Number of years as a Photographer?
Professionally since August 1986, while working the 1986 LAFD Centennial Muster. In the midst of all the activities, I found time to use my new VHS camcorder to record events that started the next 100 years of LAFD history.
How did you get into Photography?
After shooting videos of numerous LAFD events and retirement dinners around 1988, I was asked to do 35mm still photos of future events. The rest is history.
What camera model do you shoot with?
Currently I am using a Nikon D 810 36mp digital camera with a 24mm – 120mm Nikkor lens. I also use an 80mm – 200mm Nikkor lens on this camera, which I originally bought for special projects on my new Nikon F4 film camera in 1990. My original 35mm film camera is a Nikon 8008 from 1988. My video cameras are Panasonic S VHS and Sony Hi 8.
Any words of wisdom to pass on to someone wanting to shoot emergency incidents themselves?
Yes, park your vehicle, legally, away from the incident to allow emergency vehicles access to the incident unimpeded. Stay behind fire lines unless you have proper credentials authorizing you access to cross them. Be very courteous to all Fire and Police Personnel and follow their directions. Do not equip your vehicle with emergency lights to get to the scene quicker. This is Illegal.
What is your favorite Fire Photo you’ve taken?
I have two. March 11, 1990, The Cafeteria Fire on North Vine Street—27’s first in. An angle shot showing mostly Batt. 5 apparatus in front of the fire building. The second was on March 6, 1993—89’s first in. An attic fire going through the roof on an SFD that silhouetted 89’s TFC and his rookie against the flames.
