About Orange County Family Portrait

foreword
I am a fortunate man. Not only am I blessed to be earning a livelihood from a craft that sparks my passion, thousands of you apparently share my fascination for "writing with light" and have been keeping me busy for over thirty years! From the pages of People to the halls and walls of museums and homes, you've displayed my portraits all across the globe and continue to commission me to capture the moments of your lives, decade after decade. 

I am eternally grateful for your loyal patronage and utterly amazed how the last 30 years we've shared have so swiftly sped by. Over the years, we've witnessed a slew of innovations, experimented with technical advancements, fell for a fad or two, and along the way we've also maneuvered through the advent of the digital revolution together. The journey has been worth it all.

Today, because of digital photography, it's a perfectionist's dream come true. Long gone are the days of sending your negatives to a lab, crossing our fingers, hoping they'd get the exposures just right, the vignetting perfect, and the retouching looking natural. 

Finally, after decades of relying on others to execute my vision, I now have complete control over every aspect of the creative process. From the initial exposure, to the precise coloring of even a pant leg, every stoke of artwork, to the final print itself, I am able to personally oversee every detail, right through to framing and hanging your portrait. These are exciting days - they're the good old days like never before!

Thank you again for putting your trust in me. We've creating so many wonderful portraits together - and this is just the beginning! Kari and I are so looking forward to seeing you and seeing what we can all create together for decades to come.

In addition to being named O.C. Photographer of The Year, I am an eleven-time recipient of the International Loan Collection Award and have been recognized by such prominent organizations as KODAK, WINONA, EPCOT (three time "World's Greatest Photographers" exhibit), FUJI, Professional Photographers of America, Germany and Norway. 

More importantly, every award that I have ever earned has come directly from portrait photography commissions. That is to say, our portrait studio owes its success to you, our clients - for it all began with simple inquiries such as yours and continues today because of those who honor me with their trust.

commercial
In addition to creating family portraits, I also design photography and corporate identity for businesses. A few notable companies that have commissioned me are Tiffany & Co., Virgin, Oakley, Bijan, Toyota, California Angels, Boston Red Sox, Marriott Hotels, ClubCorp, AVCO Financial, Viacom, Pacific Mutual, Blockbuster, Watson Pharmaceuticals, Bourns International, Gensler & Associates, Orange County Performing Arts Center, and the Actors and Productions of Tony Award winning South Coast Repertory Theater.

member
- American Society of Photographers
- Professional Photographers of America
- Professional Photographers of California
- Professional Photographers of Inland Empire 
- Professional Photographers of Orange County
- International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum

family
I married a vivacious, effervescent woman whom I met in 1985 while teaching 4th Grade for Irvine Unified. Kari was assigned to my classroom as a student teacher (it's not a saucy as it sounds). We were married in 1989 and managed to create three independent children (now teenagers). Kari, as you may have noticed, is not only my wife, but the Studio Manager. Kari also serves as the studio's "master puppeteer" and is my right hand woman at family/children portraits. When we're not creating studio photography we can be found around town at local eateries, at the movies, Yogurtland, and Saddleback Church.

quotes
- When your vision is clear, the decision is easy.
- If you want to be loved, be lovable.
- Deal with the faults of others as gently as with your own.
- The road to a friend's house is never long.