Acknowledgments

I consider myself very blessed to make a living practicing something I love. Photography has been in my blood since Mike Cohen of the Boys Club of Hollywood introduced me to it. From the moment that I saw an image reveal itself in a developing tray, I have been captivated by the possibilities that photography promises and often delivers.

My journey has been the result of being able to take advantage of opportunities as opposed to some well thought-out plan. As I result, I consider myself very lucky to be able to make a living from using a camera and putting words on a page. But I’m under no illusion that I’ve achieved this on my own. It’s clear to me that any achievements that I may lay claim to are the result of the many people who have supported and encouraged me, even when I wasn’t sure I was deserving of it.

There are many people to thank for helping me walk this path, not least of whom is my wife, whose continued support and love is invaluable to me, though I may not always acknowledge it. She is my rock.

I’m very grateful to my family, particularly my parents, whose sacrifices I’ve appreciated even more as I’ve gotten older. It’s their hope for a better life that has helped make my accomplishments, such as this book, possible.

My friends continue to be important in my journey as a photographer. From them I continue to derive inspiration and the pleasure of their company. People including Martin Bailey, Emilio and Elena Banuelos, Dana Barsuhn, RC Concepcion, Jeff Curto, Tony DiZinno, Charlie Holland, Seth Joel, Dennis Keeley, Eric Kim, Tony Luna, Chris Marquardt, Martin Taylor, Marco Torres, and Everard William have been gifts to my life, and I thank them for their continued friendship.

The Peachpit Press team has been great to me and I’ve truly enjoyed collaborating with them on each successive project. Rebecca Gulick, Ted Waitt, Elizabeth Kuball, Sara Todd, Gary-Paul Prince, Scott Cowlin, and the rest of the staff are the best team anyone could ask for.

Lastly, I want to thank the many people who have been helped in some way through the work that I do as an author, a teacher, and a podcaster. Though I will never meet all of them, their accepting what I have to offer helps to make some of the special moments in my life possible. I am humbled and grateful for all of it.