My Story
My original plan was to become a chef and open a restaurant, but after several years in “the business”, I decided to take a little trip before settling down into the endless hours that the culinary world demands. With a one-way ticket to Europe, about $2000.00 and my 35mm camera, I set out to do a little traveling. My journey ended up taking me through 25 countries and across 5 continents. I worked my way around the world cooking in restaurants, picking fruit, and an occasional odd construction job. When I returned to the U.S., it was clear that I wasn’t going to be able to be stationary long enough to own a restaurant.
I sold my car, quit my job and moved from Hawaii to Santa Barbara, California to attend Brooks Institute of Photography. After about a year at Brooks, I decided to make my way into the world as a freelance photographer. I call myself an Adventure, Sports, Travel, and Documentary Photographer, but find myself taking assignments that don’t necessarily fall into those categories. I’m based in Santa Barbara, but spend a good part of the year traveling.
If you have any questions about my images or photographic services, please feel free to contact me.
Jay 805 886-2328