A B O U T  M E:

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​I'm a true citizen of the world! Born in South Africa with Dutch roots, I've lived on five continents and visited all seven. Growing up, my family’s globetrotting sparked my own sense of adventure, and I’ve kept the wanderlust alive ever since. Now, I’m calling the Bay Area in California home, though the world is still my playground!

 

I’m a trained analytical chemist with a specialty for instrument development/design, so my day job is all about diving deep into the details of scientific equipment. But to balance my analytical side, I’ve always had a creative outlet, photography! I picked it up at a young age and have been refining my skills for over 40 years. With my love for travel and wildlife, along with having had the opportunity to have lived and visited places around the world, I’ve had countless opportunities to capture some truly exotic and breathtaking places through my lens.

 

My journey into photography began in the mid-80s, driven by a deep personal loss. As a teenager, I lost my mother to cancer. She was an avid photographer, and after her passing, her gear sat untouched for years as I navigated the grief of losing her. But her photos, full of exotic places and wildlife, always captured my attention. After moving from Guatemala to Germany for my final years of high school, I had the chance to take an elective in Black and White darkroom processing. It felt like fate. I dusted off my mother’s old Pentax and used it as a way to honor her memory. That course sparked a creative fire in me. I quickly set up a darkroom in our basement, where I found peace in the quiet, red-lit space, mixing science and art in the process. This was also the beginning of my chemistry career in a way! Over time, I transitioned from film to slide photography, and eventually to digital, but my mother’s influence remains woven into every shot I take.

 

I’ve explored a wide range of photography styles, each offering a unique way to connect with both the world around me and the people I care about. Here are a few that have shaped my journey:

• Bird Photography, Digi-Scoping, and Wildlife Photography: My wife is an avid birder and animal lover, so this is a natural fit. It's also a perfect way to spend time with her in nature.

• Landscape, Night Photography, Light Painting, Portraits, and Nudescapes: Thanks to my talented friends in Australia—Ian, Steve, and Neil—I've been able to explore these styles and grow as a photographer. They’ve generously shared their tips, which have made me more versatile behind the camera.

• Urban Street and Cityscapes: My friend Terrance in Melbourne has been an incredible travel buddy, and together we’ve explored the city's vibrant streets for inspiration.

• Art Galleries and Exhibits: My close friend Fiona, an artist herself, has played a huge role in honing my artistic eye. Our gallery visits and her insights have deepened my appreciation for both the cultural and creative aspects of photography.

• Collaborating with My Wife: Since my wife is also a painter, she’s been instrumental in pushing me to think more artistically. Her suggestions help me elevate my compositions, and it’s a great way for us to bond.

Each of these experiences has taught me something valuable, allowing me to bring new skills and perspectives to every shot I take. On this site, I’m sharing some of my favorite images from over the years, each one a snapshot of how I’ve evolved as a photographer.