I've always loved the outdoors.

I grew up in the country. Days passed playing sports and investigating the nuances of outdoor life – the swivels of a crawfish's tail, the blue shade of a territorial blue jay, the red and yellow streaks on a common perch. On rainy days, I remember reading books and looking at photographs of all sorts of animals and faraway places and wondering.

The photographs inspired me. I am still amazed at the complexity of nature and the shapes, colors, and textures that constantly surround us.

I spent my college years in Austin. Summers were spent either in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in New Mexico or the Rockies in Colorado . Those days began my ritual of carrying a camera with me everywhere I traveled.

After college, I did what many graduating college students do who are not eager enter the real world of nine-to-five jobs – I packed a backpack and headed to Europe with friends. I was fortunate enough to visit eight countries, sleeping wherever was inexpensive and relatively quiet – from the beach in Monterrosso al Mare on the Ligurian Coast of Italy, to a cold, dark, outdoor train station in Bavaria, to a sleeper car heading to Prague, with a few hostels mixed in along the way. While my wife will not let us travel like that these days, I did learn then how wonderful it is to experience other cultures and to view the world from someone else’s vantage point. To some of my favorite places abroad, we still return as often as possible. And when we stay in the States, I try to spend as much time exploring the mountains of the west or the Hill Country west of Austin.

Several cameras have come and gone since those days in the Rockies . I've read more books than I can remember and have had a good friend and mentor teach me all he knows about photography. And while I've had no formal training, I firmly believe in the prudence of studying books and listening to the experts. But I also know the best way to learn is by doing.

So I read and listen and learn, then I do. And I love it. Capturing the wonder of nature and conveying that passion to others brings me joy. Sharing this sense of joy inspires me. My hope is something in my photography will bring emotion to you – and will inspire you.

I have a Bachelors in English and a Masters in Counseling. My wife, daughter, and I currently split time between Winter Park, Colorado and Austin, Texas. We travel with our trusty assistant, Major, a young and energetic English Springer Spaniel.