I’ve been interested in photography for almost 40 years. My father captured my interest by taking pictures whenever there was an opportunity. When I took my first photography course in high school he gave me his Argus rangefinder camera. My high school photography teachers Wes Buterbaugh and Paul Zellem were very important to my whole career. They made me understand how capable I was and made me feel like I had taken a step in the right direction. I pursued photography from that day forward. I arrived in New York City in the winter of 1978, I knew right away I should stay and pursue photography. When I got my first job with Taylor & Dull I was introduced to the world of Art Photography working with an 8x10 camera every day, photographing art and antiques. Richard Taylor taught me how to expose and develop film properly, he also showed me what it takes to make a living as a photographer in New York. Right from the beginning I had a vision of telling a story with my photographs. I was here on the streets and camera in hand. On a regular work day I was in a gallery on 57th street or Madison Ave. photographing works of art and when I wasn’t working I was somewhere on the streets looking for interesting people and places to photograph. I found it very easy to meet people and I am able to show that through my pictures. I have been influenced by many artists and photographers. I would say that Henri Cartier-Bresson is one of my favorite photographers and as I grew and learned more I would include Elliott Erwitt, Walker Evans, Eugene Smith, Aleksandr Rodchenko, Karsh, Dorothea Lange, Evelyn Cameron, and my friends Ted Hardin, Ed Haas, Richard Lee, David Lachapelle, Arthur Frank, Elizabeth Garvey, Marcelo Isarrualde and Stuart Taff.