J
Julie Kenward
Guest
Roman Kurywczak is our first featured member here at “Behind the Image”. Many of you who have been around a while know that Roman has been a member, a moderator, anad a super-moderator here at BPN but is now currently back to being a member again as he pursues his long-time dream ofl iving out the busy life of a full-time professional photographer.
A self-described native New Jersey boy, Roman currently lives in Roselle Park with his wife, Pura, and two sons, Gregory (19) and Ian (15). His first camera, a Canon AE-1, was a Christmas present from his (then) girlfriend and (now) wife when he was 19 years old; he now has over 25 years of photography experience under his belt.
At the age of 23, he took his first trip out west to hike and camp in the national parks of Colorado (Rocky Mountain), Utah (Arches and Canyonlands), and Arizona (Grand Canyon) with his camera in tow and has been hooked on photographing the American West ever since. He returned from those first trips disappointed with his results because he didn’t feel he had captured the vast scenery in all its grandeur so he decided to set out to improve his technical skills. <o
></o>
He hooked up with a local camera club and that is where he met two people who would greatly influence his photography career - Ben Venezio and Terry Boyer. Both were accomplished photographers and they mentored him, sharing their knowledge and passion for photography. Ben gently encouraged him and often took him on local excursions. Terry was blunter with his critiques, although he always had Roman’s best intentions at heart. After his first camera club competition, he vividly remembers Terry’s first comment to him was, “Get a tripod kid”. Blunt yes…..but he saw Roman’s love of landscape photography and wanted to show him the quickest way to get the sharp images he was striving for. (Years later, Roman always teased him about that comment when he would catch Terry without his tripod!)
As the years progressed, they became great friends and often traveled together to many photographic locations. Sadly, Terry passed away a few years ago at age 56, but he was there to witness the start of Roman’s career as a professional photographer. Before Terry passed, he shared with him some great advice on what to expect as he embarked on his new career path. Roman still thinks of him almost every time he picks up the camera as it reminds him of all the things Terry taught him.
Roman feels truly blessed to have his other mentor, Ben, still around. At 78 years of age, Roman says Ben still works harder than many young photographers half his age. He has instilled in Roman the importance of family first and his personal (as well a photographic) advice has never failed him over the years. Along with Roman’s parents, Ben has been his biggest influence as a husband, a parent, a friend, and a photographer. His examples and selflessness still steers Roman’s career today.
<o></o>
Ben was a bit adamant that, at his age, he wasn’t going to make the switch to digital from slides so Roman got in a bit of good ribbing when Ben bought his Canon 40D a few months before Roman purchased his Canon 1D Mark lll inDecember, 2007. He still owns and uses the Mark lll to this day and it will always have a special place in his heart as it launched his night photography quest in earnest. So now let's get to know more about Roman - this week's "Man Behind the Image!"
<o></o>
Do you consider yourself to be aprofessional, semi-pro, “prosumer” or student? <o></o>
Professional Photographer<o></o>
<o></o>
If you’re not a pro, what’s your dayjob? <o></o>
Before I went pro, I was a union carpenter for 22 years.<o></o>
<o></o>
What do you do when you’re not outwith a camera in hand? <o></o>
I’ve been married for 22 years and have two teenage boys, Gregory (17) and Ian(15). I like to spend time with them when I am at home and try to make it to Greg’s football or basketball games and Ian’s track meets. Another passion of mine is cooking. I do all the cooking when I am home and nothing gives me more satisfaction than seeing the boys and my wife enjoying the meals I prepare. I love having family and friends over for dinner as we don’t get to spend enough time together. Nothing beats a great meal accompanied by great conversation and friends!<o></o>
What make/model of equipment do you useon a regular basis? <o></o>
I have two Canon EOS 1D Mark lll bodies, Canon 17-40mm lens, Canon 28-135mm lens, Sigma 180mm macro, Canon 100-400mm lens, Sigma 300-800mm lens, Gitzo 3541LStripod legs, Graf Studioball ballhead, & Wimberly (old version) head.<o></o>
What editing software do you use? <o></o>
Photoshop CS5 and Photomatix Pro, as well as HDR Express<o></o>
<o></o>
Do you only shoot digital or do youalso shoot film/slides? <o></o>
Digital only for the last four years; I shot slides before that.<o></o>
<o></o>
What classifications (or genres) ofphotography are you primarily known for or interested in?<o></o>
I feel I move seamlessly between landscape, avian, wildlife, and macro photography. While I started out primarily as a landscape/macro photographer before I could afford big glass, I have been photographing avian and wildlife subjects for over 15 years. My passion for landscapes is still there and night time photography has re-energized it.<o></o>
<o></o>
When you’re not out photographing oneof your primary interests, what else do you enjoy photographing? <o></o>
