I was raised in Orange County, CA, where I developed a love for the ocean and surfing early on. After studying Graphic Design in college, a series of knee injuries forced me to put surfing on hold, which is when I picked up a camera. I basically lived on the beach at the time, and although I couldn't surf anymore due to the bum knee, I would still drink my morning coffee on the beach and watch the waves. It only made sense to shoot a few photos and show my friends when it got good. I ended up getting a few good lineup shots that winter, which I got excited about, so I continued. Now almost 2 years into photography, and completely self-taught, I am finding stoke in creating unique images. Photography has completely changed the course of my life in these 2 short years, so although I've been through hell with these injuries, blowing out my knee is quite possibly one of the best things to ever happen to me.

Last year I was recognized as a finalist for the Follow the Light Foundation Grant for up-and-coming surf photographers, in honor of the late Larry "Flame" Moore. It was a huge honor for me to be part of that group, which included winner and now Surfer staff photog, Todd Glaser, Zak Noyle (now a Transworld staffer), Ryan Craig, and Patrick Ruddy. I felt a little out of place amongst these talented and more experienced photographers, but apparently someone felt I belonged there.

Living in "the OC", most of my local breaks are far from secret spots, so making unique images in these highly photographed locations is my goal for now. And in the long term, the goal is to make a career out of creating striking photographs, and experience life to the fullest by doing so.