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For most of 2018 I lived in Washington D.C. where I worked for National Geographic as a Visitor Experiences Representative in their museum exhibitions, and I was content with the way I was living. I may have been content, but I did not have a healthy lifestyle or mindset. While living there I decided it would be best to put photography off for awhile and focus on city opportunities to help me figure out what I wanted to do with my life. 

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In time I craved nature, and felt constricted by the urban environment and material satisfactions. I moved back to Southern Utah on December 5th, 2018 for personal and financial reasons, and my world turned upside down. In turn my mental health was completely shot. I couldn’t focus on anything, and everything in my mind was panicking and dwelling about what I was doing. My birthday was just two days later, and after a rough depressive episode I made the decision that day to go to Zion. This was a decision that dramatically affected me.

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Zion captured me that day, I felt the comfort and peace that my mind was grasping for. Ever since that day, I made it a point to drive out to Zion at least a few times a week and embrace the area. Much like it was to the people that inhabited it before, Zion soon became my sanctuary. I go to feel safe, welcome, and calm. It never loses its luster with each visit. Whether wading through the Virgin River as the reflected light gently warms the landscape, or venturing up into the east side to wander aimlessly through the washes wondering what surprise was around each bend, Zion was there for me.

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Photography and mental health go hand in hand. I believe in the power that nature has to heal, and through photographs I’m able to capture those moments that heal. With my work I hope to show you how I see the outdoors around me. To me, nature seems to be better defined by its intimacy rather than its grandeur. Since the start of my consistent exploration of Zion and Southern Utah I’ve begun to notice the reason why this area is so powerful to me, it’s where desert meets mountains. Two different climates that combine to promote peaceful rest all while inspiring the mind to push forward and keep creating. It’s an addictive combination that has paved the way for how I like to approach photography. This area will forever be my home as well as a friend that distracted and healed my mind.

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I now live in Rochester, New York for the time being with my partner Tessa and our cat Scout. We hope to be back out west with our families soon. 

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Thank you for your support, I do hope you enjoy.

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