Biography

Background

item1 My formal training is actually in physics; I graduated with a B.S. in physics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1986, and then did my Doctoral work at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. While studying there and subsisting on a graduate student stipend, I managed to scrape together enough cash to buy my first 35 mm camera, a few lenses, and a good tripod. Each summer, I would escape the physics lab for two or three weeks and hike on the Long Trail or the Appalachian Trail and lug all my camera gear with me, photographing as I went.

I was fortunate enough to have the ability to discuss photographic design with Richard Newton at UMass and also to have discovered all of Freeman Patterson's photography. Almost everything I know about good visual design derives from my discussions and reading. Through Richard's recommendation, I was hired by the University of Massachusetts Environmental Institute to perform a year-long photographic study of the Green River Watershed in southern Vermont. This culminated in a slide show that was used to help protect the watershed from development pressures. In addition, I have given slide shows for the Appalachian Mountain Club (at Mt. Greylock, and Pinkham Notch Camp. I also have been photographing weddings, as well as photographing individual and family portraits, and even architectural photography. I am also available for photographic workshops, both individually and for groups.

Currently, I am an Associate Professor of Physics at the University of Southern Maine in Portland. You can see my university home page here. My photographic blog, MaineSight, is here.

Photographic Statement

I have a bit of a difficult time with artist statements because of the personal nature of art and music. I cannot really explain to anyone why, for instance, Glenn Gould's performances of Bach's keyboard works are so deeply moving to me. I cannot explain why some works of art appeal to me and others not at all. Fundamentally, I enjoy seeing; and looking through a camera slows me down enough to really see what I am looking at. When I really stop and see what is in front of me, this in itself is a satisfying experience. I am still discovering my photographic style, but I am attracted to images with a strong sense of design and am especially excited by textures and the special quality of morning and evening light.