Early Work
I began photographing in my late teens, when I was in college. After a few months of experience with a Nikon SLR, I purchased a used Leica M4. I was intrigued with the camera and the work of the photographers known for their Leica rangefinder images. The first photographic book I purchased was The World Of Henri Cartier-Bresson - a book that I still treasure. An uncontrived, documentary approach to photography became an enduring model.
Shortly before graduating college, I made an extensive overland trip to Central and South America. With two college buddies in tow, we headed to Mexico in my Datsun station wagon. I made it as far as Bolivia, before turning back to retrace my path homeward. During this trip, I had my camera continuously at my side in a canvas shoulder bag. Whenever the opportunity presented itself, I photographed, sometimes to document my travels, but mostly for the purpose of creating art. I learned many things during these travels, but learning photography became the most enduring lesson.
