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Q: Do you prefer indoor or outdoor shooting?A: I definitely prefer shooting in my studio the most, followed by underwater photography sessions. Both are very controlled environments, which work best for my composite work. While I occasionally enjoy on-location shoots, I have everything more dialed in when I have controlled atmospheres.Q: Where do you get your creative inspirations?A: Creative inspiration can come from everywhere: museums, art galleries, movies, and life around you. I find most of mine in the worlds I want to live in. I love Renaissance paintings and old masters, as well as Marvel movies. When you%u2019ve been editing for as long as I have, you can see something you like and figure out how to recreate that look in Photoshop, almost like reverse engineering art. I look more to painters or illustrators for inspiration than photographers, referring to it as cross-training, much like you would do for sports. Painters and illustrators spend a lot of time deciding how the light and color palette will be to create each masterpiece portrait.Q: Color vs. Black and White, do you have a preference?A: Overall, I prefer color for my work, but I do have a love for black-and-white photography as well. I rarely turn a piece to black and white, but it does happen occasionally. Black-and-white portraits have a timeless quality that can make your images look classic and elegant. With composite portraits, I prefer color to help make the composite look more believable. Color grading is very important with composite photography. My job is to make the unbelievable look believable.Q: What lens do you use for underwater photography?A: I use the Canon 16-35mm lens. It helps to shoot with a wide lens for underwater photography; the closer you are to your subject, the better. The farther you are from the subject, the more particles there are between you, causing images to appear hazy. Being closer minimizes this effect and produces clearer images.Q: Do you have a favorite gear?A: My favorite gear is my Hasselblad H6D and my 50mm lens. I use Profoto lights in the studio and Ikelite lights underwater.Q: What kind of tools do you use for post-processing?A: For post-processing, I use Lightroom to cull through the images and color correct if needed. I use Photoshop for all of my editing and NIK software. I also use a large Wacom tablet for all of my editing.Q: How do you make a client feel comfortable in front of the camera?A: I do a pre-session phone consultation where I go over the wardrobe with them and explain that I will handle all the posing. They just need to be present, and I will direct them. I let each client choose the music they want to listen to during their session, creating a familiar atmosphere. From the minute they walk in, I offer them water and go over the photo session again so they know what to expect and there%u2019s no need to be nervous.Q: What questions do you ask a client before a photo shoot to ensure you capture what they want?A: I have each client pull up my website, and we go over which images speak the most to them. Sometimes they want something different. For instance, I recently did a boudoir album where my client wanted WWII images in the background for her composites. I normally do 3-4 outfit changes during each session to ensure they have portraits they will love.Q: How has social media changed your business?A: Social media has been great for my business by providing a much larger outreach and visibility. It allows me to communicate with clients and potential new clients easily. Additionally, it enables us to share special offers, promotions, and upcoming events with our followers, driving engagement and bookings.Q: What was your favorite shooting location?A: Besides my studio and estate for underwater photography, one of my favorite shooting locations was a haunted mansion in Los Angeles. I was hired to do an editorial fashion shoot for Vogue Magazine there. Between the models, the haute couture, the amazing location, and all the creepy decor, including an attic full of mannequins and taxidermy, it was truly an unforgettable experience.46 MOST MAGAZINE - ISSUE 48