In 2004, after high school, I moved to California’s Central Coast and enrolled in community college. My first photography class, focusing on black & white darkroom techniques, sparked my passion. My instructor shared stories of Baja coast life, vans, surfing, and adventure. Fridays were spent exploring his alternative techniques, making me addicted to photography. It was fresh, exciting, and the first time I found my creative voice.

Throughout the first few years of living on the coast I met a fellow student whom was in a punk rock band called New Tomorrow. He asked me if I’d be interested in photographing one of their local concerts and without hesitation or knowing what I was truly doing I said yes. I was able to combine my two favorite things: punk music and photography. Nothing compares to being able to capture the energy of a show. Inspired by the 80s and early 90s imagery of the Los Angeles and New York punk and hardcore scenes, I started shooting every concert I could sink my teeth into. The grittiness, the spontaneous crowds, the unpredictable movements of a band, the raw feeling…it was a drug. Every show was different; every time a band walked on stage my adrenaline peaked – it truly was a natural high. After many local shows I started reaching out to other bands in the scene from all over the United States. If musicians entered California and I was into their sound, I contacted them. And to this day I’m surprised that literally every band I wrote or called said “yes.” My weekends consisted of driving back and forth from San Francisco and Los Angeles, late nights, a lot of sweat, amazing stories and documenting the scene I not only loved but was inspired by. 

After many weekends, some tours, and memories I can look back and realize that music photography and the industry itself taught me quite a lot about myself and also creating pictures. I was able to learn how to adapt quickly while capturing live concerts or touring with bands. I was able to document a subculture of our world and share it. I was able to learn how to communicate and above all I was able to accept the unexpected. The experiences enabled me to be more comfortable with a lifestyle that doesn’t follow a set path. And honestly, I enjoy it and use that knowledge of the unknown to my advantage. My camera has gotten me off my couch and has introduced me to exploration. I get to see amazing places and continually encounter beautiful individuals along the way.