For the last few years I have been diving into HDR photography. I like using it for “old stuff” and buildings, most of which I stayed away from in the past. I have also surprised myself by writing some poetry. I’m not sure it will ever be a strength of mine, but it surprised me that I even had it in me!<o></o>
Would you say your biggest strengthlies in your technical skills with the camera, your artistic expression/interpretation, your post-processing skills, or a combination of the above? <o></o>
I feel in my case, it is a combination of technical ability and artistic expression, along with desire and drive. I feel that I am the weakest in post-processing. I do believe that you need to be technically proficient in order to go out and break the rules! <o></o>
<o></o>
Fresh out of high school I went to art school for graphic design so I feel I see things a bit differently. My biggest asset is my desire / passion for photography. Nothing soothes my soul like going out and taking pictures and I am not afraid of trying new things and failing - as that is how I learn. Failure, not success, is what drives me. <o></o>
<o></o>
Digital technology has opened up a new world of possibilities! Knowing what my camera’s capabilities are and pushing the limits allows me to dream up new ideas and gives me the tools to figure out how I can best achieve my vision. I am not afraid to fail; I am only afraid of not trying!<o></o>
<o></o>
Do you conduct any classes, seminars,or workshops?<o></o>
I give seminars all over the country. I run instructional workshops ranging from half-day local workshops to over two weeks in Tanzania. What separates me from other tour companies is that I take only four people on my U.S. based workshops in order to provide a more personalized atmosphere and instruction.<o></o>
<o></o>
Have you ever been published? Won any awards? <o></o>
I haven’t been published (I don’t look for that) and I hate talking about awards even though I have won my share of them. I’ll list my favorite: In 2004, as part of an entry for Nature’s Best Photography in the Camera Club division, the camera club I belonged to, Camera Naturalist Photo Club, won the award for best camera club - and I was part of that victory. What made this award special was that Ben and Terry were also featured in the magazine and their images were also in the Smithsonian as part of the exhibit. Terry was dying from cancer and didn’t think the club would have a chance of winning. I made the submission for the club anyway and, shortly before he passed away, he thanked me for my belief and stubbornness for submitting it as this was a great honor and he was able to see it come to pass. That has meant more to me than any personal photographic award.<o></o>
<o></o>
What was it about photography thatfirst drew you in?
As an art school major, I didn’t even think of photography as an art form. After traveling and seeing the work of other great photographers - such as Galen Rowell - I decided that I needed to work harder if I was going to approach the level that they worked at. After joining the camera club and meeting not only my mentors but others who shared their passion for photography, I decided it was the best place to learn even if most of them did not want to pursue photography as a career. It was much later that I decided to chase this career as a professional.<o></o>
<o></o>
What keeps you coming back for more? <o></o>
The misses - the ones that get away. While teaching and sharing my knowledge with others is a big high, it is the image I miss capturing that fuels my fire. Helping people nail the shot when they are with me is unbelievably rewarding and further pushes me to make sure I help them achieve their goals. When I personally fail to create the image I had envisioned, either due to things out of my control (weather issues) or in my control (clipped wings/feet, poor composition choice, etc.), it drives me more than any successful image I may have captured. Failure is only failure if you don’t learn from your mistakes or if you stop trying! <o></o>
I have since been able to check a few ‘misses’ off my list, but I remember the original miss like it was yesterday and those memories remind me that I need to continue to work as hard at my craft as I did when I first started. I always feel I can do better and go out to prove that to myself every time I go out shooting.<o></o>
Whose work do you most admire and why?<o></o>
I was going to say Galen Rowell, as he was my first inspiration, but I will say that it was both Ben Venezio and Terry Boyer mentioned earlier. While you may not have heard of them, it was their ability, encouragement, attitude, help, and body of work that pushed me on a frequent basis and got me where I am today. I don’t feel that I would be at this point in my career if it wasn’t for their influence and I feel that way every time I stand behind the camera.<o></o>
Do you have any current mentors or muses? Anyone who’s rocked your world with their knowledge or artistic interpretation of photography? <o></o>
Ben continues to inspire me because, at age 78, he amazes me that he not only keeps up with the ‘youngsters’ but still gives his time to other photographers and the New Jersey photographic community. <o></o>
Susan Candelario inspires me with her creativity and her pursuit of challenging the norm in photography. She can more than hold her own with the ‘big boys’ in the normal venues of photography but she really shines when she pushes the envelope on the artistic side.<o></o>
<o></o>
