He was the skinny kid with a mop of jet black hair and a Pentax camera over his shoulder. I think that would best describe me during my days at WHS. An average student at best, but the one class I was passionate about was the art class taught by Bob Phillips. He opened our eyes to the world of visual art and that meant a still and film curriculum. Because of that influence I went on to attend Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, Ca for the next four years. It would be the start of my career path in this zany and most rewarding world of photography.
After graduation from Brooks in 1974 I coupled my love of baseball and career to become the organizational photographer for the Los Angeles Dodgers. As a member of the Dodger family under the leadership of Walter and Peter O'Malley it was a gift to this twenty two year old kid from Jersey. It truly was the finest organization at the time in all of sports. We enjoyed first class treatment, at home or on the road...including our own private jet.
During the seventy's and eighties' I was blessed to experience events, people and places I would never have dreamed of as a kid. Fortunately, many of those relationships remain today. I am currently working on a coffee table top book showcasing my work from my time with the Dodgers. It will feature images and text with an approach to the game from a different perspective...including contributions from several key players that once were in uniform and in front of my lens. From photographing bat boys to Lucille Ball and even U.S. Presidents...I have been one very lucky individual.
Having once mastered professional athletes' egos I was then prepared to take on the Friars Club of Beverly Hills as their official photographer for many years. Handling this account was a total trip to become friends and be in the company of many legends in the entertainment industry. In the late 80's I decided to open my own commercial/advertising studio in Pasadena, CA. We handled culinary, corporate, industrial, editorial and quite honestly, anything that paid.
Along the way I married and we were blessed with our children, Laura and Ryan. Anyone that knows me on Facebook also knows I am a proud Dad and a obnoxiously proud grandpa of our little Gracie and Zane. No matter how noteworthy a public personality I may have photographed before, there is no greater joy for me now than to view my grandchildren through the viewfinder.
Today I am single and living in Southern California co-owning ImageWest Photography, Inc., a photography and creative services entity. In addition to the commercial accounts we have developed a subsidiary called SuiteCaptures. SuiteCaptures provides professional photography to the luxury suites in many sports venues across the country. I invite you to visit both sites if you wish. www.imagewestphotography.net and www.suitecaptures.net
When free time presents itself I enjoy attending various custom car shows in the area. I take along my simple point and shoot camera and enjoy capturing the various elements that make up these beautiful automobiles. I enjoy it so much that I created another Blog entitled 'Driven Art'. www.drivenart.blogspot.com Speaking of Blogs, one of the more enjoyable tasks of the recent past has been working on our WHS 1970 Barrons Blog. It has been a kick in the pants fun to interact with all of you and I hope it has helped others to stay in touch with old friends. I look forward to our next reunion.
The skinny waistline has disappeared, Pentax quickly gave way to Nikon, left knee traded for titanium, the mop of jet black hair has surrendered to white and the residence is now three thousand miles away. What won't change though is Woodbridge will always be home and my appreciation for my friendships with many of you remain cherished. Thank you for taking the time to read this classmate's tale.
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