31 Days of Halloween

As the calendar turns its pages and we usher in the crisp embrace of October 1st, my excitement reaches its peak – for this marks the commencement of my most cherished month. With the falling leaves and the whispering winds, the Halloween season graces us with its enchanting presence.

My love affair with Halloween traces back to the days of my childhood, adorned with pumpkin patches, the meticulous artistry of carving intricate designs into chosen pumpkins, and the warm embrace of hot apple cider during neighborhood trick-or-treating escapades. There was even a mischievous phase where I, hidden amidst the Halloween decorations adorning our family home, delighted in startling passing kids and adults alike. Needless to say, I reveled in their startled reactions.

Every passing year has been a canvas for crafting unique and special Halloween memories, and this year is no exception. Collaborating with my talented wife, Leslie, who happens to be a Special Effects Makeup artist, and myself, a photographer, we are embarking on a thrilling journey of creativity.

In the spirit of this spooky season, Leslie and I have decided to gift our Instagram followers with 31 distinct pieces of Halloween content. Brace yourselves for an extraordinary visual experience, where the artistry of Special Effects Makeup converges with the lens of photography to create something truly magical. From eerie transformations to hauntingly beautiful compositions, our 31 Days of Halloween promise to be a spectacle you won’t want to miss.

So, if you haven’t already, I strongly urge you to join us on Instagram. Follow Leslie and me as we unfold a month-long Halloween extravaganza, a labor of love and creativity. Trust me, you won’t want to miss out on this captivating journey through the mystical realms of October. Let the countdown to the 31 Days of Halloween begin! 🎃👻

Doubt and Triumph in Photography

Navigating a whirlwind of emotions, I find myself pondering a common quandary: why do so many gifted and genuinely good individuals grapple with doubt regarding the significance of their creative endeavors? Does our art truly resonate with someone’s soul? Is it, indeed, beautiful? The haunting story of Vincent Van Gogh, who departed this world convinced of his own failure, echoes in my thoughts. I can’t help but wonder how many other creatives share a similar struggle at this very moment—talented souls wrestling with self-doubt, their worth unnoticed.

Today, during my explorations, I stumbled upon a portrait studio unfamiliar to me. Intrigued, I ventured inside to meet its youthful owner—an entrepreneur running a successful franchise, with his work adorning Times Square. While genuinely celebrating his achievements, a question lingers: when will my moment of triumph arrive?

A photo I captured of my wife Leslie

I’ve shared this tale before, but the roots of my love for photography trace back to high school, where I cherished moments with my father’s vintage Canon 35mm film camera. However, my journey into photography remained dormant for years, likely stifled by the expectations of the religious upbringing that guided my early life. The prescribed path was clear: grow up, embark on a mission, return, marry, have kids, and serve the church. Creative pursuits were not championed as enduring skills.

Ten years ago, at the age of 32, I picked up a camera and discovered the enchanting world of photography. From that point on, my journey involved relentless study, practice, and overcoming failures. I delved into understanding light, honed my editing skills, and meticulously crafted a unique style that felt authentically mine. It was a process of self-discovery and artistic definition.

Embracing photography earnestly on Instagram in 2019, I embarked on a mission to create and share meaningful work. Yet, financial success has proven elusive. Securing paying clients and mastering the intricacies of transforming my passion into a thriving business pose ongoing challenges. At 42, I’m acutely aware that the sands of time may have more behind than ahead. The prospect of a perpetual uphill struggle looms, but I’m resolved to face it with dignity and courage.

Despite life’s hardships and numerous hurdles, I’m not throwing in the towel. There’s a fervent desire for life to swing my way a bit more, for my aspirations to materialize sooner. Yet, my love for photography remains unwavering. I’ll persist in molding my creative pursuits into a business that can sustain both myself and my family.

Journeying Through Dark Academia: My Tumblr-Inspired Exploration of Swan House


In November 2013, I embarked on a curious journey by joining the whimsical realm of Tumblr. Little did I know then how profoundly this seemingly frivolous platform would impact my life, enduring through the years to 2023. As I ventured into Tumblr’s eclectic tapestry, my attention was consistently ensnared by a particular aesthetic: Dark Academia.

