A recent portrait photography session in downtown Sacramento reminded me why personal work matters. Personal projects allow photographers to experiment with lighting, gear, and creative ideas that often influence their professional portrait work.
Mahon Ranch Cattle Roundup: A Day Inside a 140-Year Sacramento County Working Ranch
There’s a kind of clarity that only comes after spending a full day in the dust, heat, and rhythm of a working ranch. Watching generations of cowboys handle 120 head of cattle—not for show, not for nostalgia, but because it has to be done—reminds you what real work looks like. This wasn’t a photo op. It was a way of life. And I was grateful to be invited into it, camera in hand, just trying to do it justice.
Wyoming Army ROTC Field Training Exercise: A Father's Reflection on Leadership and Legacy
In April 2025, I made a 2,400-mile round-trip drive from Sacramento to Laramie, Wyoming, stopping in Guernsey for a weekend I’ll never forget. I was there to spend a few days with my son Ryan, a senior in the University of Wyoming’s Army ROTC program, as he and his fellow seniors ran their culminating training event—the Joint Field Training Exercise (JFTX).
Sacramento Fashion Week 2025 – A Photographer’s Perspective
Fashion Week always brings a mix of creativity, spontaneity, and technical challenges. This year at Sacramento Fashion Week, held at the Crocker Art Museum, I set out with a clear vision of how I wanted to capture the event. Over two nights, I experimented with lens choices, lighting techniques, and visual storytelling,
Embracing Faith and Photography: Documenting the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage
The Decision to Volunteer
When the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage came up, it piqued my interest as a photographer and someone on a faith journey. I reached out to the organizers, and they were incredibly receptive. Adjusting my schedule to volunteer was a joy, as it allowed me to witness the dedication and faith of the pilgrims firsthand.
Legacy in Focus: Capturing the Spirit of The Lonesome E Cattle Company
In the rolling foothills of Eastern Madera County, where the legacy of Edward E. Campbell, Sr. intertwines with the land, the spirit of The Lazy E Ranch—now known as The Lonesome E Cattle Company—continues to thrive.
Mastering Your Gear: The Key to Elevating Your Photography
In the realm of photography, understanding the ins and outs of your equipment is not just about getting acquainted with your tools