My goal is to create distinctive and memorable images, images that elicit an emotional response and interpretation from the viewer, as with all fine art.

Son of San Pedro photographer Jeanne Dobbs Schopp, I would occasionally assist her during wedding assignments while a student at Dana Jr. High and San Pedro High Schools. She taught me the basics of photography and especially composition. However, seeing the problems she endured with uncooperative clients distanced me from a profession in wedding photography!

My passion for photography fully developed while a student at the California Maritime Academy (CMA). In the first trimester of 1978, we departed on the annual training cruise. Sailing to Hawaii, New Caledonia, and Fiji, I shot a total of 5 rolls over the three months as that is all I brought with me. The experience created a passion for photography, travel, and exploration.

I love location photography after sunset or shooting in my studio. Evening location shoots (or photographing bands in dark clubs) using long time exposures in many of these images, the quick burst of light from a flash to emphasize the structure and its subtleties for the stationary structure, while giving flight to the portion in motion during the remaining exposure. However, when I need total control, nothing beats working in my studio.