How have you personally grown and/orchanged because of your love of photography? <o></o>
Photography has taught me patience and to not be afraid to fail – two qualities that I admit were sorely lacking in me before I became a photographer. I still hate losing but I have stood there countless times waiting for a spectacular sunrise or sunset to materialize -and it never does. I have clipped wings,horns, and legs more times than I care to admit. When those times happen, I have to remind myself that I am standing in some of the most beautiful places on earth and I need to relish the events in front of me and realize that I am fortunate that I should be able to return and try again! I’m most proud that this has translated to my family life and taught me to slow down and enjoy the important things in life, although people who know me best will no doubt get a good laugh out of that self-assessment! I am still a work in progress.<o></o>
Has your photographic style changed over time? How?<o></o>
I don’t think my style has changed over the years. My philosophy of “shoot tight or go home” when photographing birds or wildlife isn’t always well received. I take hundreds of thousands of images a yea rand generally put out only tightly-framed images, as that is what I personally prefer. <o></o>
How has holding a camera to your eye changed the way you interact with the world around you? <o></o>
I now see light changing and am always aware of that. I often catch myself thinking like a photographer but I also find that I need to step away from the camera and take in the show more often. I tend to get caught up in the moment and forget why I am there in the first place. Yes, capturing the moment is usually a priority, but to have that image convey the feel and mood of the moment and, perhaps, preserve that place or species for eternity so others can enjoy it is always my number one goal.<o></o>
How long have you been involved withBPN? <o></o>
I joined BPN in February 2008 and, shortly thereafter, became a landscape moderator, then macro moderator, and I continued in that role until recently when time constraints got in the way.<o></o>
How has being involved in our forumschanged your photography? <o></o>
It has opened my eyes to new things to explore and allowed me to better communicate with others about photography through critiquing.<o></o>
What’s been the best piece of advice you’ve received here at BPN? <o></o>
Have fun! While learning new things is important we always need to remind ourselves that the time we spend photographing our subjects should always be a great time!<o></o>
What forum do you spend most of your time in? Why? <o></o>
I visit most of the forums equally, although I have mostly critiqued in the landscape and macro forums.<o></o>
Got any advice for future photographers?<o></o>
There is no substitute for hard work! Putting in the time and effort will take you a long way. You have many exciting new resources available (such as BPN) so learn from them and absorb as much as you can from those who went before you.<o></o>
<o></o>
What’s currently at the top of yourphotography dream list? (Where do youmost want to go or what do you most want to photograph?) <o></o>
Antarctica for the landscapes (okay, and the penguins!)<o></o>
<o></o>
We’ve all heard the phrase, “You can’t take it with you” but if you COULD take it with you, what one camera body and lens would you strap around your neck for all of eternity and why? <o></o>
I don’t think I could choose one camera and lens......too many other things to leave behind (like my wife and beer!) that the gear just wouldn’t be fun. It’s all the other stuff left behind and sharing my images that makes photography so rewarding to me.<o></o>
<o></o>
But if I must play….still not fair! You’re making me choose between landscape photography, macro, avian & wildlife! I’ll keep my 1D Mark lll(although the new Canon 1DX sounds exciting). I’ll go with a 24-105 lens so I can do most landscapes but you’ve got to give me my split ND, polarizer, and vari ND filters, too! And I’m sneaking the Sigmonster in my vest as well! <o></o>
<o></o>
Anything else you want to add? <o></o>
I’ve been fortunate in my life in so many ways but, of all the choices in it, my smartest decision was choosing my wife, Pura. She has stood by my side with encouragement, understanding, and support, yet keeps me grounded and reminds me what is truly important. She is the reason for my success and has believed in me even when I had my doubts. She has given me my two greatest gifts in my sons, Gregory and Ian. I have no doubt that without her, I would be lost.<o></o>
I want upcoming photographers to keep that in mind as they pursue their passion as I have seen too many photographers lose their way, take shortcuts, or even betray those who care about them all in pursuit of fame. I would give up my career in an instant if it would mean abandoning my family or friends. Don’t forget to step back and remind yourself what you are privileged to bear witness to and never forget where you come from. Success has a price; make sure the one you pay isn’t so high that, at the sunset of your career, you find yourself without the ones you love. <o></o>
<o></o>
A self-described native New Jersey boy, Roman currently lives in Roselle Park with his wife, Pura, and two sons, Gregory (19) and Ian (15). His first camera, a Canon AE-1, was a Christmas present from his (then) girlfriend and (now) wife when he was 19 years old; he now has over 25 years of photography experience under his belt.
