Preserving History
Historic places connect us to the people who came before us. Every courthouse, farmhouse, church, bridge, and neighborhood tells a story of the communities that built them. While these places may appear permanent, time, weather, development, and neglect continually reshape the landscape around us. Once a historic structure is altered or lost, its original character can never truly be recreated.
Photography has the unique ability to preserve these places exactly as they exist today. A carefully crafted photograph becomes more than a beautiful image—it becomes a visual record. Details that may go unnoticed today, from handcrafted stonework to weathered wooden doors, become invaluable pieces of history for future generations.
My goal is to document historic architecture and cultural landscapes with honesty, respect, and artistic vision. Rather than simply recording a building, I strive to capture its craftsmanship, textures, light, and sense of place. Black-and-white photography, in particular, removes distractions and emphasizes the timeless qualities that make these structures significant.
Preservation photography serves many purposes. It supports historians, museums, historical societies, architects, preservation organizations, and local communities by creating lasting documentation before change occurs. It also encourages people to slow down, appreciate their heritage, and recognize the importance of protecting these irreplaceable landmarks.
Throughout my career, I have witnessed firsthand how photography can contribute to preservation efforts. While working at the Department of Veterans Affairs, I documented changes to a historic hospital campus dating back to 1918. Those images became part of the facility's historical record and helped guide renovation projects while preserving the character of the original architecture. That experience reinforced my belief that photographs are not merely images—they are historical documents.
Today, I continue that mission by photographing historic buildings, main streets, industrial sites, monuments, and cultural landscapes throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Whether the subject is a grand courthouse or a forgotten farmhouse, each photograph represents an opportunity to preserve a small piece of history before it changes forever.
"We do not inherit history from our ancestors; we preserve it for those who come after us."
My Preservation Philosophy
Document with accuracy.
Respect the history of every place.
Respect the history of every place.
Create with purpose.
Produce photographs that are both artistic and historically meaningful.
Produce photographs that are both artistic and historically meaningful.
Preserve for tomorrow.
Build a visual record that future generations can study, appreciate, and enjoy.
Build a visual record that future generations can study, appreciate, and enjoy.