the
process
Using sustainable materials not only helps protect the environment but also ensures that your pictures will last for decades to come. All of my artwork is carefully crafted, from capture to framing, ensuring that they will retain their beauty and quality for decades.
At present, I focus on capturing the beauty and stories of Daufuskie Island, but I may expand to other geographical areas in the future. For now, the island has so much to offer that I cannot imagine running out of inspiration any time soon.
I print my images on archival papers and natural unique raw materials from Germany and Japan using archival inks from Canon. The materials I use in my artwork are carefully selected with both the environment and longevity in mind. I believe in using sustainable materials that have minimal impact on the planet. That's why I mostly use papers using plants that provide cellulose and require little maintenance, grow quickly, and don't need pesticides. This means more material can be produced on the same cropland, requiring less water, helping to save valuable resources and protect the environment. My favorite medium is Hahnemühle Hemp, which is made of 60% hemp fiber, one of the oldest and most diverse natural fibers in the world. The paper's bright white natural tone doesn't require optical brighteners, and the lightly textured surface gives it a pleasant, silky feel. The paper is acid- and lignin-free, meeting the most exacting requirements for age resistance. Hemp has been an essential part of paper production for centuries, and it has been used for long-lasting historical documents, such as the Gutenberg Bible and the US Declaration of Independence.
did i mention pirates and panthers?
The Lowcountry is a place that is full of stories waiting to be told - from its natural beauty to its rich culture and history, there is no shortage of inspiration. As luck would have it, I am based in an old schoolhouse where Pat Conroy taught at the beginning of his career. His ability to balance truth with storytelling and capture the essence of this beautiful area has been a significant influence on my work. Each image in my gallery tells a story - some are researched and well thought-out, while others come from my own imagination. All frames are handcrafted by the impeccable Lisa Atwell at Atwell's Art & Frame in Savannah, Georgia.
i prefer to tell my stories now.
Photography has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. For many years, my approach was to capture truth in my images - a responsibility that came with the job. But over time, I realized that truth can be harsh and I started to gravitate towards inspiring imagination through my photography. I still value truth and admire my colleagues who seek it out, but I find myself drawn to creating images that convey the world as I want to see it, in the hope that others will enjoy it too.