My photography journey began in Paris in 1981. A wonderful American photographer, Tony Costa, asked me to photograph specific Paris locales for an upcoming fashion assignment. He then hired me as the photo stylist for that shoot. Soon after, several of Tony’s Paris-based colleagues hired me as a stylist for a wide range of assignments. Living and learning French in Paris, and exploring for unique accessories in the little shops on cobblestone side streets, was a great adventure.
Back in Los Angeles, Tony Costa recommended me to a busy Hollywood producer, Ken Topolsky (who soon after produced “The Wonder Years, and “Party of Five”). Ken asked me to return to Paris to join him on his new production. I joined the team as their location photographer and worked closely with the production design team, translator, and advisor to the set decorator.
I moved back to Los Angeles after many glorious years in Paris in order to be closer to the photographers and other contacts I had developed; Los Angeles has always been a city with much work as a photo stylist and photographer. One of my more memorable clients is Al Nodal, then General Manager for the Cultural Affairs Commission of the City of Los Angeles. Al managed dozens of cultural events for the city each year; from the largest venues— The Hollywood Bowl— to neighborhood church functions. It allowed me a rare back stage view to the cultural life of a vibrant major city; a panorama I am still delighted to have been part of.
I also found still another adventure in Los Angeles—salsa and Afro-Cuban jazz. Montuno Productions hired me to photograph the now legendary concert at the Wadsworth Theater, featuring Israel Lopez “Cachao” and hosted by actor, Andy Garcia.
Due to my many travels around the world I stumbled into collecting some of the wonderful treasures from many diverse cultures. This led to renting a warehouse. Before I knew it I was opening No Borders Lifestyle Gallery in an affluent Los Angeles suburb!
Asia changed my life forever. As a buyer I found myself spending more and more time there and loving it. Asia’s visual candy moved me to take more and more photos. I soon found myself losing interest as a buyer for the gallery. A change was in order—I chose Thailand as a base and saw the move as an opportunity to renew my work as a photographer.
After some time my camera seemed to take on legs of its own, desiring to see and capture more of other places in Asia.
After spending three days in Bali, the “land of the Gods,” I was smitten and made the leap to the Indian Ocean.
Indonesia, I discovered, is a photographer's dream, a place with endless color, charm, and mystery; Filled with a rich and diverse culture.
Where will I go next, who knows? Maybe I will never leave….To be continued!