What initially drew you to the world of art, and how did you begin your journey as an artist?

My great uncle Robert Vavra was a world-famous photographer, and as I grew older, I really began to look up to the work that he created and the adventurous lifestyle that he led. I would always hear stories from my dad’s side of the family about amazing trips to Africa and different parts of Europe. The urge to travel and see different landscapes and wildlife has always been somewhat of a driving factor behind my journey as a photographer.

How do you typically find inspiration for your artwork, and are there any recurring themes or motifs in your pieces?

One recurring theme in my artwork is my use of light and weather conditions. When I go out to take photos I am always searching for dramatic light, colors, and clouds. I especially love to incorporate these themes in my wildlife photos, where the environment of the subject takes up much of the composition.

What do you hope viewers experience or feel when they encounter your artwork?

I hope that viewers experience some sense of emotion when viewing my images. Specifically with my wildlife photography, I would want my photos to create a sense of empathy towards the animals and the environment around them.

How do you stay motivated and inspired, especially during periods of creative block or self-doubt?

I am fortunate to live in San Diego where there are so many different forms of photography I can practice. My main inspiration for photography is the ocean. It is constantly changing and offering different compositions and subjects. I love to photograph sea birds, long exposure seascapes, waves, and surfing. I can cycle these subjects in and out, so whenever I get tired of shooting waves, then I switch to seascapes, etc. I’ve been a surfer for most of my life, so I have found that photography has provided new avenues for me to explore existing passions such as this. 

Can you share any advice for emerging artists who are just beginning their artistic journey?

I think that many people wanting to get into photography hold the notion that good photos are taken with expensive camera equipment. In my opinion the most important aspects of nature photography come to you at no cost. What matters most is composition, lighting, timing, and the sense of emotion captured in your images. Begin with whatever gear you can afford, figure out what you love to shoot, and then go from there.

What challenges do you face as an artist, and how do you overcome them?

Comparing my photos to others that I see on social media has always been somewhat of a challenge. It can be beneficial to view other photographers’ work to gain inspiration, but this can also negatively affect my view on my own images. Many of the photographers I follow on social media make a living from their work, and I sometimes feel envious of the incredible places they travel and the subjects they get to capture. When that happens, I remind myself to stay grateful for where I live and for all the amazing opportunities and beauty already around me.

How do you balance the commercial aspects of selling art with maintaining artistic integrity?

I balance these two things by photographing what I find beautiful, rather than focusing on what I think will sell. People have told me that my work might sell better if the location was obvious, like making sure it was clearly San Diego or another recognizable place since buyers often connect with places they know. While I understand that perspective, I’d rather create images that reflect my vision and appreciation for the subject and its environment.

What’s next for you? Any upcoming exhibitions, projects, or goals you have?

One goal of mine is to purchase an underwater housing for my camera. I first discovered my love for photography while playing around with a GoPro in middle school and high school. I would love to bring my photography underwater to capture the beauty of marine animals, waves, and environments like kelp forests.