Within the labyrinth of Tumblr, I found myself captivated by images portraying the allure of Dark Academia – be it the enchanting libraries, partially consumed cups of coffee, or the spellbinding creations of art and architecture. Amidst the plethora of geeky GIFs and whimsical memes that populate my Tumblr feed, the profound affection for Dark Academia emerges as a recurring theme in my posts.

This affection naturally transcended the digital realm and permeated my world of photography, leaving an indelible mark on my portfolio. The unmistakable influence of Dark Academia can be readily discerned in my body of work.

Therefore, when the opportunity arose this past weekend to visit Swan House, nestled in Atlanta, Georgia, I eagerly seized it. Despite the interference of my ever-restless ADHD, which initially compelled me to resist leaving the comforts of home, I can unequivocally say that venturing out was a decision well made. The sprawling beauty of Swan House’s 33-acre estate left me in awe, and the images I captured during my visit are nothing short of breathtaking.

Remarkably, even after spending nearly four hours exploring the grounds, I had only scratched the surface, having covered a mere quarter of the extensive estate. I eagerly anticipate my return, eager to delve deeper into the remaining acres and gather more photographic treasures.

Photographer’s Artistic Journey and Self-Comparison.

I recently jumped into a book by a fellow photographer, a book that delves deeply into this artist’s personal odyssey through the world of photography. He generously shares his formative experiences, recounting how he was gifted his 1st camera at the tender age of 8. Within the pages, he unveils some of the snapshots he captured as a child with that very camera, weaving his life story through the chapters, which document an impressive and unwavering evolution in his photographic prowess as he aged.

A self portrait taken 1 year ago today

As I immersed myself in his narrative, my initial response was one of genuine admiration, a whispered “That’s rather fascinating!” But lurking beneath the surface, an insidious notion began to creep into my thoughts—a comparison, pitting my own photographic journey against his. My introduction to photography was not at the age of 8, but during my high school years. I did not maintain a lifelong dedication to the craft as he did; in fact, my true commitment to this art only blossomed around a decade ago, punctuated by periods of fervent activity and intermittent lulls. My collection doesn’t preserve every single photograph I’ve ever taken; quite the contrary, many have been misplaced or lost over the years, thanks in no small part to my abysmal file organization. In sum, these unsettling thoughts led me down a path of self-doubt, questioning the very essence of my capabilities as a photographer.

This is precisely why comparing oneself to others is fraught with peril.

The unassailable truth is that there exists no universally correct or erroneous route to becoming an artist. Some commence their artistic journey in their tender years, perhaps at the age of 8, while others, like myself, embark on this path in their thirties. Still, others may not kindle their artistic flames until well past their retirement years. The crux of the matter is that there is no singularly correct or incorrect moment to begin, no unequivocal roadmap to follow. The only veritable imperative is to remain faithful to the passions that stir our hearts and fuel our creative spirits. We must craft art that resonates authentically with our own souls and has the power to evoke emotion, even if it’s solely within ourselves.

The point of all of this is to emphasize that it’s absolutely acceptable to learn from and draw inspiration from fellow artists. Nonetheless, we must remain steadfast in our understanding that just because their artistic journey appears distinct from our own does not render our own path any less meaningful or legitimate.

Embrace the Chaos

When I was a child my parents took me to a local book fair held inside a school gymnasium. I was so excited because even at a young age, and despite the fact that I wasn’t a very good reader, I loved books. They told stories. Stories that would fill my imagination with wonderful heroes, dark lands, and far-off adventures.

So as I wanted into the book fair and saw the gym filled with book vendors of every kind, standing behind folding tables decorated, and piled high with books, I could barely contain my excitement. I had every intention of finding a story to read.

At the time I was really into “choose your own adventure” books and had my heart set on finding a few new ones to add to my meager collection, but as I walked along the rows and rows of book vendors a book caught my attention. I was a white journal with Yoda on the cover in a cartoon image. I had not intended to get a journal, and truth be told I had never written in a journal before, but there was something about this book that drew me to it. So with the small allowance I had saved, I purchased my very first journal.

I had grown up watching my father write in a journal regularly, and I was excited to be doing something that emulated him, so when I got home I took my journal to my room, sat down at my little desk, a desk that used to belong to my father as a child, and began to write my first page…

I don’t remember what I wrote, to be honest, but I remember hating it. It wasn’t right, it didn’t look like my dad’s journal pages, my handwriting was messy, and my thoughts were dumb. The bottom line…it wasn’t perfect.

