Someone told me long ago “you follow your passion and preach what you know.” This can be said for a broad range of people. I began my journey as a lifestyle photographer. Constantly attempting to catch the moments that I remember from my childhood. When I realized that I was only recreating memories, I began to reassess my focus.
In the spring of 2007, I began photographing my hometown of Hawthorne, New York. “Going Home” is a project devoted to the town that has raised three generations of my family. Hawthorne is what many would describe as a typical suburban town, something that is sadly not celebrated anymore. Over time I realized how lucky I was to have an upbringing such as my own; to have been exposed to such humble diversity. What I originally thought of, as a rather dull town was actually as vibrant as the lights of Times Square. Suddenly it became apparent that Hawthorne wasn’t slow or dead but in fact the opposite; brought to life by the character of its citizens. Utilizing the beauty of natural light and candid moments, I aim to showcase the most sincere instances of my life.
Although traditional photography is the heart of the project, films have also emerged, allowing me to fully capture the thoughts, sayings and anecdotes from my family. Photographing my own family has been an outstanding struggle. One of the most gratifying elements is what can be preserved in an image, the things I have always feared losing, captured in a moment. But the process of capturing these moments is extremely difficult. I feel an unbelievable burden to portray each person in a certain way. Their stories are endearing, and telling them has not only helped me to grow as a photographer, but has also allowed me to grow closer to those in this book. The people in these photographs are some of the most revered in my life. As I will always tell fond memories of this town, I will also remember the kind hearts of those who allowed me to be a part of it.