I was born in New Mexico, and moved to Springfield, MO as a child. I am a photographer that mainly focuses on nature photography, landscape photography, and astrophotography. I'm an adjunct instructor at Ozarks Technical Community College where I teach in the Electronic Media Production department. I also work at the Park Central Library Branch located in downtown Springfield, MO. I'm in charge of creating programming for our branch, and hosting Frist Friday Art Walks. I have loved photography ever since I was a kid. One of my most memorable gifts given to me was a camera for Christmas and Photoshop. You would see me everywhere with my camera or in my room editing. My passion of photography only increased as I begun to travel on my own in college. One of my favorite types of art to embrace is Native America art. My parents worked on numerous reservations throughout the United States before moving to Springfield, MO. Native America art was always on display throughout our house. The simplistic design and color choices have always amazed me in how each piece was still so powerful of a story.
Astrophotography is a fine balance between capturing light and not wanting light to be present. Before I take a single picture, the process begins with research. I consider how much light I will be working with or against, the current moon phase, light pollution, the timing of celestial events, weather conditions, and possible shooting locations. After a night of shooting, the process continues as I edit hundreds of photos into one. I spend hours stacking photos, bending colors, and pushing the exposure to its limits.
My love of space exploration began when I was a little boy, living in the country. When I was a teenager, my dad gifted me a camera for Christmas which allowed me to capture the moments and places I’ve experienced. Each photo I take carries within it my love of traveling, nature, and astronomy. Capturing the night sky and at the same time being surrounded by nature makes me feel connected to Earth while realizing how small and alone we are in the vastness of space.
2023
Jan-Feb Two-Person Exhibition, Featured Artist at Fresh Gallery, Springfield, MO
March- C-Art, Springfield, MO
April – Juried Artist for “Between the Lines: The Seed Keeper” Springfield, MO
May - August- Juried Artist for "SRAC Showcase" at the Sky Gallery in the Springfield-Branson Regional Airport, Springfield, Mo
July - Sassafras Country Rogersville, MO
August - Awarded 2nd place in the Photography Juried Art Show from Fresh Gallery, Springfield, MO
Sept - Award of Excellence, Cider Days, Springfield, MO
Sept - Nov Juried Artist for "Far Above the Stars" at the Sky Gallery in the Springfield-Branson Regional Airport, Springfield, MO
Sept-Nov – Solo Exhibition, Winter Bloom Bodywork, Springfield, MO
Oct - Juried Artist for “Pure Enjoyment” hosted by Springfield Regional Arts Council, Springfield, MO
2022
Dec - Collaborate show with Misty Lane at Park Central Branch Library, Springfield, MO
Oct - Juried Artist for “Pure Enjoyment” hosted by Springfield Regional Arts Council, Springfield, MO
Sept-Nov - Solo Exhibition, “While you were Sleeping” Republic Branch Library, Republic, MO
June-July - Springfield Regional Arts Council: Member Show, Springfield, MO
March-May - Juried Artist for "Heart of the Ozarks" at the Sky Gallery in the Springfield-Branson Regional Airport, Springfield, MO
March- May- Solo Exhibition "Discover Exoplanet: The Search for Alien Worlds" at the Library Station, Springfield, MO
Feb - Awarded 1st place in the Photography Juried Art Show from Fresh Gallery, Springfield, MO
2021
Oct - Awarded 3rd place from Finely River Gallery Ozark, MO
