ft x 4ft print.

Arizona Star

When you take your time to look closely at buildings, you can find many interesting things. I discovered this support bolt cap on a very old ranch building in Arizona. The first time I noticed it, the lighting was flat. So I returned early the next morning, and the sunlight was just right!

Backlighting

Backlighting is one my favorite ways to light objects. Although its not the solution for every photographic subject, it works well for bottled drinks and glassware.

Ovation Legend

I think it helps to know the subject, before you photograph it, paint it, or write about it. I have played the guitar for many years, so its fairly familiar to me. This guitar in the photo has a very distinctive sound hole, which is partly why I chose to shoot a close up. I also like the composition, which fits well with the text.

Fine Shoes

This was one of many photos I shot for the company in Palm Springs. The challenge was not so much the subject, but the background, which had to be different for every ad.

Working with Kids

I love working with kids, but sometimes they can be very challenging to photograph. I try to make it a fun experience for them, and keep the photo session short. Usually I do get the expression that I was looking for, but also a lot of other great expressions to choose from.

Old Machinery

Sometimes I have to photograph old industrial equipment, which is woking fine, but does not look fine. No amount of retouching will make it look modern and pristine, so some exciting lighting can usually do the trick.

Warehouse.

Industrial warehouses can be difficult places to photograph. I chose a higher angle for this one, and made the photograph look more like an artwork illustration, which gave it a lighter and more attractive feel.

Industrial Pumps

Industrial equipment can be fairly boring to most people, but add some creative lighting and interesting composition, and maybe you have something eye catching.

At Work

It's my job to make things appear exciting and enticing in the photograph, which can be difficult in a factory situation. It can cost time and the loss of a production when a photographer takes photos, so I have everything planned ahead of time for a swift photoshoot.

Cover Photo for Folder

A white background always gives a clean look when showing off your products, and is a plus for dark text.

Studio Product Shot

This is one of many photos I have produced for Hadley's, who are famous for their date shakes. If your traveling to Palm Springs on the 10 freeway from LA, its a good place for a break and shake!