I am a photographer and aspiring cinematographer. I am also a student of Radio, Television, and Film at Auburn University in Alabama. My parents are Dominican and Cuban. I speak Spanish fluently and have taken classes in French (I can still read it well, but speaking is an issue).

I picked up the habit of photography from one of my friends, who introduced me to a beat up Minolta XG-A in my last year of high school. I shot film exclusively for two years, learning by doing, roll by roll, mistake by mistake. But I was forced to learn the old way, the hard way, how to produce a good photo. My XG-A, and then my X-700, became extensions of my right hand. I went digital after a few years, though I still run 35 mm for fun. It took me a little while to get used to it, but I adjusted. My commercial work is primarily concert and show photography. I have provided photographs for several programs at the Theater Department in Auburn, and have shot several shows in around the Auburn area. Concert and show photography is important because it’s a one-time thing. That one moment, that one laugh, that one smile, that one shout will never happen again. No performance is ever the same; no moment will repeat exactly. By doing what I do, and getting that shot, we can remember it forever.

My love of film making comes from several different directions. I played Clarinet in the school band for eight years. I’ve also been involved in theater, both on and off stage, for five years. Both of these activities are highly collaborative. Each person in this group depended on the other, and together we were greater than the sum of our parts. This collaboration was a large part of my life for a long time. I love being on a crew; I love getting my hands dirty. Also, I have loved storytelling since I was a kid. I read voraciously, and have always enjoyed a good movie. Falling into another world is a wonderful experience that I wish to share with others.

Film making is the perfect opportunity to unify my love of images, collaboration, and storytelling.

On set, I get things done quickly and efficiently. Most of my work has been operating as a one-man band, so I can do pretty much anything that’s needed in a pinch. I’m used to working under deadline: I’ve worked for two newspapers. I am reliable and professional, but I’m also extremely easy to get along with. I’m really laid back most of the time. When it’s time to mess around, I can mess, but when it’s time to work, I jump in immediately. I leap in with my camera ready, eyes alight….and I get the shot.