Photography is more than just a career for me—it’s an inherent part of who I am. For over four decades, I’ve looked at the world through a viewfinder, capturing not just moments but the very essence of time. Based in sunny South Florida, I specialize in event photography, immortalizing weddings, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, corporate events, headshots, and baby showers with heart and precision. Yet, behind the lens, there’s another passion that has shaped my artistry—scenic and travel photography.
While my event photography work sustains me and fuels my interaction with incredible people celebrating life's milestones, it's my travel photography that truly sets my soul on fire. This passion has roots in an experience halfway across the globe that changed my perspective on photography—and life—forever.
A Life Behind the Lens
My photography story began long before I held a camera of my own. My father, a doctor by profession, was an avid photography enthusiast who always had a camera close at hand. My childhood was peppered with hours spent in darkrooms, the whir of film reels, and the anticipation of seeing images develop. By the age of 16, I began dabbling in photography myself, learning composition, lighting, and patience, one shot at a time.
Fast forward to today, and those teenage experiments with photography have blossomed into a thriving career in South Florida. Over the years, I’ve honed my craft and expanded my portfolio. Weddings are one of my absolute favorites to photograph—there’s nothing quite like the emotion, the energy, and the once-in-a-lifetime quality of capturing a couple’s special day.
Similarly, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs shine with joyous cultural traditions, and corporate events require the tact of blending professionalism with artistic flair. Whether it’s celebrating a growing family with baby shower photos or creating polished, timeless headshots for business professionals, I deliver images that tell stories. But as much as I thrive in these structured environments, my heart frequently drifts elsewhere—to untouched landscapes and unfamiliar horizons waiting to be explored.
The Moment It All Changed
It was a trip to Australia that planted the seed of my love for travel photography. I was wandering through Port Douglas, a charming coastal town, when I spotted the Peter Lik photography gallery. Curiosity pulled me in, and what I found inside was a revelation.
Through Peter Lik’s lens, the world was not just photographed; it was immortalized, larger than life. Images of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef transported me to another dimension, each photograph shimmering with vivid blues and greens, revealing the delicate beauty of the underwater world. I was captivated. Truthfully, I was in a scenic photography coma.
Walking out of that gallery, I knew one thing for certain—this was what I wanted to do. I wanted to create images that moved people, transported them, and captured the immensity of our world’s beauty. My first step was to photograph the Great Barrier Reef for myself, a goal that led me on a wild adventure.
Flying Over the Great Barrier Reef
Determined to see the reef from above, I found myself in hot pursuit of an aerial perspective that would do justice to this masterpiece of nature. After some research and a bit of luck, I stumbled upon a tiny airport and met Sally, a local pilot with a small, sturdy plane. Sally agreed to take me up, and before long, I was soaring high above coral cays, turquoise waters, and a seemingly infinite horizon.
That flight was life-changing. From the cockpit of Sally’s plane, my camera became an extension of my hand, snapping frame after frame as the reef stretched out below us like a living map. The symmetry of the coral structures, the interplay of light on the water, and the sheer scale of this natural wonder were almost too magnificent to comprehend.
The images I captured during that flight remain some of my most cherished, even though they’ve never earned me a dime. To this day, they remind me of what ignited my passion for scenic photography.
Gear That Shapes The Vision
Any passionate photographer will tell you that their connection with their gear runs deep. Over the years, I’ve worked with numerous brands—Canon, Nikon, and Fujifilm all have a special place in my photography toolbox. That being said, Fujifilm cameras have claimed a spot closest to my heart.
My first taste of Fujifilm’s magic came with the S1 and later the S2 models, but it was the compact Fujifilm X100S that truly changed the game for me. I loved its portability and capabilities, which allowed me to bring it everywhere—from weddings to outdoor explorations. Sadly, my beloved X100S met a snowy end while photographing a frozen waterfall during a blizzard.
Today, I rely on the Fujifilm X-Pro2, a beautifully compact yet professional-grade camera. Its reliability and sharp image quality have made it my go-to device for both events and travel/scenic photography. There’s something about Fujifilm’s commitment to blending film-inspired aesthetics with cutting-edge technology that continuously inspires me.
Balancing Passion and Profession
Back in sunny South Florida, my event photography work is what fuels my career. Here, I’ve spent years perfecting the art of capturing fleeting emotions and preserving memories for my clients. Whether I’m photographing the glow of a bride walking down the aisle, the exuberance of a Bar Mitzvah dance floor, or the camaraderie of a corporate retreat, I approach every job with the same passion and dedication. My mission is to not only meet but exceed my clients’ expectations, delivering images that they will treasure forever.
Still, there’s a pull I can’t ignore—one that takes me away from banquet halls and conference rooms and into the great unknown. Travel photography, though not yet a profitable venture for me, remains my dream. Fueled by the exhilaration of chasing the perfect shot in a foreign land, I continue to nurture my scenic portfolio, hoping that one day it might evolve into a sustainable career.
Why Scenic Photography Matters
To me, scenic and travel photography is about more than just creating beautiful pictures. It’s about capturing the magic of the world, highlighting its fragility and uniqueness while evoking a sense of curiosity and wonder in others. Through these images, we remind ourselves of the vastness of our planet and the importance of preserving and respecting its beauty.
Although my professional work might focus on events, my photography is enriched by my experiences in travel and landscape photography. They complement each other, making me a well-rounded artist who sees life in both grand vistas and intimate moments.
Looking Ahead
At 62, some might think I’d be winding down and focusing more on the photography business I’ve built over decades. But in many ways, I feel like my photographic story is just beginning. My dream of becoming a professional scenic and travel photographer still burns bright.
For now, I continue serving my South Florida clients with the expertise and enthusiasm they deserve. Each wedding, corporate event, or baby shower I photograph contributes to my growth as an artist while funding my occasional adventures with scenic photography.
My ultimate goal is to one day merge my two worlds—using the skills cultivated through years of event photography to bring the same level of refinement to my travel and landscape work.
Because, as any photographer will tell you, once photography is in your blood, it stays there for life. Every shot you take, every story you tell—it all becomes part of you, shaping your view of the world and the legacy you build. And for that, I’ll always be grateful.
Location: 1000 Chem. des Voyageurs, Mont-Tremblant, QC J8E 1T1, Canada.
