Understanding the basics—light, composition, and moment—is key. But just as important is knowing that there are no formulas. That’s the beauty of photography. You can always break the rules. My approach is to shoot lots of frames, try different things, and always be “sketching” with my camera—striving to get to that one great, engaging frame that tells a story and moves viewers.

I came from the world of photojournalism, so much of my work—even the corporate and advertising projects I’ve worked on—all have a documentary feel that I hope people would describe as authentic.

Great pictures elicit emotion. They move you. They make you cry, laugh, think, stop in your tracks, and see the world differently.

Early on I had a mentor named James DuPratt who told me that a camera is an all-access backstage pass to life. I love that idea. Treat this passion, career, hobby—whatever you want it to be—as an opportunity to just get out there and make pictures. Every day. All too often I hear aspiring photographers getting hung up on the “business” side of photography or the gear. But to really succeed, you have to love actually making pictures.This means sacrifice, whether that’s having a normal life or even just giving up a bit of sleep to make sure you’re in a cool place catching first light. It also turns out that when you can make great pictures consistently, doors will open.