What's your shooting or editing style/theme?

The most popular question for any photographer/artist. ​

To be completely honest, I can't say that I have one. I won't lie, I tried sticking to one—but ended up hating it. In my opinion, [again] in MY opinion, I believe any type of editing style or theme is limiting to a certain extent in regards to creativity. No matter how many editing presets or styles I created, I always felt like I was in a box. Every photo I edit is edited from scratch and starts with a purpose. 

How did you come up with "The Growth Concept" ?

Unfortunately, there's no short answer to this. Two reasons.

TGC started out as a way that I simply viewed my portfolio [and still is]. When I first started shooting, I couldn’t stick to a particular style or “theme” of photography. I genuinely wanted to learn how to shoot any and everything that I thought was interesting; and I did. I started with street photography (architectural design) and then got into basic portraiture (family photos, events, graduation photos). I kept going, even venturing into wedding and automotive photography, just to find out that I loved those types of photography as well. I say all of that just to say, I don't think my portfolio will ever have a “trendy theme” or style of photography. It is simply, a living concept of my growth as an artist.

The second reason "The Growth Concept" came to mind, was through reflecting on how I've found potential clients, and the conversations had during sessions. If there's any type of "style" or "theme" regarding how I find clients it'd fall under one category: something/someone I know I can help grow (brand/product, startup company, talented "hobbyist", amateur model, etc.) I like to search for underdogs; people who underestimate their potential in addition to driven individuals/creatives. I firmly believe in planting dreams and helping others grow theirs. The smiles and the “I never thought I could do that” reactions are honestly what keep me going. I view every shoot I have as both an opportunity to network and pour into someone else. Long term, I plan for this to be more than just a "portfolio". I aim to build and promote a more supportive and uplifting creative/local community through using my platform to host events, create uplifting videos and make art with purpose . But for now.. you can simply think of this as the portfolio that gives back.

What type of gear do you use?

To be honest, it all started with my phone when I was younger. I didn't buy my first DSLR (Nikon D3400) until I got my first refund check early during my junior year of college. I literally learned every button, dial and setting on that camera to the point that I could walk outside and know exactly what settings I needed to produce the exposure I wanted in my head. Reflecting back to two years ago, part of me feels like I was more care free with that camera. After a couple years of shooting with the D3400, I *thought I needed a full-frame to be taken seriously as a photographer (definitely not the case; USE WHAT YOU HAVE). So I put funds earned from shoots towards a full-frame Nikon D810. I made a risky decision and purchased a fairly new one off of eBay. Luckily, the camera came in good condition and has done everything I've needed since purchasing. As I've started to venture into videography, my most recent purchase (last year) was a Sony A7Riii. Out of all of my experiences from shooting with various camera bodies, the Sony has been the easiest to shoot with. 

As far as the rest of my gear goes, I'll create a new page and add a full list of everything I've used as a photographer (from what I started with to now). Thanks for your question!

What’s the most impressive thing about your growth now as an artist?

This is a good question. Right now, I'd honestly say my growth in perspective is one of the things I'm most impressed with.  I've always been an observant person, but as an artist, I use photography to obtain more than what's seen at a first glance. Photography allows you to manipulate and send messages through frames people normally wouldn't think twice about. 

Do you have any BTS footage from the cars you shoot? Why don't you post them?

I get asked this a lot. I've got a few clips from some shoots I've done this year and in the past. I posted clips on my IG story last year but slowed down and honestly found it more enjoyable keeping most of the moments and clips to myself. I felt like [and still do] it kept me grounded and more focused. Sometimes I think we get so fixated on trying to share and dress up the "moment" that we forget to live in it. So if I record anything, I usually hold onto it and reflect on it later after the shoot (I haven't gotten around to actually posting any recently). Then again, maybe I'm weird.  As a creative [as crazy as it might sound], I don't believe we have to share everything we do every single moment of our lives—I hope I didn't take this answer too deep.

Nonetheless, there's nothing wrong with sharing occasionally. I'll dedicate a highlight on my IG page just for BTS from automotive shoots. Thanks for asking this. I'll definitely make an effort to share more; especially for those who share the same love for cars as I do.. just not 24/7. 

What makes you different from any other photographer?

Good question, I just had a conversation about this. I'll do my best to keep my response to this one short.

I believe the answer to this question is simple. What makes me different as an artist is my eyes—and that goes for all other creatives as well. We all harness our own unique perspective and creativity. My eyes, my perspective and my purpose with this craft are what make me different as a photographer.