I remember the image and the moment I realized I was to be a photographer. I was studying for a Bachelor of Arts in forensic photography. My decision to study forensic photography was a perfect blending with my law enforcement background and my love for photography. I shot the image from my car while stopped at a red light and I instantly knew it was something special. When the image emerged from the color processor, a storeowner in the Little Haiti neighborhood of Miami, Florida cleaning the sidewalk in front of her store, framed by the large steel door that protects her establishment I realized my viewfinder was a window to a whole new world around me. My camera became a tool to explore the world and an extension of who I am.

Employed as an Executive Protection Agent to conduct surveillance of the Fort Collins Police department I had my first experience as a professional photographer. I was hired by a festival organizer to photograph police officers the city forced him to hire off-duty during several street festivals. Subsequently, my diverse college and employment experiences have given me the opportunity to participate in photographing catalog, fashion, autopsies, and homicide scenes with the Miami Dade Medical Examiner. Since late 2007, I have focused on photographing personal projects, weddings, and corporate events.

My plans for a formal education in photography have always had a high priority. My employment at the Academy of Art University as a digital darkroom tech inspired me toward choosing the University for my graduate studies. Professor Ryan Farnau has been a very motivating influence in my decision to become a student at this university. His energy, knowledge, art, and dedication to his students have reinforced my desire to be an instructor and share meaningful experiences and discoveries with the academic community. Professor Farnau has motivated me to clarify and challenge my own personal boundaries.

Recently, I became engaged. My fiancée Jen and I studied photography together at Barry University. During a recent shoot, Jen posted the following on her blog:

Having gone through [my images] and now looking through his, I have noticed that we'd shoot the exact same scene sometimes but focused on two totally different things. They're almost opposites, which is quite interesting to see; being able to see different views of the same image makes the scene become multi-dimensional, thus allowing the images to complement each other.

Jen has given me substantial support in my work. Her critical eye and unconditional love has been an excellent driving force for me to move my work forward.