People. Passion. Performance.
Twenty years in the pageantry arts taught me that the most powerful moments happen between the scored performances—in the preparation, the breakthroughs, and the authentic passion that drives these incredible artists.
From Performer to Documenter
Photography found me through necessity. After nearly a decade performing in pageantry arts, I transitioned into teaching and found myself documenting Rise Percussion's season out of practical need. What started as simple documentation evolved into something deeper—a realization that I genuinely love perfecting this craft.
Twenty years in pageantry arts as both performer and educator taught me to read the rhythm of preparation, anticipate the breakthrough moments, and recognize when someone is truly lost in their passion. These aren't skills you can learn from the sidelines—they come from being part of the community.
Today, I bring that insider understanding to my photography. I don't just document events; I capture the authentic energy that makes each community special. Whether it's the focused intensity before a competition run or the pure joy of nailing a difficult sequence, I know these moments because I've lived them.
My Approach
Get Into the Action
I don't shoot from the sidelines. Quick lenses, shutter speed priority, and getting close to the energy—that's where the authentic moments happen.
Deep Community Immersion
I tend to hyperfocus on projects and steep myself in community lore. This isn't just documentation—it's storytelling from the inside.
Fair Value Philosophy
I cover costs first, then price based on your community's capacity. Good networking, positive karma, and genuine passion all factor into fair pricing.
My Techniques & Equipment
Anticipatory Shooting
I read the energy and predict moments before they happen. Twenty years in pageantry taught me to anticipate the climax, the breakthrough, the mistake recovery.
Freezing the Perfect Moment
Fast camera settings freeze the action—flag silk mid-spin, drumstick at impact, the exact moment of landing a difficult move.
High Volume, Selective Editing
Shoot a lot, edit ruthlessly. I'd rather have the perfect moment and cut 200 near-misses than miss it entirely.
Mobile Setup
Canon T3i and Olympus E-PM2 keep me agile. Moving toward M43 system for maximum mobility without quality compromise.
What We Document
Pageantry Arts
- Winter Guard and Indoor Percussion
- Marching Band competitions and performances
- Drum Corps and DCA events
- TTRPG conventions and gaming communities
- Dance competitions and recitals
Event Types
- Competition documentation
- Rehearsal and behind-the-scenes
- Promotional and recruitment materials
- Convention and conference coverage
- Social media content creation
Ready to Tell Your Story?
Every performance community has unique energy and dedication. Let's discuss how we can document what makes your program special.