I’m passionate about building community through storytelling. Connections emerge each time I sit down to listen and share someone’s story. Storytelling through photography and the written word fulfills my lifelong desire to create work that matters. Meet Latin American artist, Otto Hernandez… Otto Hernandez was born and raised in San Salvador, the capital of El…
Read MoreI’m in France so I can build community through storytelling. It may have taken me longer than most to find my true passions, but once I began searching, I realized I was doing them all along. One of my passions is to build community through storytelling. A powerful moment happens when you realize you’re doing…
Read MoreChateau Orquevaux is located in the heart of the French countryside. The majority of my stay will be at Chateau Orquevaux, which is located in the Champaign region of France. After nearly four hours of driving from Charles de Gaulle, I pull up to the chateau just in time to attend the champaign reception. This…
Read MoreMid-morning fog welcomed me to Charles de Gaulle International Airport in Paris, France. After exiting the aircraft, I follow my fellow passengers to baggage claim. Next, I follow the signs which direct me toward my rental car. Hopefully I wasn’t tricked into any unnecessary upgrades due to the language barrier. The language barrier is real…
Read MoreCalifornia Artist Helen Steele came into my life for a reason. Sometimes people come into our lives for reasons unknown at the time. I met California artist, Helen Steele just a few short weeks ago during our artist residency at Chateau Orquevaux. Although I knew her for only a brief moment in time, Helen impacted…
Read MoreInternational travel looks different than it used to. Luckily, it’s not that different. International travel requirements seem to change on a daily basis so it’s important for me to focus elsewhere. My travel journal is a documentation of my personal experiences through the French countryside and beyond. My parents hug me good-bye after we pull…
Read MoreMy solo travel adventures through France begin today. Chateau Orquevaux is the final destination for today, but a lot will happen between then and now. It’s important for me to begin this travel journal with a grateful heart. This solo travel experience wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for the support of my incredible family,…
Read MoreNegative comments about my useless fine art photography degree are nonstop. “Why would you be interested in learning about film photography when it’s on the brink of extinction?” they ask. This is a question I hear and contemplate nearly every day. Twenty years later, I’m still photographing film. I love it as much as I…
Read MoreI couldn’t visit Paris, France without a trip to the Eiffel Tower. But, my next trip to France will look different than my first. Rather than spending the majority of my time in Paris, I’ll be exploring more of the Burgundy region southeast of Paris. I’ve traveled solo before, but never internationally. I believe the best…
Read MoreTravel Oberammergau through the eyes of an artist photographer. I am fortunate to have the opportunities to travel the United States and beyond. The world is a beautiful place. While each of us sees it a little differently because beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Travel Oberammergau with me and notice details overlooked…
Read More