“The way I would put it is, I get totally out of myself. It’s the closest I come to not existing.”

– Garry Winogrand

Photography has been what you’d call a serious hobby for me for about 6 years now. The desire to make photos started back in 2010, when I began using a little app called Instagram. Still in its infancy, I was one of the first adopters; providing feedback and helping to shape the app that so many use today. To be honest, it was a really fun time.

In those days, the community was small and full of wonder – much unlike the narcissistic porn hub that it is today. Everyone (for the most part) was friendly, and it wasn’t uncommon to ask authentic photography related questions and receive genuine answers. Two years later, I found myself participating in Instagram photography campaigns for companies such as Carnival Cruise Lines, HTC, and Harry’s to name a few. I was given the opportunity to travel with my family and make friends with people who I remain in contact with to this day. It’s been a pretty wild ride. It set me on a path of discovery that continues to intrigue me, and while I often shake my head in disbelief as to what the Instagram community has become, I do recognize the opportunities and relationships it’s afforded me; and for that I am grateful.

Today, I spend a little less time making photos on my mobile telephone, and focus more time in the analog world. I have built up a small collection of 35mm film cameras – SLRs and rangefinders of various types – and never seem to leave home without one of them slung around my shoulder. I may still take the occasional iPhone photo, but I’ve developed a real passion for film and I don’t see that diminishing anytime soon. I’ve established a goal to learn as much as I can about the art (and science) of photography, and the only way for me to contend with that goal is to shoot as much f**king film as I can possibly afford.

I’m sure I’ll have much more to say on the topic of film in the coming months, so be sure to check back in.

“The bicycle has a soul. If you succeed to love it, it will give you emotions that you will never forget.”

 – Mario Cipollini

Cycling became an interest of mine around the tender age of 10. A family friend of ours was an avid road and mountain bike racer, and he would often keep an eye on me while my parents were away. Greg LeMond and the Le Tour were often topics of conversation between us, and our relationship was the catalyst for what has now become a lifelong passion.

Now that the college road and mountain bike racing years have come and gone, I’ve turned my attention to sharing the love of the sport’s disciplines with my sons. Our family actively travels to and competes in various enduro, downhill, and cross-country mountain bike events (sadly, road racing is but a fond memory – that isn’t to say that we don’t cheer for our favorite spandex-clad warriors from time to time). Lindsay, my lovely wife, manages it all and always has her camera in tow. When we’re not traveling and racing, you can find my boys and I (most days) in the forest of Nisene Marks, UCSC, or above Los Gatos huffing and puffing around.

I imagine I could go on forever about this sport, so I won’t write more about it here. I’ve got some fun stories to share, so make sure to ask me about them sometime.