A collection of portraits from assignments dating back to 2004. 

I have a genuine passion for people. I love meeting new souls and learning more about them. It's not about the camera or the shot, I have a certain code of ethics when it come to taking a subjects photo while on assignment. I believe in earning the right to capture their image, otherwise I wouldn't be able to represent them correctly. 

Portraiture is a responsibility to the subject and the craft to ensure we aren't exploiting someone soul. Within these images I have at minimum had a conversation with each subject to build a relationship (although sometimes short) to hopefully represent them correctly. 

A look at some of my favourite video & television projects from the past few years. As a producer, cinematographer and director I'm passionate about telling stories of impact and triumph of the human spirit. 

In order:

Bill Gates, Social Entrepreneur

Kendrick Lamar, Musican

Forest Whitaker, Actor

Diane Kruger, Actress

Sha Ruk Khan, Actor

Guy Berryman, Coldplay

Jane Lynch, Actor

Grimes, Musician

Brad Goreski, Celebrity stylist

Alan Rayman, Musician

Yandell, Musician

A.R. Rhaman, Composer

Heather Graham, Actress

Issa Rae, Comedian

Dane Bates, Musician

Sam Roberts, Musician

Orlando Jones, Comedian

Bobby Bazini, Musician

Iskra, Model

States. book is a 200+ photographic chronicle of the United States exploring 6 themes: Sights, Signs, Souls, Skies, Structures and Streets. 

The United States landscape lays deeper than it's borders. It lays within it people have forged it into cities and desitinations. From the roads and rivers that connect the mountains to the prairies the people tell its story through skylines and footsteps. Within this collection I try to tell the story of a nation that even at its darkest is wrapped in an undeniable beauty. 

Un-staged and outtake moments with musicians and stars alike. It's not very often you're in the presence of greatness. If there's one thing each of these talented individuals has in common is their work ethic. Each as inspiring as the last, it's always a honour to take anyones photo. 

A collection of photographs from an ongoing series with professional rodeo cowboys across the US.

Western culture is experiencing a renaissance in popularity through television, fashion and sub-culture. This series explores the behind-the-scenes sacrifices of what goes into being a professional cowboy. The toll it takes on the athletes bodies, family relationships and finances as they pursue another 8 seconds.

Mozambique, 2023

This collection of photos was taken across two sites in the north and south of Mozambique.

To the north, there are an estimated 1.5 million internal refugees due to ongoing widespread violence over access to natural resources. Hundreds of thousands across the volatile region face severe hunger and recurrent epidemics. Over 500 families live in the community shown here west of Pemba, with less than half of those able to feed their families on a daily basis. Access to clean water was provided through a non-profit grant program.

In the south, we visited a rural community eager to have their own well. We followed two families on their daily 8 Kilometer (5 Mile) round trip to collect water for their daily needs. Often arriving to find there is no water available they make the pilgrimage in hope there will be enough to survive.

Kenya, 2017

While exploring east and west Africa with Seed.uno, documenting innovative agricultural enterprises. Here in the Mwea district, which accounts for 80% of Kenya's rice production is suffering declining soil quality and reduced yields. A local entrepreneur is recycling the rice husks (usually waste from the milling process) to produce an organic fertilizer which is also countering the acidic conditions. 

While spending a day in the rice fields we met this farmer. She farms 1 acre of land that belongs to the government and is granted on a no-fee lease. After labor, production and milling she'll earn about $2800 USD for a years work in the field, she is hopeful the organic fertilizer will restore soil quality and help her produce more rice. With the extra money she hopes to be able to afford activities for her children. 

Further north, on the banks of a dam, also home to hippo's who watch on as farmers tend to their fields. The land is granted for use by the dam company who allow the farmers to use it at their own risk of rising/ falling water lines and predators. At night, a farmer sleeps in the field to protect their yearly earning from the hippos.

It was an honour to be able share in their story spend time with them. 

In March of 2019 I travelled to North Eastern Lebanon to document the reunion of a Syrian family after 8 years, torn apart by a war still raging today.

I felt honored to be witness to such a beautiful and moving event. While in Lebanon the family hosted us in a refugee settlement, opening their doors and hearts to complete strangers. As we sat and ate, sharing stories of home I grew a deeper understanding of the conflict that remains today and recognized the strength of the human spirit.

Burkina Faso, 2017

A brother and sister pose while returning home from their evening chores. 
I'm often asked why I don't take photos of people smiling. Here's why :) I love taking portraits. I see it as an honor and challenge to take someone's photo and be responsible for how they are portrayed. I love to try and capture souls at their purest, earn the trust of the subject and for them to let their guard down to capture a moment of raw self/ honesty. Especially in Western/ European cultures, where pop culture now perpetuates a responsibility for redefining ourselves on a daily basis. Portraiture is traditionally a western value and privilege. Although all cultures began with stories of humanity through paintings and carvings it was the west and European culture that progressed our idea of human story telling to how we know it. We've been familiar with it since paint hit canvas for the bourgeois, affordable glass plate to film photography and now pixels shared instantaneously created by anyone with a phone. We are in a new era of story telling and how we represent ourselves. We have become so self aware that we know to pucker up, suck in and push shoulders out before the camera is set, all in pursuit of an ever evolving perfection. This self awareness is also dictating how we perceive others more than ever. 

