What inspired you to become a photographer?

Friends who truly enjoyed my first photos and just landscapes I tried to capture. Its all like chain reaction. You try – you show to others and they say “Oh nice!” and you go for more… Well that’s what makes me happy! Other people smiles! Sometimes there are someone specific out there who you want to impress so that also is good inspiration.

Tell us about your first photo that really validated your interest as a photographer.

My first photo probably was one with sunset from Lake Tahoe. That was one of the most beautiful sunsets I ever witnessed so I guess it gave me big push into photography.

Back when you were just starting out, what was your biggest challenge and how did you overcome that?

What do you enjoy photographing the most?

Landscapes one and only. They have their own soul of beauty so do enjoy that capturing very much!

What has been your proudest moment as a photographer?

My proudest moments come everyday when people come to me and say that they truly enjoy my photography, but I think my proudest moment was my first serious award when my photo “Time stops over Tetons” became American Landscape 2014 finalist. By that time I was shooting landscapes seriously little more that 1.5 years. So I just yelled my voice off that day.

How do you feel photography has impacted the way you see the world?

Well it changed it completely and keeps doing that! We are talking here about another way of art. So since I got into photography I always pay attention to any sunrise and sunset I’m witnessing and judging how good or bad it is to be memorizing in my photos. I started to pay more attentions to clouds… its all about the clouds!

To get your creative eye focused, where do you draw your inspiration from?

What is your best photography related tip?

Keep shooting!!! One and only!!! Experience is most important thing!

What are some ‘must have’ items in your camera bag?

Anything they can absorb! Everybody is different and needs are different! So I can’t specify what they should walk away with. Maybe Inspiration would be one of the most important things. That keeps moving photography as industry!

If you were stuck on a deserted island, what is the ONE photography book you would want to have with you?

Pretty much all the basic stuff. Wide angle lens is my most important thing.