About Justin
About me
Some of my favorite things to do outside photography include connecting with friends and family over a good cup of coffee or good food, playing sports (any game but especially pickleball and golf these days), seeing art and appreciating others’ creativity, discovering new music, and making music (playing piano and singing).
I love photographing people because I believe each person has great value, having been created in the image of God and loved so much by God that He paid the highest price imaginable in giving His own Son, Jesus, to restore people back to their created purpose in union with Him. To me, the love of God through Jesus is the greatest display of love on Earth, and I’m just an imperfect guy trying to follow Jesus and become more like Him and to love others and see them in their created value like Jesus does. I believe my faith helps me to be a better photographer as it helps me to care more deeply for each person I photograph.
Five things that excite me are (1) capturing quality photos that people cherish, (2) getting to learn and do new things, (3) doing something genuinely helpful for someone, (4) experiencing and learning about other cultures through international friends in my community and through travels abroad, and (5) playing with my nieces and watching them grow.
As we get to know each other, you’ll find that I’m a deeply committed friend and that I strive to be excellent and to exceed your expectations as your photographer. My top strengths per the StrengthsFinder test include connectedness and relator, so I’d like to think I can connect deeply and compassionately with a wide variety of people and personality types. I highly value being organized (but also down for spontaneity) and being an effective communicator. Couples and families I’ve worked with have described me as calm, laid back, well prepared, and easy to work with.
Photographic Philosophy & Approach
Photography is a passion of mine. I strive to take photos from the heart with artistry that emote a sense of awe and wonder. I believe that people are the masterpiece of creation and they are my favorite subjects to photograph. In our visual society, your professional photos are works of art that withstand time, preserving special moments and recalling special memories not just for you, but for generations to come. As a photographer, it brings me great joy to see people delight in the finest photographs of their loved ones in their best light. Whether a proposal, a wedding day, a family portrait session, or just the day-to-day moments, I consider it my privilege to create art with you, my camera, lighting, posing, and a little know-how. I am committed to my craft and am continually pushing myself to learn and improve. Through attending trainings and conferences featuring some of the best photographers in the world, I add to my toolkit and give you the best I've got. I take a balance of candid and posed photos, though by posed I mean relaxed poses that are natural (casual viewers would not think they’re posed). I have an authentic style that’s part editorial part documentary as I believe photography should tell the real story of who’s being photographed as a visual biography using beautiful light. I’m confident and comfortable working in any lighting scenario, whether it be outside with natural light only, inside using flash, or in the dark doing long exposures and some light painting. Additionally, I do offer film photography as well.