3 brothers wheel the family trash to the trash pile in an old Quarry at the centre of the community. 
I never take a photo of someone without consent. It's a privilege. After walking around and learning more about this impoverished neighborhood on the outskirts of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, the kids naturally became fascinated by my presence and in their youthful innocence wanted to be photographed, and with the click of the camera our western idea of portraiture and self representation was challenged. Despite the environment and circumstances our perception immediately draws a narrative for these kids. Two seconds before & after they were smiling and giggly- they're kids. Traditionally, Burkini adults don't like their picture being taken, and that's fine. I'm not there to force anyone into a photo for my own satisfaction or a story. Although adults aren't willing the children find it entertaining and I enjoy sharing in their moment. Maybe their willingness to have their picture taken is a change in values, a sample of how technology is changing the way we represent and perceive ourselves at its most simplest. The first signs of portrait evolution in a proud society. I don't really know. I just know we've been told to smile, say cheese and look happy since before we knew what it was, for my generation it could well have been the first command we learned. For these kids, it's clear posing for a photo meant something else.

Young sisters stand still as statues once they got their request for a photo, quickly followed by a giggle fest. .
In these moments they went from kids doing their daily chores to stoic statues. Standing, staring, poised for capture. They haven't had the same influence of media we have to 'know' how they 'should' be positioned for a photo. After years shooting in remote locations I find this beautiful. In my work telling stories and capturing souls I love seeing how different cultures either perceive and subsequently react to having their photo taken. These evening strolls were a great experience. I share these thoughts because I often struggle with the idea of how/ if I'm representing subjects in the right manner. Sharing these images brought a little conflict given my principles when it comes to respectfully representing the subject and in this case, ensuring engrained western cultural perceptions of portraiture do not cast a preconceived idea over my new friends. So when it comes taking portraits of people smiling, it's not that I don't, it's a matter of letting the subject be themselves and for us to stop expecting them to.

On assignment with UNICEF in Cucuta, Colombia, on the border of Venezuela. Here, thousands cross each day to receive urgent medical supplies, education, food or leave the home they once knew.

Currently, 3.6 million Venezuelans have fled to neighboring Colombia, Peru, Chile, Brazil and even as far as Argentina.

A collection of photographs from behind the bucking chutes at rodeos across the US with professional rodeo cowboys. These include intimate portraits with 3x world champion Tim O’Connell, 2022 world champion Jess Pope and 15 year veteran Anthony Thomas.

Patna, India 2016

Patna in the state of Bihar rests beneath the river Ganges and is home to over 1.6M. 

After only vaccinating her children for Polio 4 months ago, this woman now goes door to door in her neighbourhood in Patna, educating other mothers and keeping track of their children's vaccination rounds. Thanks to women like this India has been polio free for 4 years. We are 99.9% of the way to eliminating it forever thanks to the efforts of United Nations Rotary, International and Gates Foundation.

I was lucky to meet Shobha, Rubina and Versha, all Community Mobilization Coordinators (CMC) who conduct meetings with neighbourhood residents (padosi baithak), mothers (Mata baithak) and resistant family members to dispel misconceptions about the polio vaccine and to encourage resistant families to immunize their children and influence others. Part of her role identifies all likely non-acceptors and counsels them by addressing misconceptions and fear for OPV.

Their efforts have helped India to be polio free for the last 4 years and was an absolute honour to meet them. 

Northern Ghana, 2017

North of Chereponi, on the border of Ghana and Togo, we met women creating extra income by farming fonio- a forgotten African super food lost in the uptake of imperialist grains and crops. It's simple seed requires little water and only 2 months to mature, making it easy for social farming.

It's hot this time of year, with 90% humidity it is a hard day in the field but these women band together to work on each other's fields. 

Here, women are often prevented from finishing school and put to work in the fields which, they are not allowed to own and cultivate in their own right. With the assistance of local social enterprise UQE, these women have won their case with the regions chief to farm fonio on what was once deemed 'dead land'. Creating extra income for their families, reinvigorating an African vitamin source and for some young women, inspiring hopes to be able to return and finish their schooling.

Kenya, 2017

While exploring east and west Africa with Seed.uno, documenting innovative agricultural enterprises. Here in the Mwea district, which accounts for 80% of Kenya's rice production is suffering declining soil quality and reduced yields. A local entrepreneur is recycling the rice husks (usually waste from the milling process) to produce an organic fertilizer which is also countering the acidic conditions. 

It was an honour to be able share in their story spend time with them. 

This interactive collection examines societal expectations through celebrated daily rituals.

