ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER

Welcome to my online web portfolio. The TC Photography & Design web site has evolved into what you see today, and my hope is that it is simple and easy for you to navigate. In the near future I plan to offer more options online such as a dedicated section for stock photos, limited edition prints, and other products which will be available online to order.

My goal here in this section of my web site is to share a little about myself and hopefully get a chance through this process to share with you my passion and what drives my ideas and creativity, professionally and personally. After all, I believe this business is all about relationships... so here goes ~

I began my photography career ten years ago, in 1998. I did not attend a well known fancy photography school, nor did I get a degree from a university. My personal situation when I graduated high school didn't allow for either of those two routes. Instead I went into the Navy, which was an education none-the-less. The next chapter of my life was something I could not have written a script for. I became a stay-at-home dad with my two kids (not Mr. Mom, but a Dad who takes pride in caring for his children and being there for them as they grow). That is time that can never be replaced, and an experience and education you can't receive in college. It's called life! Later after starting a family I did continue my education, as time allowed, by attending Junior College, attending professional seminars to further my craft, and always studying the latest in equipment and techniques. In spite of a difficult beginning, I have become a qualified and dedicated professional.

During my time as a stay-at-home Dad, I did my own soul searching; I took an internal inventory about what I was passionate about. After experiencing a lot in life including living around the country and working while abroad in the Navy, at the age of 30 I decided that photography was the direction I wanted to go. They say most people change careers an average of seven times, and those who go to college rarely work in the same field that they went to college for. I found after researching several career paths, that I naturally possess most of the attributes of a successful Photographer; I'm creative, artistic, and the type of person who naturally enjoys helping others.

As a result of taking the self-taught, passion-driven route instead of the college route, I have had many obstacles to overcome. I had to be passionate from the very beginning; I had to work extra hard and be able to persevere. As a freelance photographer there are times when I've had to prove my worth just because I don't have a degree. I've struggled at times just to be taken seriously or be considered legitimate, even within my chosen field by my peers as well as editors and art directors and those who would potentially hire me.

I've had to learn all aspects related to the technical and creative aspects of photography, on my own for the most part. I felt I was going to be in good shape because I came into this profession with quite a bit of solid transferable skills from previous jobs, and a lot of life experience working abroad with a wide cross section of people living and working in the military. Of course I am not immune to hard work so I felt I could give this a go. After starting from scratch, I am now to the point that I have done work for large companies like Georgia Pacific, photographed celebrities, and worked with organizations like the United Way. I would say I hold a degree, which has come not in the traditional sense, but through very hard work, perseverance, dedication, and willingness to fail so that I can learn and become better as a person and also as a professional.

I began modestly, as many photographers do who work for themselves- and have over the past ten years gradually invested more time, money, and energy into what I do. My love for what I do has grown too. After investing thousands of dollars into a new computer with dual monitors, software, books, videos, lights, product table, and professional camera equipment, I have found that I am able to offer you, the client, the best possible experience and results. Of course excellent results is always a part of what I offer, but even more than that, I extend a sincere effort to understand and get to know you and what your needs are beyond the outline of the job description. I take pride in what I do and the final results. I invest every part of myself and will always do my very best for my customers, whether a family, an individual, or company.

Thanks for stopping by and getting to know me a little more. I would love to get a chance to get to know you and/or your company, so contact me today!

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