BIO:
After getting a BA from Yale University in History of Art , I began my career in the film industry as an "experimental abstract filmmaker," but soon realized I wanted to work on movies that people actually saw! So I set about learning my craft the old fashioned way - working my way up first in film as a Camera Assistant, Grip, and then as a Gaffer. Eventually I started shooting, but those years as Gaffer gave me an indispensable background in lighting that remains the strongest element in my work, and gives me an edge in low budget situations with small crews.
I started in film ( 35 and 16) and during the last 25+ years have worked in pretty much every style from features to docs, corporate , music videos, etc. I find the ever changing video technology fascinating and typically know the cameras I work with inside and out. Thus I was one of the few DP's in Northern California to shoot and understand 3D when it was briefly popular a few years ago.
In the last few years I've branched out into working more and more as a Colorist which I find endlessly fascinating and challenging. Bringing a DP's eyes and experience to that work is an invaluable asset.
While I'm an "artist" - I'm also in the "service industry". My job is to give the director beautiful images - but always respecting their needs, their budget, their ideas, and providing footage that will cut. Thus I'm never above going "run & gun" or working as a "one man band" when appropriate. On set my greatest pleasure is in the camaraderie of the crew and collaboration with the director. I've met fascinating people and gone to incredible places but still every "talking head" is a challenge.
Other than shooting , I have occasionally directed my own documentary and music projects, maintained another life as a musician playing saxophone in Jazz, Klezmer and Salsa bands, even a bit of percussion. These days I've become a downright obsessive social dancer and you can often find me at Salsa, Swing and Tango events. I'm particularly interested in video projects about music and think that gives me a little extra sensitivity when shooting it.