I was born in Madrid, Spain. The younger years of my life were spent growing up in Spain and Puerto Rico before finally settling in South Philadelphia, where my early interests in visual arts began.
The curiosity for photography erupted shortly after with a fascination for my father’s camera. I was spellbound with my fathers pictures and scores of civilian & military albums. My father was not a professional photographer, but a family man who loved photographing his wife and kids. Once in a while I would take my father’s camera outside and take random images (Dad, this explains the bizarre rolls of used film. Sorry).
My interest for photography spawned again during my time in the United States Marine Corps as an infantryman. During, and upon finishing my five years of honorable service I attended college. I obtained credits from various universities then later getting a degree in Information Systems. I started gaining a good reputation for my web development skills, particularly in Flash animation.
I took a hiatus from photography when I noticed I wasn’t getting anywhere with it. I tried my hardest to be an assistant for a few local renowned photographers. Since I had no formal photographic background I was turned down every time. I was beginning to doubt myself and my ability. I finally gave in and went to work in the corporate sector. Several times I caught myself reminiscing all the albums my father has, and the images I captured while serving in Africa as a US Marine. I decided it was time to “dig deep” and stop worrying about everyone else and to follow my passion. I knew at some point I would need deeper mentoring. I attended the University of The Arts in Philadelphia honing my skills in all things in art and photography.
I’m primarily self-taught through trial by fire (that’s a story I would have to share in person).