“Since I picked up my first manual 35mm film camera when I was young, I’ve been drawn to photography.”
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Born and raised in rural Nebraska, I fell in love with a camera since I was introduced at age 15. If you don’t find me in my studio, I’m usually out along the river in my ghillie suit capturing the wildlife and beautiful scenery or at a sporting event. I am the oldest of 4 children, 2 sisters and a brother. My amazing wife and I have 3 beautiful children of our own and a granddaughter that is the most beautiful thing you’ll ever see!
As an Alliance High School graduate, I enjoyed art class far and away the most. I was lucky to have 2 of the greatest teachers a student could ask for. This was where I really started to discover photography and art in general. I learned how to shoot the old manual 35 mm cameras and develop our own negatives and prints etc in the dark room. In addition to photography I also painted on canvas, rocks, the toilet seat, you name it and still do today. I’ll put a few of my paintings down below.
The summer of 1991 after graduating I joined the world’s greatest fighting force, the United States Marine Corps. It was the best decision I’ve ever made apart from marrying my wife. The discipline, respect, drive, focus, confidence and maturity it provided me with shaped who I am today. Today it seems you could find me anywhere with a camera in my hand. You might see me along the river shooting wildlife or on location somewhere doing family photos or portraits.
#99 Bald Eagle - oil
This eagle hung around the ponds at work all winter long and could always be found sitting on the same branch daily. Amazing animals, watching them hunt and sore over the area is truly breathtaking. The agility in flight was something to watch as well. It was nothing to see two of them flip around in mid air flying backwards and fighting each other over a chunk of meat.
This piece is now for sale in the Prairie Arts Center.
#82 Red Breasted Nuthatch - acrylic
My aunt, who is a super nice lady and a great wildlife photographer let me paint some of her bird photos. I hope I did it justice.
This piece is now for sale in the Prairie Arts Center.
#81 Calliope Hummingbird - acrylic
Another from my aunt.