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Neil
Here.
Who you gonna call?
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I was the original "I LIKE TURTLES" kid.
I'm an 80s baby, born and raised in East Tennessee. I love the mountains. I'd never make it in Kansas.
Growing up I found myself drawing almost every day. I didn't care much for drawing inanimate objects; I seemed to always end up drawing people. In a way, photography feels like an extension of that childhood passion. I have been a professional photographer since 2013. Initially I took up photography out of necessity, but it didn't take long for me to fall in love. Capturing the form and energy of another human in a photo is a privilege. Each image is a moment to be remembered. I love portrait photography!
Also, I am a helpless lover of music who, beginning at age 13, became a self taught musician. I love, but also kind of resent that it happened that way because not being able to read music is a not so secret insecurity of mine (maybe one day). I value most genres of music. If you're wondering, I'm a Beatles guy, but I still appreciate the Stones. I remain enamored with and inspired by David Bowie. Chopin is my man but also I love funk. If you're having a bad day, funk will make it better. If you're having a good day, funk will make it better. Seriously.
To know me you must also understand this; I'm a Stephen King superfan. The Dark Tower series will change your life. Give it a read. Also, and this is huge, my favorite movie is The Big Lebowski. One of the highlights from the last few years was meeting Jeff Bridges at Lebowskifest LA. He was gracious and hilarious, and that's not just my opinion, man.
Oh, and dogs are angels. I cannot be convinced otherwise.
I moved to Charleston, SC in 2006, started playing music with some guys in mid 2007 and by mid 2008 I was living in Los Angeles, CA. In 2009 the band, or project, Stereo Reform, set out on it's first nationwide tour. If you like synthpop, retrowave or funk then you might like SR.
There have been periods where I have fiercely fed my musical passions and in return I have been rewarded with many blessings and a host of unforgettable experiences. The sudden and tragic death of my sister in 2016 pulled the plug on my motivation to perform live. A few years later, in late 2019, I began performing again, but then the pandemic hit. So, for now, I have no plans to return to the stage, but I'll keep writing, recording and releasing music!
Dad
I graduated from Carson-Newman with a Bachelors in Psychology. Post graduation I worked with runaway teens and at risk youth before becoming a Director of Social Services in a local hospital. I also worked as a site coordinator for an after school education program. I love helping and I love learning, but my love for art and music eventually won out. Hello photography and music performance.
Stereo Reform Adventures
Will I Travel for a Session?
Abbey Road Studios!
Over the years my affinity for travel has grown into a full fledged biological need. There's something healing and transformative about experiencing new sights and sounds. Regarding humanity, it's a big, socially and ethnically diverse world and the more I see the more I learn about myself.
So if you're wondering if I will travel for a session, the answer is a resounding yes! I'm happy to have that discussion any time. There's nothing like shooting in a new location.
10,000 ft!
Travel Gallery
My sister, Natalie
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Lastly, I am a fierce mental health advocate. I lost Natalie in 2016 to mental illness. I wasn't prepared for that level of pain, but who is? I have a wonderful therapist who has helped me in the processing of grief and trauma. I recommend therapy to everyone. There is no shame in taking care of your mind and your heart. I must also give credit to my wonderful partner in life, Greta, for allowing room for my healing.
