Behind The Camera
Early Days
I grew up in a charming city that exudes a small-town feel, nestled in the sprawling landscape of California, known as Simi Valley. Often, people are unfamiliar with its location, so they typically say they are from Los Angeles, despite being a good forty-minute drive away from the bustling city. This unique circumstance often leads to interesting conversations about the hidden gems within my beloved hometown. I had a wonderfully normal childhood, in which I frequently enjoyed hiking to the picturesque nearby trails that surrounded my quaint town, always making sure to return home before the street light illuminated the evening sky. I attended Simi Valley High School for all four of my high school years and I actively participated in wrestling throughout my entire time at the school.
Naval Career
After graduating from high school, I made the pivotal decision to enlist in the United States Navy, a choice that would profoundly shape my life. I attended boot camp at the Recruit Training Command located in Great Lakes, Illinois. After completing my boot camp experience, I was shipped off to San Antonio, Texas, to embark on my journey at Corpsman A-school, a highly specialized medical training program. Following graduation, I was stationed in the city of Jacksonville, Florida. During my time at Naval Hospital Jacksonville, I had the opportunity to work across a multitude of departments, including pharmacy, immunizations, phlebotomy, the intensive care unit (ICU), the surgical ward, and the emergency room, each role further honing my medical skills. After completing my shore tour in Florida, I received new orders and was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, out of Camp Pendleton, California. With great pride, I deployed with my battalion as part of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, based out of Camp Hansen in Okinawa, Japan. Currently, I reside in Camp Pendleton, where my journey continues to unfold.
Photography initially began as a rewarding hobby for me, driven by a desire to learn a new and useful skill that would not only stimulate my creativity but also allow me to capture the beauty of the world around me. I didn’t think this captivating hobby would evolve into something much more significant than just a simple pastime. But, I am genuinely excited to capture the cherished moments that you will undoubtedly look back on with a sense of nostalgia and fondness for years to come.
How I Got Behind The Camera