Expectation Mourning explores societal expectations through a pop cultural journey. Highlighting everyday moments of status the viewer is asked to question if their life choices were their own. Challenging celebrated daily rituals the viewer is invited into the emotional lives of a couple behind closed doors. From the time the couple wake in the mourning to the dinner table, we share their day as they encounter moments they may not of predicted or chosen years earlier. 

The piece is accompanied by an original spoken word performance by the Jay that builds an interactive experience for the viewer. On opening night the spoken word piece will be delivered live but for the viewers thereafter the spoken word is available in an extended format online to listen to while in the space. A youtube video is available for that lets you experience the poem one stanza at a time. 

India, 2016

While on assignment shooting water and sanitation programs across India I met some incredible people who are at the forefront of transforming their own communities. 

From Mumbai to rural Bihar we spent time in inner city squats to rural villages who are committed to health education and being open deification free.

Uganda, 2016

This valley hosts almost 1000 refugees from across Africa and Uganda. A resettlement area, the tenants have already been through lengthy camp stays and processing and have been gifted land to build their lives again. Land that once belonged to locally born farmers the presence of the new comers still causes great tension. With limited infrastructure and support the community relies on itself to lift each other up. With its own small school, shops and church they are dependent on each other for trade of vegetables and goods. 

Had the incredible opportunity to meet and hear the stories of several refugee families in central Uganda with Morgan Cardiff this year and also the honour of photographing them in front of their houses as part of an ongoing project that explores the concept of home. 

Pictured outside his house here is Singmira, a 45 year old father of 8. 2 years ago the Ugandan government stripped him of his land for a match stick plantation and relocated his family.

Pearl, a 29 year old mother of 3. A internally displaced Ugandan whose family was relocated by the government 2.5 years ago for a match stick plantation.
She hopes for food security, to be able to send the kids to a better school, an improved home life and to build a permanent home for her family.

Picture here is Julia with her husband and 2 grandchildren they care for. In their late 50's they fled persecution in northern Rwanda, after 3 years in the settlement they farm maize and corn.

These portraits of heroic survivors of violence were taken as part for an international partnership to End Violence Against Children (EVAC).

These hero’s shared their survival stories of abduction, assault, bullying and gun violence. It was an honor to hear their stories.

Uganda, 2017

We were deep in the hills outside Mityana in rural Uganda. 

Mary. A farm agent in rural Uganda works with villagers to bring up to date market prices and crop advice so subsistence farmers so they can get the best out of their land and hopefully produce enough to sell.

Working alongside and in women's groups in the area, she can help improve crop yields and provide an income for other independent farmers. A farmer and single mother herself, the additional income from being an agent helps send her kids to school and hopes that one day to afford her a new home where they are rent free.

This beautiful woman sitting on the sofa kindly welcomed us into her home for the day, made sure we were well fed (way better than we can feed ourselves) and showed us the true meaning of hospitality. Living with HIV and losing her husband to the virus 15 years ago, this grandmother welcomed us into her modest 4 room home that sleeps 16. Living with 3 of her own children who lost their husbands to the disease and 9 of her own grandchildren plus others, she is their sole provider. Traditionally a subsistence farmer she has become a leader in her community, banding other women together and pooling their farming efforts to produce enough to sell. Providing farming support, advice and a lot of laughter along the way. 

Getting to spend the day with them in the fields, sharing meals and stories was an incredible experience. Shooting these stories can be tough when you have to say goodbye to people who, even if only for a short time, really let you be part of their family.

I am forever blessed to share time with them.

Accra, Ghana 2017

This phenomenal bio-digester toilet system is helping prevent disease, protect children and deliver a convenience we all take for granted.
Some families walk up to a kilometre to access a safe public toilet, putting them at risk of busy roads and sometimes attack. On assignment shooting for #seed.uno we saw how access to clean water and sanitation is transforming communities by saving time, minimizing health threats like cholera and providing a safe environment so children won't miss a day of school. 

Uganda, 2013

Uganda, 2013

Uganda, 2013

Malawi, Rwanda 2014

Uganda, 2013

As the United States forged its history and laid the foundations of society across the land, it did so by the technology available at the time. By horse and carriage, they travelled across the prairies and settled along rivers. The waterways carried the people west building civilization and american democracy along the way. Raising townships and defining America’s industrial revolution. 

Generations of Americans built their homes and families, whose descendants are now left behind by advances in technology and systemic policy failure. 

Beginning by examining the original major trade route of the US, the Ohio river uncovers where America began its slow descent. The Ohio river carried resources from the east to the west and acted as the major artery of the north to the south. It’s shores are host to lost ports, cities and once thriving societies left behind by the development of railways and highways their new trade routes and paved the way. 

Streets is a night time exploration of cities across the globe. Spanning 10 cities in 3 continents we celebrate the energy and solitude of city scapes after dark. Taking in architecture and night life, we see what makes a city breathe after most of us have left. 

Here is a collection of some of my favourites from Toronto, Adelaide, Denver, New Orleans, Melbourne and Salt Lake City.