Each captured image must tell a story.  It must have character.  Even if it’s a simple portrait, it must speak...  Each moment captured by my camera is a fleeting flash of life that is forever gone.  A good photo is a piece of art that will continue telling us a story we would have otherwise forgotten.

I like to call myself an international vagabond.  I was born in northeastern Russia, in a little town on the Sea of Japan.  

My American dream started in 1988, when my parents fled communism and came to the US.  I was the first in many generations in my family to graduate from college.  While in college I lived in Spain and Germany, studying Spanish, German and even picking up French.  After college I pursued a career in politics.  For a number of years I worked for the US House of Representatives and the US Senate, holding key positions and working closely with several well-known US Senators and Congressmen.  My dream was to work in the White House one day.  

I've always loved photography, learning early on from my father, who continues to be an avid photographer.  I still cherish those childhood moments spent together with my Dad in a dark room developing images, bringing them to life. One day I decided to abandon my political goals and follow my passion.

Today I work the hardest I ever did in my life, and I love every second of it.  

All of my past experiences (seeing Champs Elysees in Paris, tasting Jamón Serrano in Spain, sipping wine in Tuscany, working at Salvatore Ferragamo and Hermès and countless more) have come together to fuel my success, inspiring and influencing my work, my creativity, and my passion.  

It was a long road to my true calling, and I'm immensely happy and blessed to be here.  I look forward to all my future inspirations and invite you to join me.