In a frustrated fit, I remember ripping the 1st page out of the journal, because if it wasn’t perfect it didn’t deserve to exist. So I crumpled up the paper, tossed it over my shoulder, and turned back to the journal to try again. Again and again, I tried to write, and again and again, I kept ripping pages out, all because I was under the misguided idea that if what I created wasn’t perfect it didn’t deserve to exist.

After doing this over and over again for some time I now had a new problem. I had ripped so many pages out of the journal that the inside spine was now scared, damaged, and clearly missing pages. The journal no longer looked nice. The journal was no longer perfect.

I tried to fix it, but the damage was done. In my quest for perfection, I had destroyed the very object that just a few hours before had brought me so much happiness and excitement. This idea of perfectionism and the notion that if it wasn’t perfect it didn’t deserve to exist would follow me for many years to come, and many more journals fell to this misguided idea.

But it wasn’t just journals, I threw away photos I had taken, stories I had written, song recordings I had done, and so much more. If I couldn’t be “perfect” in a certain class, I would just stop trying. If I couldn’t be perfect at a new skill I just wouldn’t learn.

Over and over again I would lose out on so many things because in my mind anything that wasn’t perfect didn’t deserve to exist.

Thankfully, I eventually learned that I was wrong and that perfectionism is nothing worth striving for. Perfectionism is a myth. A myth that doesn’t really exist. No one can achieve perfectionism, in any aspect of their life or talent. And while it may look like people can, from the outside looking in, there is always room for people to grow.

The trick is to abandon the idea that you need to be perfect in anything and instead embrace the chaos that is this life. Life is messy, disorganized, chaotic, and so much more, but it is within that very chaos that real beauty, real art, and real impact actually live.

So to whoever is reading this… in regards to whatever you are trying to be perfect at, regardless of if it is just living life like being a good parent, child, teacher, or student or a form of art like photography, painting, writing, makeup, acting, and more, or a discipline like academia, science, mathematics, etc. Remember this…

Perfectionism has destroyed more good things than it has ever created. Embrace the chaos. You deserve to exist.

Embracing the Journey

As an artist, I believe that it’s essential to revisit your old creations and compare them with your current ones. In this world, we have a lot of talented people who may not always see the value in their work. They might even think that their creations are terrible, worthless, or not good enough. Despite this, they keep trying, keep practicing, and keep sharing their work. This kind of perseverance is bravery in action.

I recall a few years ago when I received an invitation to visit a local video game bar in Orlando, FL. They were hosting a Star Wars Day celebration and had encouraged everyone to attend dressed up in their best Star Wars costumes. As a photographer, I arrived there eager to capture some amazing photos of the attendees carrying light sabers.

Once I got back home, I edited the photos using the skills I had acquired up until that point. The outcome of my effort was not terrible, but it was clear that there were a lot of mistakes and things that I could have done better. However, I choose to look at those photos as a stepping stone to where I am today, and not as a source of self-criticism.

Admittedly, many people scrutinize their past work every day and berate themselves for not doing better. But, for me, it’s important to acknowledge that my past work was a vital part of my learning journey that brought me to where I am today. I am proud of the fact that I took those photos and used all the skills that I had at the time. And, more importantly, I was willing to keep learning and acquiring new skills as time went on to continue improving.

If I hadn’t continued to learn, I would not have been able to take and edit the stunning photos that I took of my wife this year on Star Wars Day. These pictures are a testament to the progress that I have made as a photographer and artist. And, for that, I choose to celebrate my past work instead of belittling it.

How AI-Generated Images Can Enhance Photography and Art

An AI-generated image. The prompt… “Leaving the Mormon church starts with pain and ends with happiness.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) generated images are becoming increasingly popular, especially in the fields of advertising and design. They offer a cost-effective, efficient way to create high-quality visuals without the need for traditional photography. However, some photographers and artists view AI-generated images as a threat to their profession, with concerns around originality and the possibility of stealing artwork from human artists.

So, where do AI-generated images come from? Essentially, AI algorithms are fed with a massive amount of data to learn patterns and create new images. This data can come from a variety of sources, including stock photo websites and even social media platforms. By analyzing these images, the AI algorithms can generate new ones that match the style and composition of the original images. This allows for a wide range of possibilities for creating new and unique images.

