Photography

Skilled in landscape, macro, and wildlife photography using professional Canon R5 equipment with high-quality L-series lenses. Experienced in composition, lighting, and image organization, with a portfolio capturing natural beauty and outdoor projects. 

My interest in photography began in high school after receiving a camera as a gift. At first, I was just experimenting with it, capturing anything that caught my eye. Over time, I realized how much I enjoyed the process — especially how photography encouraged me to slow down and really observe the world around me. That early curiosity grew into a lasting passion.

I gravitate toward nature photography — especially landscapes, macro shots, and wildlife. I also dabble in street photography, but my true focus is capturing the beauty of the natural world. There's something raw and unfiltered about being outdoors with a camera, waiting for just the right moment to present itself.

My current setup includes a Canon R5 and two main lenses: a 24–70mm f/2.8L and a 70–200mm f/2.8L. These lenses cover nearly every need I run into when shooting in the field, from tight street compositions to sweeping mountain scenes. I’ve built my kit carefully, investing in high-quality gear that matches my long-term goals and makes each trip out into the world smoother and more rewarding.

I prefer natural environments over artificial ones, both in terms of subject and lighting. Outdoor scenes feel more alive and less predictable — there’s always something changing, whether it’s the weather, light, or the behavior of wildlife. Nature photography forces me to adapt, to anticipate, and to wait, which makes every good shot feel earned.

Some of my most meaningful photos have come from trips to Spruce Knob and Dolly Sods. There’s a quiet intensity to those places — the rolling fog, the stillness at sunrise, the sweeping views. A few images I’ve taken in those places really stayed with me. They captured not just a location, but a moment of peace, and I still return to those photos when I want to remember why I started shooting in the first place.

My skills have definitely evolved over time. Framing and subject placement have improved as I’ve practiced, and I’m starting to understand how to use leading lines to guide the viewer’s eye. On a more technical level, I’ve gotten much better at organizing my files, managing gear, and prepping for shoots. Staying organized is a necessity when dealing with multiple lenses, batteries, memory cards, and editing workflows.

I bring my camera almost everywhere, even on routine walks to work. You never know when the light will hit just right or an interesting moment will unfold. For more planned outings, whether personal or client-based, I have a checklist: clean memory cards, charged batteries, and properly packed gear — always confirmed at least the day before. That level of preparation keeps me calm and focused when it’s time to shoot.

I’ve never used photography to document work projects or personal experiences like camping — not because I don’t see the value, but because I like to live certain experiences with my full attention. Photography is deeply enjoyable to me, but I don’t always want to experience things through a lens. When I do pick up the camera, it’s because I want to — not because I feel I have to.

That said, I have shared some of my work publicly. I maintain a portfolio at srphoto.us, and I’ve entered a few photo contests. I haven’t won anything yet, but it’s still rewarding to put my work out there and see how others respond. It’s also been a great way to reflect on my own progress and see how far I’ve come.

To me, photography is a way to explore the world with intention. It makes me notice things others might walk past and helps me appreciate light, texture, and moments in ways I never used to. More than a creative outlet, it’s a way of thinking — a lens through which I’ve learned to stay curious, patient, and present.