At the age of 23, he took his first trip out west to hike and camp in the national parks of Colorado (Rocky Mountain), Utah (Arches and Canyonlands), and Arizona (Grand Canyon) with his camera in tow and has been hooked on photographing the American West ever since. He returned from those first trips disappointed with his results because he didn’t feel he had captured the vast scenery in all its grandeur so he decided to set out to improve his technical skills. <o
></o>He hooked up with a local camera club and that is where he met two people who would greatly influence his photography career - Ben Venezio and Terry Boyer. Both were accomplished photographers and they mentored him, sharing their knowledge and passion for photography. Ben gently encouraged him and often took him on local excursions. Terry was blunter with his critiques, although he always had Roman’s best intentions at heart. After his first camera club competition, he vividly remembers Terry’s first comment to him was, “Get a tripod kid”. Blunt yes…..but he saw Roman’s love of landscape photography and wanted to show him the quickest way to get the sharp images he was striving for. (Years later, Roman always teased him about that comment when he would catch Terry without his tripod!)
As the years progressed, they became great friends and often traveled together to many photographic locations. Sadly, Terry passed away a few years ago at age 56, but he was there to witness the start of Roman’s career as a professional photographer. Before Terry passed, he shared with him some great advice on what to expect as he embarked on his new career path. Roman still thinks of him almost every time he picks up the camera as it reminds him of all the things Terry taught him.
Roman feels truly blessed to have his other mentor, Ben, still around. At 78 years of age, Roman says Ben still works harder than many young photographers half his age. He has instilled in Roman the importance of family first and his personal (as well a photographic) advice has never failed him over the years. Along with Roman’s parents, Ben has been his biggest influence as a husband, a parent, a friend, and a photographer. His examples and selflessness still steers Roman’s career today.
<o
></o>Ben was a bit adamant that, at his age, he wasn’t going to make the switch to digital from slides so Roman got in a bit of good ribbing when Ben bought his Canon 40D a few months before Roman purchased his Canon 1D Mark lll inDecember, 2007. He still owns and uses the Mark lll to this day and it will always have a special place in his heart as it launched his night photography quest in earnest. So now let's get to know more about Roman - this week's "Man Behind the Image!"
<o
></o>Do you consider yourself to be aprofessional, semi-pro, “prosumer” or student? <o
></o>Professional Photographer<o
></o><o
></o>If you’re not a pro, what’s your dayjob? <o
></o>Before I went pro, I was a union carpenter for 22 years.<o
></o><o
></o>What do you do when you’re not outwith a camera in hand? <o
></o>I’ve been married for 22 years and have two teenage boys, Gregory (17) and Ian(15). I like to spend time with them when I am at home and try to make it to Greg’s football or basketball games and Ian’s track meets. Another passion of mine is cooking. I do all the cooking when I am home and nothing gives me more satisfaction than seeing the boys and my wife enjoying the meals I prepare. I love having family and friends over for dinner as we don’t get to spend enough time together. Nothing beats a great meal accompanied by great conversation and friends!<o
></o>What make/model of equipment do you useon a regular basis? <o
></o>I have two Canon EOS 1D Mark lll bodies, Canon 17-40mm lens, Canon 28-135mm lens, Sigma 180mm macro, Canon 100-400mm lens, Sigma 300-800mm lens, Gitzo 3541LStripod legs, Graf Studioball ballhead, & Wimberly (old version) head.<o
></o>What editing software do you use? <o
></o>Photoshop CS5 and Photomatix Pro, as well as HDR Express<o
></o><o
></o>Do you only shoot digital or do youalso shoot film/slides? <o
></o>Digital only for the last four years; I shot slides before that.<o
></o><o
></o>What classifications (or genres) ofphotography are you primarily known for or interested in?<o
></o>I feel I move seamlessly between landscape, avian, wildlife, and macro photography. While I started out primarily as a landscape/macro photographer before I could afford big glass, I have been photographing avian and wildlife subjects for over 15 years. My passion for landscapes is still there and night time photography has re-energized it.<o
></o><o
></o>When you’re not out photographing oneof your primary interests, what else do you enjoy photographing? <o
></o>For the last few years I have been diving into HDR photography. I like using it for “old stuff” and buildings, most of which I stayed away from in the past. I have also surprised myself by writing some poetry. I’m not sure it will ever be a strength of mine, but it surprised me that I even had it in me!<o
></o>Would you say your biggest strengthlies in your technical skills with the camera, your artistic expression/interpretation, your post-processing skills, or a combination of the above? <o
