Up close and personal

capturing real life moments through the lens of a camera

A photo degree, a decade of film photography, lots of trial and error shooting in manual mode, a few workshops, volunteer work and hired sessions for everything under the sun: a snapshot of my photography journey.

My photography work includes a blend of photojournalism and capturing everyday life.

Lead teaching assistant Shannon Carmont helps James during science class at LeafBridge Education Services of UCP of Greater Cleveland, an alternative education program for students with multiple disabilities.
Students at LeafBridge Education Services of UCP of Greater Cleveland receive one-on-one support from staff.
Meal Ministry guests at Refuge of Hope in Canton, Ohio, enjoy a hot meal.
Julie Brown shops at thrift stores weekly to look for items she can resell for profit.
Dave and Meredith Sommers cook breakfast for their three daughters. Twins Eliza and Esther turn one.
Kent State University freshman Thomas Jahnke is part of the first round of mass testing on campus after an increase of COVID-19 cases.
Three-year-old Peyton dances with her stuffed animal while mom, dad and baby sister watch from the couch.
Alex Kazemi preaches Sunday morning at Identity Church in Green, Ohio.
Jouliana George prepares for her wedding in Surrey, British Columbia. George is originally from Baghdad, Iraq and spent her teenage years living throughout Syria with her family. They entered British Columbia in 2010 under refugee status.
Jack Shoemaker plays the trumpet for the Glenoak High School's band performance at the Stark County Fair in Canton, Ohio.
Atlee Kaufman uses a word processor for administrative tasks at Bentwood Solutions, a business he opened four decades ago in Millersburg, Ohio, that bends wood used for Amish buggies.
Football players from Glenvillle High School cry while giving a speech at Cleveland Public Auditorium to celebrate their win as Ohio’s Division IV state high school football champion, a first for the Cleveland Metropolitan School District.
Em Evans harvests spinach at Living City Farms' new lot in Tallmadge, Ohio. The urban farm recently expanded to a second location after growing produce the past eight years in Akron’s Summit Lake neighborhood.
Steve Larson spreads mulch at Living City Farms' new lot in Tallmadge, Ohio. The urban farm recently expanded to a second location after growing produce the past eight years in Akron’s Summit Lake neighborhood.
Annette Rosteter volunteers at a thrift store once a week. She sources donated items for the store as a possibility to sell at a higher price online.
A glassmaker in the making department of the House of Waterford Crystal in Waterford, Ireland, constructs a piece of crystal.
A child raises her hand in Sunday school at Identity Church in Green, Ohio.
Samsor Ziar, who resettled from Afghanistan to Akron in 2021, studies in his bedroom.
Identical twins Eliza and Esther celebrate their second birthday with family and friends.
Identical twins Eliza and Esther celebrate their second birthday with family and friends.
Jen Wilson teaches third grade at Crestwood Primary School in Mantua, Ohio. She greets students during morning arrivals near the parent drop-off location.
U-Londa Hicks, the meal ministry director at Refuge of Hope in Canton, Ohio, prepares carryout meals for those in need while the dining hall stays closed during the pandemic.
Bill Renner, owner of Bill & Mary’s Diner & Creative Catering in North Canton, Ohio, cooks pancakes for takeout orders while dining-in is closed during government mandated COVID-19 restrictions.
Bill Renner, owner of Bill & Mary’s Diner & Creative Catering in North Canton, Ohio, cooks pancakes for takeout orders while dining-in is closed during government mandated COVID-19 restrictions.