I began formally studying photography in 1976, after some life-changing events. I had been a practicing dentist for 11 years. During that time I spent two years in the U.S. Army from 1965 through 1967, one year of which was in Vietnam. My “normal” life had been disrupted enough for me to seek change. The predictability of my life had to be questioned. “Why not” had become my question. I'd been photographing since I was 7 years old. I was now 25 and trying to figure life out. I started taking courses and workshops at the New School, The Parson's School of Design, New York University, The International School of Photography. I studied with many noted photographers including Philippe Halsman, Fred Picker, Lucien Clergue, I think I was influenced mostly by Lucien Clergue, and got involved with his work through the New School. I joined his Rencontre De Le Photographie workshops in France, In Arles, for several summers. I like to work in many genres, but figure photogaphy is my forte.