></o>I feel in my case, it is a combination of technical ability and artistic expression, along with desire and drive. I feel that I am the weakest in post-processing. I do believe that you need to be technically proficient in order to go out and break the rules! <o
></o><o
></o>Fresh out of high school I went to art school for graphic design so I feel I see things a bit differently. My biggest asset is my desire / passion for photography. Nothing soothes my soul like going out and taking pictures and I am not afraid of trying new things and failing - as that is how I learn. Failure, not success, is what drives me. <o
></o><o
></o>Digital technology has opened up a new world of possibilities! Knowing what my camera’s capabilities are and pushing the limits allows me to dream up new ideas and gives me the tools to figure out how I can best achieve my vision. I am not afraid to fail; I am only afraid of not trying!<o
></o><o
></o>Do you conduct any classes, seminars,or workshops?<o
></o>I give seminars all over the country. I run instructional workshops ranging from half-day local workshops to over two weeks in Tanzania. What separates me from other tour companies is that I take only four people on my U.S. based workshops in order to provide a more personalized atmosphere and instruction.<o
></o><o
></o>Have you ever been published? Won any awards? <o
></o>I haven’t been published (I don’t look for that) and I hate talking about awards even though I have won my share of them. I’ll list my favorite: In 2004, as part of an entry for Nature’s Best Photography in the Camera Club division, the camera club I belonged to, Camera Naturalist Photo Club, won the award for best camera club - and I was part of that victory. What made this award special was that Ben and Terry were also featured in the magazine and their images were also in the Smithsonian as part of the exhibit. Terry was dying from cancer and didn’t think the club would have a chance of winning. I made the submission for the club anyway and, shortly before he passed away, he thanked me for my belief and stubbornness for submitting it as this was a great honor and he was able to see it come to pass. That has meant more to me than any personal photographic award.<o
></o><o
></o>What was it about photography thatfirst drew you in?
As an art school major, I didn’t even think of photography as an art form. After traveling and seeing the work of other great photographers - such as Galen Rowell - I decided that I needed to work harder if I was going to approach the level that they worked at. After joining the camera club and meeting not only my mentors but others who shared their passion for photography, I decided it was the best place to learn even if most of them did not want to pursue photography as a career. It was much later that I decided to chase this career as a professional.<o
></o><o
></o>What keeps you coming back for more? <o
></o>The misses - the ones that get away. While teaching and sharing my knowledge with others is a big high, it is the image I miss capturing that fuels my fire. Helping people nail the shot when they are with me is unbelievably rewarding and further pushes me to make sure I help them achieve their goals. When I personally fail to create the image I had envisioned, either due to things out of my control (weather issues) or in my control (clipped wings/feet, poor composition choice, etc.), it drives me more than any successful image I may have captured. Failure is only failure if you don’t learn from your mistakes or if you stop trying! <o
></o>I have since been able to check a few ‘misses’ off my list, but I remember the original miss like it was yesterday and those memories remind me that I need to continue to work as hard at my craft as I did when I first started. I always feel I can do better and go out to prove that to myself every time I go out shooting.<o
></o>Whose work do you most admire and why?<o
></o>I was going to say Galen Rowell, as he was my first inspiration, but I will say that it was both Ben Venezio and Terry Boyer mentioned earlier. While you may not have heard of them, it was their ability, encouragement, attitude, help, and body of work that pushed me on a frequent basis and got me where I am today. I don’t feel that I would be at this point in my career if it wasn’t for their influence and I feel that way every time I stand behind the camera.<o
></o>Do you have any current mentors or muses? Anyone who’s rocked your world with their knowledge or artistic interpretation of photography? <o
></o>Ben continues to inspire me because, at age 78, he amazes me that he not only keeps up with the ‘youngsters’ but still gives his time to other photographers and the New Jersey photographic community. <o
></o>Susan Candelario inspires me with her creativity and her pursuit of challenging the norm in photography. She can more than hold her own with the ‘big boys’ in the normal venues of photography but she really shines when she pushes the envelope on the artistic side.<o
></o><o
></o>How have you personally grown and/orchanged because of your love of photography? <o
