From the quiet corners of bustling streets to the echo-filled hallways of forgotten homes, I've always found myself drawn to untold stories. I seek to capture those silent tales whispered by around me, yearning to get out. My life has been a tapestry of narratives, interwoven with the tales of those I've encountered. There is no story is too complex or too subtle for me to unravel. It's not just about listening, but truly hearing—recognizing the unique cadences and nuances of life, that define each narrative.
It's one thing to tell a story; it's another to weave it into an unforgettable tale. Using a discerning eye and a keen sense of narrative rhythm, I piece together the fragmented moments, crafting them into coherent, compelling images that resonate and remain. Stories lose their essence when stripped of authenticity. It’s important today to champion genuine representation, delving deep to the heart, and ensuring the world sees the truth in its raw, unfiltered beauty.
Before penning a word or framing a shot, it’s essential to embark on a journey of discovery. Research isn't just a step in my process; it's a pilgrimage. I go on a deep dive into understanding the context, the background, and the intricate web of emotions and experiences that define the narrative. My thorough groundwork allows me to celebrate the individual essence of each story, giving it the spotlight it truly deserves.
In a world brimming with content, I dedicate myself to ensuring that each one is told with the reverence, detail, and authenticity it deserves, and I look forward to telling your story.
Capturing Automotive Soul: The Tale of Cherry Lane Motors
Hidden away in the breathtaking landscapes of the Bitterroot Valley just outside Lolo, Montana, Cherry Lane Motors stands as a testament to the timeless beauty of vintage automobiles. The artisan guiding this journey from past to present is Gary Meuchel, a craftsman whose every touch seems to reverse time.
Our worlds converged within the vibrant heart of Montana's automotive community. One quick introduction by a childhood friend of Gary, and an initial handshake, is all took to lay the foundation for profound connection. Drawn into the orbit of Gary's craftsmanship, I put my lens to work and followed a narrative that transcends mere mechanics.
For more than four decades, Gary has meticulously brought back to life a catalog of automotive legends. To be clear, his method is far from mere restoration; it's a true reincarnation. Stripping cars down to their bare bones, he embarks on a tireless journey of revival. Every component restored is a chapter in the vehicle's storied past, each coat of paint a reflection of its former glory.
For most, Cherry Lane Motors is probably a junkyard auto shop. For some in the know, it might symbolize a beacon of vintage automobile restoration. Yet, for those really fortunate few, the ones lucky enough to peek behind the curtain, Cherry Lane Motors reveals itself as Gary's love letter to automotive history. As for the man himself? Even with 40 years under his belt, Gary is on a never-ending road, one he cruises with an undying passion.
As a photographer, I seek narratives that echo beyond the frame. In Gary Meuchel and Cherry Lane Motors, I saw not just a man and his small business, but a symphony of history, passion, and artistry. With every click of my shutter, I endeavored to capture the essence of a legacy that drives forward while always glancing back. Reach out, I want to share my same passion for story telling with you.
I was raised amidst the rhythmic cadence of radio journalism, my world was filled with stories told through voices, sounds, and the magical power of words. My father, a career radio journalist, passively sowed seeds of narrative storytelling in my heart. Through him I learned the raw power of a well-told story.
Instead of typical childhood backdrops, mine took place in a studio, filled with rotating chairs, each bringing dynamic interviews, and the unceasing buzz of breaking news. These experiences were not just extraordinary moments of my upbringing; they were my first lectures in storytelling.
My lessons didn’t come from studying textbooks, but from being in the thick of unfolding stories in real-time. I listened, and learned to appreciate nuances in voice inflections, the subtle pauses while crafting a narrative, and the power of discipline. My ringside seat to interviews with influential figures from various spheres taught me to observe, listen with intention, and find the story hidden in the details.
As I transition from a silent observer to a storyteller myself, my medium of choice became photography. The radio studio gave way to anywhere on Earth, and the spoken narratives transformed into visual epics. The camera became my microphone, capturing not just images, but stories, emotions, and moments in time.
My journey from audio to visual storytelling has been profound. My background in radio journalism honed my ability to listen, to observe, and to delve deeper into the layers of a story. As your photographer, I apply these same principles. I listen to the silent stories you’ll tell, I observe the unspoken emotions shared, and I’ll capture the essence of your narrative in a single frame.
My unique journey, from the shadows of radio to the spotlight of photography, has equipped me with a distinct perspective. I take every photograph with the storytelling lessons of my childhood as my foundation, ensuring that each image is not just seen, but heard and felt, just like a compelling radio story.
I was born to a resilient mother who bore the spirit of an angel. She too was a journalist, but one of many hats; predominantly pink. For the majority of my childhood, she travelled for work as a flight attendant, this afforded my family the privilege of space available, essentially free, world travel. We took advantage, my parents learned the system and we set off on many global adventures. Unlike most travelers who collect souvenirs, I collected moments – with the click of my shutter.
From a bustling market in Medellin to the dank corridors of a Scottish distillery, every journey has been a lesson in perspective. It's not just about capturing the natural beauty of the landscape or an iconic monument inside the border of the frame; you must capture the essence of a place, the spirit of its people, for the story to be told..
Photography, for me, is more than a profession. I feel as though, I’ve found a bridge to connect my wanderlust with my passion for storytelling. The privilege of travel has endowed me with an innate ability to see the extraordinary in the ordinary. I’ve learned to observe nuances many might overlook: the dancing of light on a cobblestone street at dawn, the raw emotion in a local's eyes, or the intricate, and eerily similar patterns of daily life in distant lands.
My global explorations refined my skill in building relationships swiftly; which has become a vital asset in editorial photography. It's these meaningful connections that have granted me access to intimate moments, authentic expressions, and off-the-beaten-path locales. I seek these experiences to push the boundaries of conventional photography, ensuring every shot I take is not just an image, but a narrative in and of itself.
I find beauty knowing every frame I capture is a culmination of travels, experiences, and the deep bonds I have had the opportunity to experience. My camera, thus, is not just a tool but my passport to the world's untold stories.