1Congratulations on winning in the London Photography Awards! Can you share a little about yourself, what inspired you to pursue photography, and how has your journey evolved since your first shot?
Thank you! I'm a New York-based photographer with a passion for immersive storytelling—particularly within airsoft, urban exploration, and community-based events like furry conventions. I started photography to capture the fleeting intensity of moments that often go unseen. What began with a simple camera and curiosity quickly became a visual journal of people, adrenaline, and authenticity.
Over the years, my work evolved from casual shooting to a more intentional, documentary approach—focusing on moments that tell deeper stories, especially within subcultures often overlooked.
2Can you share the story or inspiration behind your award-winning piece? How does winning this award make you feel about your journey in photography?
The winning piece was captured during a large-scale airsoft reenactment based on the Benghazi incident. My goal was to blend action photography with emotional intensity—highlighting the camaraderie and chaos in a single frame. It was entirely shot on manual focus using the Batis 85mm, which really forced me to anticipate movement. Winning this award feels like validation—not just of my technical skill, but of my desire to capture humanity in unexpected places.
3How do you decide which photo to submit for a competition?
I look for images that carry both visual strength and emotional impact. If I feel something when I look at it—even months later—then it’s usually a strong contender. I also consider technical excellence, storytelling, and whether the photo feels unique in a saturated field.
4What first made you pick up a camera?
It started from a place of grief and preservation. I had friends pass away, and both of my grandparents were living with Alzheimer's. Around the same time, I was struggling with depression, and one of the most painful parts was realising how much of my own memory was fading.
Photography became a way for me to preserve the people, places, and feelings I was terrified of forgetting. It gave me a sense of control—of keeping memories safe, even when my brain couldn't.
5What’s your favorite type of photography, and why do you love it?
Documentary and event photography. I love the rawness and unpredictability. Whether it's a muddy trench at an airsoft event or a quiet emotional exchange at a convention, there's something compelling about honest moments in uncontrolled environments.
6What’s your go-to camera setup, and why does it work best for your projects? What’s your favorite feature?
I use both the Sony A7C II and the A9 III. The A7C II is compact, discreet, and ideal for urban and low-profile shoots, while the A9 III is a powerhouse for high-action environments like airsoft and live events. Together, they give me flexibility without compromise. My favourite feature on the A9 III is the global shutter—it lets me capture fast-moving subjects without distortion or blackout, which is a game-changer in dynamic environments.
7If someone looked at your work, what’s the one thing you’d want them to feel?
Connection. Even in chaotic or niche environments, I want viewers to feel something real—whether it’s adrenaline, intimacy, or vulnerability.
8What was the most challenging part of capturing your winning shot?
Lighting and timing. The event stretched into the night, and I had only seconds to capture action in low light while also staying mobile and out of the players' line of fire. Manual focus added another layer of difficulty—but also precision.
9Is there a specific place or subject that inspires you the most?
Subcultures and fringe communities. There’s so much sincerity and richness in the spaces people create for themselves. I’m most inspired when I’m invited into those worlds.
10Who or what has been your biggest influence in photography?
Oddly enough, a film—Civil War by A24—had one of the strongest impacts on me. It wasn’t just the cinematography; it was how the camera itself became a voice in the story. It explored the role of the photographer in conflict, the ethics of bearing witness, and the emotional toll of documenting chaos. It helped me understand that photographers aren’t just observers—we’re often the bridge between memory and history. That idea completely reframed how I approach my work.
11What message would you share to inspire photographers to participate in photography awards, and what advice would you give to help them excel in the competition?
Don’t disqualify yourself before you even submit. The right photo might not be the “prettiest”—it’s the one that stays with someone. And always be intentional with your selection. Know what your photo says and let it speak boldly.
12What’s one piece of advice for someone just starting in photography?
Shoot what makes your heart race. Don’t worry about gear at first—focus on capturing emotion and building your eye. Everything else comes with time and experience.
13What role do editing and post-processing play in your creative workflow?
Editing is where I finish telling the story. I keep it grounded in realism—mostly colour grading, exposure balancing, and cropping. My philosophy is to enhance, not alter.
14How do you see technology, like AI, influencing the future of photography and your own approach?
AI is already reshaping editing and archiving—but the soul of photography still comes from the human behind the lens. I use AI tools sparingly, primarily for workflow efficiency, but I always want the emotion to be human-driven.
15If you could photograph anything or anyone in the world, what would it be?
I’d love to document humanitarian rescue teams or embedded field medics—people doing vital work under pressure. There’s something powerful about capturing courage in its rawest form.