></o>Photography has taught me patience and to not be afraid to fail – two qualities that I admit were sorely lacking in me before I became a photographer. I still hate losing but I have stood there countless times waiting for a spectacular sunrise or sunset to materialize -and it never does. I have clipped wings,horns, and legs more times than I care to admit. When those times happen, I have to remind myself that I am standing in some of the most beautiful places on earth and I need to relish the events in front of me and realize that I am fortunate that I should be able to return and try again! I’m most proud that this has translated to my family life and taught me to slow down and enjoy the important things in life, although people who know me best will no doubt get a good laugh out of that self-assessment! I am still a work in progress.<o
></o>Has your photographic style changed over time? How?<o
></o>I don’t think my style has changed over the years. My philosophy of “shoot tight or go home” when photographing birds or wildlife isn’t always well received. I take hundreds of thousands of images a yea rand generally put out only tightly-framed images, as that is what I personally prefer. <o
></o>How has holding a camera to your eye changed the way you interact with the world around you? <o
></o>I now see light changing and am always aware of that. I often catch myself thinking like a photographer but I also find that I need to step away from the camera and take in the show more often. I tend to get caught up in the moment and forget why I am there in the first place. Yes, capturing the moment is usually a priority, but to have that image convey the feel and mood of the moment and, perhaps, preserve that place or species for eternity so others can enjoy it is always my number one goal.<o
></o>How long have you been involved withBPN? <o
></o>I joined BPN in February 2008 and, shortly thereafter, became a landscape moderator, then macro moderator, and I continued in that role until recently when time constraints got in the way.<o
></o>How has being involved in our forumschanged your photography? <o
></o>It has opened my eyes to new things to explore and allowed me to better communicate with others about photography through critiquing.<o
></o>What’s been the best piece of advice you’ve received here at BPN? <o
></o>Have fun! While learning new things is important we always need to remind ourselves that the time we spend photographing our subjects should always be a great time!<o
></o>What forum do you spend most of your time in? Why? <o
></o>I visit most of the forums equally, although I have mostly critiqued in the landscape and macro forums.<o
></o>Got any advice for future photographers?<o
></o>There is no substitute for hard work! Putting in the time and effort will take you a long way. You have many exciting new resources available (such as BPN) so learn from them and absorb as much as you can from those who went before you.<o
></o><o
></o>What’s currently at the top of yourphotography dream list? (Where do youmost want to go or what do you most want to photograph?) <o
></o>Antarctica for the landscapes (okay, and the penguins!)<o
></o><o
></o>We’ve all heard the phrase, “You can’t take it with you” but if you COULD take it with you, what one camera body and lens would you strap around your neck for all of eternity and why? <o
></o>I don’t think I could choose one camera and lens......too many other things to leave behind (like my wife and beer!) that the gear just wouldn’t be fun. It’s all the other stuff left behind and sharing my images that makes photography so rewarding to me.<o
></o><o
></o>But if I must play….still not fair! You’re making me choose between landscape photography, macro, avian & wildlife! I’ll keep my 1D Mark lll(although the new Canon 1DX sounds exciting). I’ll go with a 24-105 lens so I can do most landscapes but you’ve got to give me my split ND, polarizer, and vari ND filters, too! And I’m sneaking the Sigmonster in my vest as well! <o
></o><o
></o>Anything else you want to add? <o
></o>I’ve been fortunate in my life in so many ways but, of all the choices in it, my smartest decision was choosing my wife, Pura. She has stood by my side with encouragement, understanding, and support, yet keeps me grounded and reminds me what is truly important. She is the reason for my success and has believed in me even when I had my doubts. She has given me my two greatest gifts in my sons, Gregory and Ian. I have no doubt that without her, I would be lost.<o
></o>I want upcoming photographers to keep that in mind as they pursue their passion as I have seen too many photographers lose their way, take shortcuts, or even betray those who care about them all in pursuit of fame. I would give up my career in an instant if it would mean abandoning my family or friends. Don’t forget to step back and remind yourself what you are privileged to bear witness to and never forget where you come from. Success has a price; make sure the one you pay isn’t so high that, at the sunset of your career, you find yourself without the ones you love. <o
></o><o
></o>
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