Duration: I’ve been shooting professionally for three years and making pictures (for art, for fun, and just because) for the past ten.

Staff: Me, my agent Julian Richards and a varying number of freelance assistants, retouchers, stylists, producers, and hair and makeup artists.

Education: I have learned the most from my friends and mentors Mark Hooper, Chris Buck, Andy Ryan and Larry Fink; all successful people in the business who took time to help me in generous and surprising ways with everything from concept, lighting, problem solving, technique, directing, managing, theory, editing, asking the right questions, marketing, to how to travel and, really, just how to do it. I also earned a BFA in photography from Parsons School of Design, where I was fortunate to have teachers like Sarah Hasted who taught from a fine art perspective; Sanjay Kothari from whom I learned about the digital realm; and Penelope Umbrico who had a knack for giving strange assignments and making one think in new ways.

Cultural Influences: All my pals (who rule so hard), Dutch and Flemish paintings of the 16th and 17th centuries that break my eyes and heart, danger, Joanna Newsom, blogs and magazines, eccentric people, everyday people, night walks and rides around the city, history, Dave Eggers, Lau Nau, contemporary art, adventure, the photo book section of libraries and bookstores, Neutral Milk Hotel, being outside, Leonard Cohen, animals, mystery, Miranda July, Banana Yoshimoto, Edward Gorey, David Lynch, Dario Argento and my cat Tubs.

Environment: Place is really important to me. Capturing the essence of an interior or outdoor space is a wonderful and thrilling thing to do while working in a blank space like a studio; it offers the opportunity to create a mood and situation out of my wits and tools. Even though work can sometimes be serious and challenging, my shoots are truly enjoyable and packed with energy and laughter. During pre- and post-production, I take care of business in a small wood-paneled office in my apartment. Photos, drawings and lists are taped everywhere, and I'm very grateful for the window and the tree.

Philosophy: Work hard, be thoughtful and always engage wonder and adventure.