However, some people have raised concerns that AI-generated images can be used to steal artwork from other human artists. This idea is based on the premise that the AI algorithms learn from existing images, so there is a risk that they could replicate someone else’s work without their consent. This raises questions about copyright infringement and intellectual property rights.

The truth is that AI-generated images do not necessarily steal artwork from other artists. While it is true that AI algorithms learn from existing images, they are not capable of replicating them exactly. AI-generated images are still unique in their own way and are created by a machine rather than a human artist. Additionally, most AI-generated images are created for commercial purposes, so there is little incentive for companies to try and pass them off as original artwork.

The use of AI-generated images as a starting point for human-created artwork is a growing trend in the art and design industry. With the ability to generate thousands of images quickly and efficiently, AI algorithms can provide a wealth of inspiration for photographers and designers looking to create something new and unique.

One way that photographers can use AI-generated images is by incorporating them into their own work. For example, a photographer may use an AI-generated landscape image as the backdrop for a portrait shoot, adding depth and interest to the final product. This approach can also help photographers to experiment with new styles and techniques, allowing them to push the boundaries of their own work and explore new avenues of creativity.

Another way that AI-generated images can be used to enhance human creativity is by providing a source of inspiration for artists and designers. By analyzing thousands of images and identifying patterns and styles, AI algorithms can provide a wealth of creative inspiration for human artists. This can be especially useful for artists who may be experiencing a creative block, as the AI-generated images can help to spark new ideas and perspectives.

In addition, AI-generated images can also be used to create entirely new forms of art. For example, artists can use AI algorithms to generate abstract patterns and designs that they can then incorporate into their own work. This approach can result in new and unique artwork that would not have been possible without the use of AI-generated images.

Overall, the use of AI-generated images in conjunction with human-created artwork has the potential to enhance human creativity rather than detract from it. By providing a source of inspiration and new possibilities for experimentation, AI-generated images can help photographers and artists to push the boundaries of their own work and create something truly unique. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see more and more examples of AI and human collaboration in the art and design industry.

AI-generated images are a valuable tool for photographers and designers to create high-quality visuals quickly and cost-effectively. While concerns around originality and theft of artwork exist, it is important to remember that AI-generated images are not a direct replication of human artwork. Instead, they offer new possibilities for creativity and can be used in conjunction with human art to create something entirely unique. By embracing this new technology, photographers and artists can continue to push the boundaries of their work and explore new avenues of creativity.

An AI-Generated image. The Prompt “Divorce hurts the soul.

If you would like to learn more about AI-generated artwork and how some photographers are thinking and acting upon it may I suggest reading…

Down the AI rabbit hole & It’s not photography by Andy Adams

Breaking Free: Why Asking ‘Why?’ is Essential for Personal Growth and Change

As a photographer, I often reflect on how we are conditioned to suppress our curiosity and accept the status quo. This conditioning starts from a young age, where we are discouraged from asking “why” and labeled as a burden or nag if we persist. Truth be told, most adults don’t have the patience for children, and they make it clear to them, most of the time their own children, that they are in the way, and talking too much. This lesson is learned young and is never easy to shake off.

As we grow older, we are told that certain things are just the way they are, and questioning them can lead to unpleasant consequences. As a teenager, we might question why things are the way they are. For example, why do teenagers have to wake up so early to go to school? Why is our life filled with activities but not rest? Why don’t adults have as many activities as teenagers? Why are we being forced to figure out our career, school, marriage, relationships, and religion, all at a young age, with little experience and without even knowing who we are yet? When we ask, we’re told that’s just how it’s always been done.

It’s disheartening to see people give up on asking “why” as they become adults. We might learn not to ask “why” because the other person could become dangerous or erratic. When we ask our partner why they expect us to remind them to do the dishes, they might accuse us of being things we never were. When we question our boss why we have to work from an office for a job we can do better from home, we might be accused of playing lazy. And when we question why priests and religious leaders are still allowed to be alone around children, we’re told to just have faith.

But deep down, we want to ask “why.” We wonder why we can’t do more for a better environment or cut interest from student debt. We question why we have to settle down, have kids, and own a house. And we wonder why we have to balance-beam walk across our lives, careful and patient.

As a photographer, I believe in using my art to challenge these societal norms and inspire people to ask “why” more often. Through my lens, I hope to capture moments that challenge the status quo and inspire others to take action. Whether it’s through capturing the beauty of a person who has never received positive support or affirmation in their life or challenging the norm of women being told to cover up by insecure men, I believe that photography can be a powerful tool for sparking change.

