ABOUT JOHN
I am truly humbled to be an award winning international wedding and sports photographer who’s work has been published around the world. I was born into a family of six and was raised on beautiful Vancouver Island off the southwest coast of British Columbia. My passion for photography developed at a young age when I would ‘borrow’ my dad’s 35mm camera to film the mystic coastal landscapes and the occasional passing train that rumbled over the nearby trestles.
An overwhelming desire to travel and capture various cultures on film was cultivated shortly after graduation. A cross country road trip and summer spent in New York was followed by an opportunity to spend a few months in Switzerland. Upon return, I would eventually make my home in Colorado Springs, Colorado. I started shooting weddings in 2004 and referrals throughout the country and around the world have been pouring in ever since.
Being an avid freestyle and big mountain skier eventually compelled me to bring the camera to the ski slopes to start shooting some of my friends in their element. In 2008, opportunity presented itself to shoot freestyle ski competitions in Colorado and California. Both events provided immediate success and multiple photos were published in affluent sports magazines! A persistent pursuit to work with the top international ski and media companies blossomed into a coveted position to shoot the Winter X-Games in Aspen, Colorado for a few years… And… with the expansion to Europe in 2010, the 1st annual Winter X-Games in Tignes, France! But I can honestly say being published, featured or receiving awards doesn’t hold a candle to the heart felt testimonials, thank you cards, texts, emails and reviews so many amazing people have shared with me! I’m truly honored and spurred on to reach new pinnacles in photography and videography. When clients turn into lifelong friends it warms my soul and motivates me to be the best I can possibly be!
In 2016 I stepped out of my comfort zone and start doing video as well. It was a little nerve racking at first because I always want everything to be perfect due to my OCD nature. The mountain of a learning curve was lessened by having a photography background. The biggest boost has been a great videographer friend of mine being willing to mentor and teach me. This has also given me a newfound confidence and in short, I love it! I still stay very busy with wedding and commercial photography but being able to add the video element makes my work more challenging and fun! I don’t love photography any less, the best way I can explain it is this: When my daughter was born I was smitten. I couldn’t imagine loving anyone as much as my wife but my heart grew bigger. When my son was welcomed into this world my heart grew exponentially bigger yet again! So if I’m not growing, learning, and expanding my skillset then I’m becoming stagnant. And in my mind that is a death sentence to achieving greatness or anything noteworthy and inspirational. One of my favorite quotes is from Andy Dufresne in Shawshank Redemption. “Get busy living or get busy dying.” I’ll gladly embrace the 1st option!
I hope my photos and video trigger something in your creative minds, if not find someone who does! I strive to be creative, out of the ordinary and refreshingly different. I’m always honored to meet and initiate conversation with potential clients and hopefully they will morph into genuine friendships! Send me an email or better yet pick up the phone and give me a call!