Why Photography?

“Don’t attach yourself to a person, place, an organization or a project. Attach yourself to a mission, a calling, a purpose only. That’s how you keep your power and your peace.”
Elon Musk

Photography is my mission. Not just the act of taking pictures, but the deeper purpose behind it: preserving dignity, visibility, and memory for people who might otherwise be overlooked.

I don’t photograph bands because it pays well (spoiler alert: it doesn’t). I do it because every student deserves to be seen — clearly, beautifully, and with compassion and care.

I don’t want to be just “that photographer guy.” My subjects aren’t a blur of faces passing through a lens. Each one has left an impression. Each one matters. And I remember and cherish every one of them.

How did I get into this?

I started taking pictures back in 1988, when I got a nice Pentax camera and ended up taking pictures of where I grew up in Alaska in a cabin, on a homestead.

Home, Eagle River Valley, Alaska – Jun 1989

I took it with me in the Navy and tried to shoot around the world. I don’t have many of those pictures anymore (My dad always told me that 3 moves are the same as a fire). I was stationed on the USS Missouri, (BB63) and was in the Persian Gulf during the Gulf War in 1991.

Steel Beach picnic, USS Missouri (BB63) Indian Ocean – Mar 1991

Lamar Building Penthouse, Sept 2007

Digital Imaging

In 1999 I got my first digital camera, and I was hooked. I didn’t need to worry about developing film. By 2008, I had about 10 different digital cameras but upgraded to an Olympus DSLR. I was taking pictures for various events and just working on artwork, but nothing business related.

Why Marching Band?

I started Focusing on Marching Band in 2012, because my wife was not able to see our daughter perform; she worked evenings and weekends, so I grabbed my camera and got a bunch of pictures so that she could see. I was able to get a few videos as well, because she was missing out on the daughter’s performance. Some of the other parents that were chaperones, or part of the pit crew saw the pictures and asked if I could share the pics for themselves and family members that couldn’t make it, and it became a thing.

The image that proved to me that I can get the story in the image. Jacket Regiment “Contagion” State 2012

Every year I try to do better. It’s hard to do that during the competition season, because I don’t want to break my ability to take the pictures. I do Portraits, and event photography throughout the year so I can get more equipment and raise my production standards. It helps pay for the web server, and the domain, business licenses and all that misc. Stuff that Kristie manages, because I may be the eyes that take the pics, but she is the brains of the outfit.

Marching Band FAQ

Do you charge for taking Marching Band pictures or videos?

No, I don’t charge for taking the pictures or videos. I post them on Facebook for students, faculty, and parents to see the band members in action. All videos are posted on YouTube (non-monetized and currently unlisted until after the competition season unless approved by the band directors).

How do you make a profit?

Any profit is made through large physical print requests after the fact. Everything is free for digital sharing including YouTube, which is non-monetized. I just want to make enough to cover costs for competitions, and pay business things like licenses and maybe a new photography toy. This isn’t my day job, so I don’t need to make a living from it.

Do you require free access or tickets to events?

No, we pay our way as well as buying food and merch. Band programs don’t get enough money as it is.

Where do you shoot the videos and stills?

We usually shoot video in the press box or above if accessible for the best possible video, and we don’t interfere with the judges. The stills are shot from the stands to get the best view of the band members individually. For awards, I like to be down on the field for the trophy handoff and getting those pics quickly without interrupting the flow or timing.

How do you choose which images to process and share?

Each image must:
-Be structurally correct (photographically: correct speed, action, image sharpness, etc.)
-Put the band in a good light (no obvious mistakes, and no inappropriate shots)
-Tell a story in the picture.

How long does it take to get finished pictures?

For every hour that I shoot, it takes 2 hours of post-processing. Some contests end up with several thousand images, and it takes a few days to finish.

Why do you post pictures under your personal account on Facebook?

To avoid Facebook thinking that I’m advertising. When that happens, the pictures will not show on people’s timelines as they try to get me to “Pay-for-Boosting”. No, Facebook, these pictures are for everyone.

How do you handle DMCA strikes on YouTube videos?

Any DMCA strikes on my YouTube videos are handled by me, so Band Directors don’t have to worry. I’ve had a couple previously, and they have all been released for public viewing. Every strike so far has been fully allowed to be played by the copyright holder/Artist.

What is your video quality and setup?

I try to make the videos study-level. I had 2 band members of my own, and they both told me to what they wanted to study. The video is stable and 4k (for all the details). There are no edits and no cuts, and it is as recorded but with white balance adjusted for the field, and lighting set so that the details are as visible as possible. The audio is captured cleanly with no adjustments during the recording, with a physical noise isolation setup. I recommend using really good headphones for at least one watching. It’s magical!

What are your concerns about video copyright?

I have researched and discussed with Legal Counsel, and this is the specific wording I use for any concerns.
“All Rights revert to the original Rights holders. However, this is a Public Performance of Public-School Marching Bands and should be considered “Not-For-Profit” and “For Educational Use Only”. Specifically: Section 107(1,4) of the Copyright Law, Title 17, U.S. Code; Fair Use – “Non-Profit” and “the effect of the use upon the potential market for”, and Section 110(1) allows for “performance or display of a work by instructors or pupils in the course of face-to-face teaching activities of a nonprofit educational institution, in a classroom or similar place devoted to instruction.”

Portraits

I love doing portraits. I try not to do baby pictures, because there are plenty of fine photographers that specialize in that, and I like to be able to work with my subjects. Babies are notorious for not listening or understanding poses.

I try to keep my prices simple, and affordable; I want people to be able to afford pictures without having to mortgage the house or sell off an organ. I try to do enough each year to pay the taxes for the business, and to buy some new equipment each year, but its not my main job.

I started with senior pictures, and have branched into Prom, bridal, and Santa Pictures – I love them all! They are so fun to see, the kids (and adults) are just enamored with Santa Claus.

Santa Pictures at Langley Pond 2022

All of these are shot on location, no fake backdrops.

Thank You.

Thank you for letting me take pictures.
Thank you for being a bright and shining moment that we share.
Thank you for letting me see you. I hope these images help you see yourselves as I do.