I hope that by capturing these moments and sharing them with others, I can inspire more people to ask “why” and challenge the status quo. Because only through questioning and challenging the status quo can we create a better world for ourselves and future generations. It’s time to break free from the conditioning that tells us to accept things as they are and start asking “why” more often.

Embracing Brokenness: Finding Strength in Kintsugi and the Wisdom of Rocky

Life can be tough. It can knock you down and keep you there if you let it. But it’s not about how hard you get hit, it’s about how you get back up and keep moving forward. This is a lesson I learned firsthand during my divorce.

It was a dark time in my life, and I struggled to find hope and meaning in the midst of the pain and chaos. But then I discovered Kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with lacquer and gold, emphasizing the beauty of the broken and imperfect.

The idea of embracing my brokenness and seeing it as a source of beauty and strength gave me hope and a sense of purpose. I began to see my scars as something to be proud of, as they were a testament to my resilience and ability to keep going even when things were tough.

I never really talked about this small glimmer of hope I found during that dark time, so you can imagine my surprise and delight when I received an invitation to do a photoshoot that emphasized Kintsugi. It was as if the universe was reminding me to keep going and to not be ashamed of my damaged and broken parts.

During the photoshoot, I thought about the quote from Rocky that says, “Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place and I don’t care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done! Now if you know what you’re worth then go out and get what you’re worth. But ya gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain’t where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody! Cowards do that and that ain’t you! You’re better than that!”

Those words resonated with me deeply. Life may be tough, but I am tougher. I am not defined by my scars or my brokenness, but by my ability to keep going and to keep moving forward. And so are you.

Remember that the next time life knocks you down. Embrace your brokenness and see it as a source of strength and beauty. Keep moving forward and don’t be afraid to take the hits, because that’s how winning is done.

Living Life on Your Own Terms: The Challenges and Rewards of Pursuing Your Passion

The world we live in is constantly changing, and not necessarily in ways that benefit the human race. Survival has become a challenge, and the odds seem to be stacked against the vast majority of us. We work hard to make a living and support ourselves, but the compensation we receive often doesn’t reflect the effort we put in. Companies demand year-over-year growth to their profits, yet the employees who help them achieve those increases are often not compensated accordingly. We’re stuck in a cycle where the cost of living continues to rise, but our salaries remain stagnant.

A photo taken by me in downtown Orlando while touring Orlando on a Ghost Tour

It’s a harsh reality, but one that many of us face. And yet, there are still those who choose to take control of their lives and pursue their passions. They’re the ones who switch careers multiple times throughout their lives, who take risks and try to live life on their own terms. I’m one of those people.

I started my career as an EMT, then moved into Occupational Health and Safety. After that, I transitioned into Sales and Account Management before finally settling on freelance photography as my full-time profession. It’s a decision I don’t regret, but it hasn’t been an easy path.

There are many benefits to being a full-time freelance photographer. I make my own schedule, choose who I want to work with, and don’t have to ask anyone permission to take time off or go on vacation. But there are also downsides. Finding clients can be difficult, cash flow isn’t always guaranteed, and there’s a constant feeling that I should always be working.

One of the biggest challenges of being self-employed is the pressure to constantly make ends meet. Bills don’t stop just because you have a slow month, and the companies you owe money to have to make those year-over-year profits, right? It’s a reality that many entrepreneurs face, but it’s not often talked about.

Starting a business is not for the faint of heart. It takes a lot of hard work, sleepless nights, and anxiety-filled hours. But for those who choose this path, the reward is the ability to live life on their own terms. They’re able to pursue their passions and make a living doing something they love.

Is it worth it? That’s a question only each individual can answer for themselves. For me, I want to say yes, but I am still new at all this and my final answer isn’t in yet. I’m willing to take the risks and face the challenges that come with being self-employed because the alternative is to live a life that feels unfulfilling. I want to make a difference in the world, to leave a positive impact, and pursuing my passion as a freelance photographer allows me to do that.

The world may not be made for the human race to live, but that doesn’t mean we can’t make the most of it. We may face challenges, but with hard work and perseverance, we can create the life we want to live. We can pursue our passions and make a difference in the world. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it.