ABOUT

I currently work full-time in the Information Technology field and do photography on the side. My interests vary, which include automotive, technology, science, astronomy, art, and nature.

I am a Southern California native and an avid landscape, seascape, nature, and astrophotographer.

Even though I was interested in art at a younger age and used to draw a lot, I never thought about photography except taking snapshots while traveling or on vacation to keep memories. It wasn't until after I started attending college and started working that I began researching camera gear photographers use. My curiosity and desire to learn made me want to learn about photography and how to take better photos.

My photography journey would begin with purchasing a Canon XTi and a Canon EF-S 17-85mm f4-5.6 IS USM as my starter setup in November 2007. I attempted to take photos of everything to continue to gain valuable experience. I took pictures of landscapes, seascapes, automobiles, nature, people, and even a fashion show event to help a friend. After some time, I noticed that landscape, seascape, and nature photography were the genres that excited me.

Once I decided to focus on landscape, seascape, and nature photography, I began to look to upgrade my gear. After researching and contemplating full-frame cameras, I purchased a Nikon D800 in November 2013.

Then I became swamped at work with much overtime and weekend work. Between 2015-2018, I didn't quite have the motivation to take photos like in the past, as I was tired after work. I was making more money due to promotion but spent a lot of time working. Finally, in mid-2018, my workload decreased due to additional staffing added to spread the workload. I took full advantage of the new situation and began to get out again.

In September 2018, I purchased a Sony α7 III and a Sony FE 24-105 mm F4 G OSS, and I now have a renewed sense of energy and commitment to photography. My collection of lenses continued to grow, along with adding a Sony a7R III that would become my primary camera. I occasionally take photos with my phone if that's all I have. As it's often said, the best camera is the one you have with you.

Some people may think you are crazy for driving hours to remote dark locations in the middle of nowhere and then spending more hours in the dark (sometimes with other strangers/photographers) to get photos of the Milky Way and celestial objects. I was interested in the planets in our solar system and astronomy in general at a young age. This interest would later lead me to an interest in astrophotography, even though it requires a commitment level only some have.

My first experience with astrophotography was a trip to Joshua Tree National Park in April 2019. Even though the Sony 24-105mm f/4 is an excellent general lens, it's a slow lens for astrophotography. But I made it work and was encouraged by the final images to go deeper into wide-field astrophotography. Once I knew I wanted to continue, I looked for a fast ultra-wide-angle lens. I am fully immersed and want to keep at it between March to October during the Milky Way season.

In November 2020, I purchased my first telescope and an equatorial mount. My next step would be diving into deep sky astrophotography with images of galaxies and nebulae. Now I am slowly adding to my deep-sky astrophotography gear collection.

I am also a co-organizer for the Meetup group SoCal Astro & Landscape Photo Group, where we travel primarily around California for landscape, seascape, nature, Milky Way nightscape, and deep sky astrophotography.

Thank you for taking the time to read about me. Hopefully, we will have the opportunity to meet and collaborate in the future, especially in the Southern California area. Feel free to contact me via the Contact page or social media.