I consider family, friends and the church to be the most essential blessings in life. My wife and I have the most amazing little girl who truly inspires us.

Little did I know it at the time but I grew up in paradise- Lake Geneva, Wi. (since my family all grew up in Chicago and that was “the city” to me, I like to think I am from there too). We make it a point to go back every summer to play golf, grill brats and listen to Jimmy Buffett on the patio. The “on the water” lifestyle, culture and values of those places will always be a part of me.

The Chicago marathon was my first photojournalism assignment. (ok it was to photograph my sister, but still) I instantly fell in love with capturing the emotion, achievement and significance of an event and the people in it.

I consider photography as my quest for truth. Life has a gamut of experiences. We have to remember there is love, and faith and joy and beauty. Especially in the times we don’t feel it. I believe those ideals can be seized in photography. Every one of us has something essential to contribute. I am inspired, even thrilled, when I get the honor of doing that.