What was your first job as a journalist?
Snapsis.org back in the day, a small time and EARLY website that covered the local music scene.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yep, that is where I learned to type.
How is social media changing news?
It has for sure made the turn around time a LOT faster. News stories now have the ability to go live only seconds after it breaks.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
The kid from the movie Almost Famous. That is what helped push me to the music field of photojournalism.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
It means that you have to present what you are covering in the most honest light, not fudge anything & honesty is the only thing that matters
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
Not sure, there have been a few.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
I prefer to know all the W's and the H before I say yes. The more info the better.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
A Nikon D750, a 35mm Prime lens, a 55-300mm lens, and lightroom for quick color corrections and simple editing.
What's your favorite social network?
Instagram.
Who do you wish followed you?
Sacha Lecca, Ross Halfin, Bob Gruen, Platon, and a few others.
Why did you become a journalist?
By accident really, I just loved taking photos, and was asked if a local publication could use some, and the rest is history.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
No, but I worked for my undergrad paper, The Baker Orange. I was a photojournalist for them and a sometimes reporter.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
Photo stories: Bruce Springsteen, Carlos Santana, President Biden, The Who, Classless Act
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
For photojournalism, just go out there and do it. Practice with your camera and get to know it like the back of your hand.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Any time. If I don't respond at first, i'll get back to you asap.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
When Carrie Underwood's PR agent reached out to me and asked if I would cover her tour stop in Kansas City.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
I'm not sure if I've received it yet? There are still a lot more pitches to come my way.
What's your favorite drink?
Water or a Frozen Strawberry Margarita.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
One of three things, reading a book and drinking a cup of coffee, watching a documentary about one thing or another, or out on a hike.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
GQ, Elle, Esquire, Rolling Stones, NME, F-Stoppers, PetaPixel, PDN (RIP, it will be missed),
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
That I only cover sports (because of the sport's teams I used to work for), or that Concert Photography is actually easy.
