Nearly 10 years ago, my life was changed forever for two reasons.  One, I married my better three quarters in Lauren, and two, I saw what could be done with a camera when Internationally known photographer and educator Kevin Kubota photographed our wedding.

I’ve always enjoyed photography, but it wasn’t until this point in my life that I realized photography was something I’d really like to pursue on a professional level.  I’m thankful that realization came at a point when I had an amazing opportunity to get to know Kevin and his wife Clare, whom I consider to be my mentors and dear friends.

Kevin’s genius behind the camera as well as his production of time saving software solutions for photographers is obvious.  What’s more obvious, and a great deal more important in the long run, is Kevin’s amazing heart and ability to inspire.

In looking back over the last ten years, had I not met Kevin and been inspired by him, I likely wouldn’t have traveled the path that I did.  That path has led me to some of the most incredible places on the earth, shooting for those who help the most vulnerable.  My photography has made a difference in the world, I’ve seen that.  I know that’s not by my own doing.  I was simply meant to do it, therefore, I was meant to know Kevin and be inspired by him.  My greatest hope is that my actions, not just my photography, will inspire others around me.  I suppose then I could say that it’s really a chain of inspiration that I hope will never be broken…  Kevin, me, you…  Who will you inspire?

I feel honored to have been asked to speak at a very special 20th anniversary of Kevin’s Digital Photography Bootcamp.  Photographers come from all over the world to spend a week with one of our generation’s greatest photographers and educators in Kevin and he’s decided to offer this class of attendees something extra…  You can find more information on Bootcamp and SummitUP here and here.

The title of my presentation is “Redefining Success Through Inspiration.”  I hope and pray it will inspire those in attendance to make the world a better place and settle for nothing less.

Rock on.