M Y J O U R N E Y
I’m Sam, a commercial photographer whose journey started in a high school elective at 17. I was forced to take the class, but what began as a requirement quickly turned into a passion. I was captivated by the power of storytelling through images, how you could speak volumes without saying a single word.
After high school, I pursued my interest seriously, enrolling in a studio lighting class at Sacramento City College to learn from and be around people who were already doing what I wanted to do. By the end of my first year, I was hired as a second photographer for a wedding studio, shooting elaborate Indian weddings that would last weeks. It was during this time that I first realized, “I can really do this.”
Soon, I began getting requests for family shoots on the side, and that’s when I realized I needed to understand the business side of photography. I left the studio and spent the next five years in sales, learning how to market myself, communicate value, and overcome one of my biggest challenges: fear of failure. Surrounding myself with positive influences from my men’s group and church helped me build the confidence to return to photography full-time.
Today, I specialize in portraits, engagements, graduations, automotive, events, corporate headshots, and real estate photography, bringing a style that is natural, vibrant, clean, and bold. My sessions are guided by connection and comfort. Clients often tell me I’m personable, confident, and easy to work with, which allows me to capture genuine, lasting moments.
Outside of photography, I’m a father, fitness enthusiast, hiker, gardener, woodworker, and entrepreneur. I love creating memories with my daughter, exploring new places, and serving my community, all of which inspire the stories I capture behind the lens.
Photography, for me, isn’t just about images; it’s about capturing life, connecting with people, and telling stories that endure.