Sam

A California native, Sam grew up in the waters of San Francisco Bay. "This fostered a deep appreciation for nature and its importance in our lives. Photography is my way to understand the incredible beauty of our planet and how through interacting with it we become better, more loving, and happier people." Sam earned his degree from the San Francisco Art Institute with his work published and exhibited internationally. "When I started photographing weddings it just felt right. They allow me to put all my skills together and document people at their happiest. "

WHAT IS YOUR AREA OF PERFECT HAPPINESS?

Being underwater, it's the closest we can get to flying. I love the ocean and anytime I'm around it, I'm just a little bit happier. When I'm in the water I become a child bewildered at the world again.

IN WHAT HISTORICAL PERIOD WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO HAVE LIVED?

When I think about it, I truly believe now is pretty good. We have amazing ways to travel far distances allowing us to experience more of the world. We have technology that continues to advance giving us more and more ways to interact with and protect the natural world. 

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE BAY AREA HANGOUTS?

The ridge of Mt. Tamalpais, the Marin Headlands, and Slide Ranch. All a part of the magical hills of Marin that roll up the coast from the Golden Gate bridge until Point Reyes where they slide up into Sonoma. Mt Tam and the Headlands, both have amazing views and a unique ecosystems but, Slide Ranch immerses you in the ruggedness of the Marin coastline. I've moved away a few times, but always ended up back here.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION?

A 1950's Rolleiflex medium format camera. It was my grandfather's. There's nothing that comes close to the sound of its shutter. It has the thump of a perfectly swung hammer. While I'm photographing with it, I engage with my subject in a different way. It makes me feel like I'm sharing souls rather than stealing them.

Go-tos

FISHING

The best kind of day is finding fun waves and fresh fish tacos. I love foraging the coast for seafood feasts. 

TANGLE OF CREATIVITY

I love to paint too!! Creativity is a tangle of beauty and painting gives me another way to explore that. The brush stroke is just another way to play with light.

PICKING UP TRASH

I always pick up what I find. It can be really easy to make just one spot beautiful again. 

MURAL PAINTING

One of my friends is a graffiti artist and a few times a year he gets commissioned to paint huge murals. Every time he calls me up to help, we end up on the side of some amazing building.

SURF LIFE

I started young playing in the waves, becoming obsessed quickly. It wasn't long before I got on a board. Now a days I love trying different board shapes to feel how they glide on a wave.

FORAGING

One of my favorite things to do during the fall and spring is to hunt for mushroom. I've spent years learning only a few edible varieties, but when they're fruiting, I'm somewhere in the woods.