About Tim

When I was in high school, I had lofty goals of being an artist and/or writer. I took numerous art classes, sculpting classes and creative writing classes. After a while, I discovered I had no aptitude for drawing or sketching and that writing was to slow of a process for me. I had the visions and the words in my brain, but couldn’t get them onto paper.

On a whim, I took a photography class my junior year. I soon discovered that the subjects I wanted to paint and write about could, instead, be photographed. Imagine that. I also realized that I could be just as creative behind a camera as I could with a sketchpad. And what I learned in those art classes; light, shade, composition and color theory, related equally to photography.

 

My freshman year at college introduced me to Gary MacDonald, a professor who would soon become my guiding force towards becoming a functioning and disciplined photographer. He taught me how to express myself visually. His courses taught me to see life, literally, in a whole new light.  I still to this day, see the world as a series of still photos. I notice light, its angle, the hues. I watch as shapes and shadows interact. It is subconscious almost.

 

I can’t say I have a favorite type of photography, or favorite subject. I photograph in different ways depending on my mood. Landscapes, close-ups, people, sports; they all have their qualities. Each deserves the same amount of attention and respect.

 

After 32 years of being a professional photographer my aspirations have not changed. Taking photographs has become a way of life, not just a job. I need to photograph life, like I need food or sleep.

 

My work has been displayed in a wide variety of publications. As a freelancer, I am offered work from a wide range of communications outlets. The Washington Post, USA Today, Associated Press, Garrett County Tourism and American Style magazine, as well as regional and national publications keep my phone buzzing on a daily basic.. I have photographed Olympic athletes from around the world, blind rock climbers, FBI agents in pond muck up to their knees, more politicians that I want to think about, Buddhist monks, pro sport athletes from San Diego to Baltimore, and most importantly, America both big and small.

The only thing better then photographing people is getting people interested in photography. Digital has made photography more immediate to the amateur enthusiast, but it is not going to make you a better photographer overnight. Basic rules of composition, light, subject placement and a good creative eye will never be replaced, not by anything.