Photo journey

My photography journey began at a young age. When I was around 8 years old, I first held a camera in my hands—a 1970s silver-colored Minolta SRT series film camera that belonged to my father. Although I only took a few photos at that time, I was captivated by how it looked and how it felt in my hands. A few years later, I purchased my first camera—an Ansco 135. It was essentially a plastic box with a small “box” on top called a flash cube. I believe this camera existed  even before 110 format film cameras were available. I captured photos of everything and anything around me—trips, my home, my parents, the neighborhood kids, my toys, and even the “adopted” neighborhood cat.

 

Over the years, I would (obviously) move on to point-and-shoots, SLR film cameras, DSLR’s, and now mirrorless. My first “real” camera was a Nikon. I’ve also experimented with other brands, including Fujifilm and Canon. In full circle, I currently use the latest Nikon mirrorless system. Sometimes you’ll catch me with a Fuji as those cameras are great for documentary and street photography where I need to be a bit more discreet. 

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“Accountant by day; Photographer by night”

I make fun of myself with this tag line as I also run and manage a CFO, accounting, and bookkeeping service.  Some people may get a good chuckle as my other “polar opposite” business is getting artsy and capturing moments.  Accounting is what my technical brain does but Photography is what feeds my soul.  

 

“286”

The number 286 pays homage to my humble beginnings, where my family grew up. Back then, the area was quite rough and limiting. The air was filled with a mix of graffiti, sirens, and grit. Despite the challenges, the floor we lived on offered us an incredible view of some iconic New York City landmarks. Looking out those windows gave me hope and inspiration. 

 

How do I photograph?

I’m also a street photographer. In fact, I didn’t realize I was a street photographer until it became trendy. What I love about street photography is capturing the candid moments; the “decisive moments” - being able to immortalize a fleeting moment in time.  I really enjoy documenting and capturing the story and emotions evolving in the moment.  

 

This helps create my documentary style to help tell your story; not just what everyone expects to see but also the behind-the scenes and more intimate moments. It's about capturing the essence of the person and the soul of the event to help bring you back into those moments. 

 

What do I photograph?

Events, lifestyle, documentary projects…

…and ethnic and cultural weddings (and events). I have a spot for cultural weddings and events.  I was born overseas but grew up as a kid in the heart of NYC. 

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