Tell us about yourself…

I was born in Montreal. I attended undergraduate and medical school at McGill University. I then undertook a residency in General and Cardiothoracic Surgery at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. My first “job” was as a faculty member at Wake Forest University in Winston Salem, North Carolina where I practiced cardiac, thoracic and vascular surgery for fourteen years. Subsequently I practiced cardiac surgery at High Point Regional Hospital in High Point NC. I retired from the active practice of surgery last year. I have since had much anticipated free time to both pursue my photographic passion and catch up on sleep. I currently live in High Point NC with my incredible wife Deborah, amazing daughter Reagan and hyperactive dachshund Tulip. Apart from a photographic passion, I love to fly fish and shoot sporting clays. I have collected books for decades and have some serious reading ahead. I am really excited about seeing and photographing many regions not yet visited and in particular having needed time on any location, not having to be anywhere else by a certain date and time.

---

How did you discover your love for photography?

Typically, as a kid I was exposed to the black and white darkroom and the magic of printmaking. However, for many years I had neither the time nor funds to pursue photography with serious intent. Only when I completed medical school and surgical residency (13 years) I could then really “get into it”. I started with film and a Rollei 6008. I shot transparencies and jumped into Cibachrome. I managed to spend time with Michael Wilder, a master Cibachrome printer who at that time printed for Robert Glenn Ketchum. As we all know Cibachrome was a very difficult process, particularly with high contrast images. But I was in love with color. The arrival and evolution of Photoshop was transforming. While frequently “on call’ and needed at the hospital, it was possible to interrupt image development and return later to pick up precisely where I had left off. The inkjet printer completed the experience. Now at “reasonable” cost, a photographer can own a state-of-the-art printer and compete at the highest level of printmaking. I have a passion for printing. I feel (as do many others) that it completes the photographic cycle.

---

Who are some of your favorite photographers? (Past or Present)

Charles Cramer, William Christenberry, Fred Herzog, Michael Kenna, Robert Glenn Ketchum, Joel Meyerowitz, Sebastiano Salgado, Burk Uzzle.

My initial darkroom and digital printmaking were attempted in relative isolation. I did not fully appreciate how good a print could be. Attending two courses given by Charles Cramer and Bill Atkinson awakened that understanding and transformed that ability. I owe them a great debt. Attending two very intensive Dan Margulis courses totally and positively changed my understanding and approach to color. I would highly recommend his book Photoshop Lab Color. I have great admiration for those talented enough to make a living with photography.