Like many others, my love for photography started way back. Yes, my father gave me his camera and I was shooting photos right away. I actually like some of my early work :) I remember going to Yellowstone Park and watching old faithful erupt. I took my whole roll (kodak disc camera) before it even started! Don't worry, my timing is much better these days.
Later I studied photography at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. I went on to photograph professionally for state government, in West Virginia. I was the personal photographer to the Attorney General. In this position I photographed the daily activities of the Attorney General, the House of Representatives, and also did a few shoots with the Governor.
After the legislative session was over I decided to move to NY state to be closer to family and to start my photography business. I started my business, Orbital Imaging, which was founded in 2001. I did printing, a lot of film scanning at that time, and digital image editing/ retouching. However I wanted to get out of the digital darkroom and start shooting more. I was awarded a contract with one of the youth baseball tournament camps in the NY area. At the peak of the business I had six employees and photographers, on-site printing of all images, 25 viewing computer stations, and pro DSLR professional equipment. I was very happy with this, but the toll of the sheer volume of work was starting to affect me. We photographed and uploaded around 350 games a week for the entire summer for years! I decided to concentrate on a more creative outlet for my photography.
The move to wedding photography felt natural. And with my photojournalism background from the State, felt very comfortable. I love that each wedding is different and brings with it new challenges and new opportunities for creative expression. Soon after the transformation, I was shooting events, portraiture, freelance news, table-top products, and restaurants. However story telling through photography is my biggest passion and I feel that is why wedding imagery is my favorite.
I photograph daily. I am in love with the art form. I can't imagine doing anything else!
Clients Include
Cornell University Asian American Studies Program
Cornell University School of Hotel Administration (Ithaca, New York)
Airbnb (Ithaca, New York)
Hartwick College (Oneonta, New York)
American Farm Land Trust (Saratoga, New York)
Salt Point Brewery (Ithaca, New York)
Fender Bender Magazine (St. Paul, Minnesota)
Ithaca Waldorf School (Ithaca, New York)
Jon Reis Photography (Ithaca, New York)
Hill City Grill (Oneonta, New York)
Toscana Northern Italian Grill Restaurant (Oneonta, New York)
CLARKE Companies (Delhi, New York)
Amphenol Aerospace (Sidney, New York)
Booth Studio (Sarasota, Florida)
Camera Famosa (Saratoga Springs, New York)
National Soccer Hall of Fame (Oneonta, New York)
Cooperstown Baseball World (Oneonta, New York)
Cooperstown All-Star Village (Oneonta, New York)
Fiesta Mexican Grill & Cantina (Oneonta, New York)
The Bradenton Herald (Bradenton, Florida)
SCENE Magazine (Sarasota, Florida)
The O-Town Scene (Oneonta, New York)
Gulf Coast Placenta Lady(Sarasota, Florida)
Sarasota Public Library
Celebrations of Tampa Bay (Tampa, Florida)
American Wedding Group (Nationwide)
Numerous Brides & Families(Nationwide)