How did you become a photographer?

I have always been attracted to visual arts. I mean who docent like to look at cool things… In post secondary I took Radio and Television Arts and during my practicum I met an onset stills photographer. He introduced me to the world of professional photography. After my practicum I played hockey in Germany for a few years and in the off-season I took a job an assistant with a photographer. He basically pushed me into the pro photography world and things just kind of took off from there.

Advice for young photographers:

Don’t read other photographers Blogs. It will just depress you. Seriously. Everyone is kick ass online. We all blow shit out of proportion on our blogs and make ourselves look way cooler than we are. Its really deflating to a young shooter.

Do you read other photographer blogs?

God no. Because when I read them I’m always left thinking - “That guy is so awesome and god I suck.” Blogs are just a way of subtle chest pumping, like gorillas. One day I was reading a blog and got seriously bummed out. Eva like she usually does got ahold of me and said “You’re and idiot. Look at yourself ”. She was right. In reality I was booked for 11 shoots in that 2-week period. Hardly reason to be bummed out and feeling like a failure. After that I stopped reading blogs.

Should whoever is reading this read your blog?

Yes of course…. Cause I’m awesome… no seriously though that’s why Kevan my assistant is actually posting on my blog now. Its probably more interesting (and honest) for readers to hear from an assistant rather than me chest pumping my own shit like a gorilla.

Favorite subject - and Why?

I enjoy shooting every discipline with the exception of Wildlife. I love animals it's just that I don't have enough patience to wait for that "perfect" shot. Wildlife photographers often wait for 2-3 days for the perfect photograph - much too long for me.

Most exciting client?

Typically the bigger the client the less exciting the shoot is. Its mainly because with big clients come big budgets, so everything gets planned out to a tee leaving little room for unpredictability, and therefore less excitement. So I guess I would have to say shooting travel assignments are the most exciting projects. You get a basic shot list and then you just go for it.

Describe your style:

I don't really have a style per se. I have tendencies for sure, but my clients like the fact that I am always well prepared and my shooting is very consistent.

What changes have you made to your photography over the past 10 years?

I don't over shoot anymore. When I have "the shot" I know it. So I don't need to keep shooting. I am also very calm when I shoot. Some shooters get really excited and create " over the top energy" on their sets. That's not my style.

How do you view your role in the creative process?

It varies with each client. My role in the creative process when working with an agency can be limited to production and execution. However with editorial commissions I often have full creative license.

What/who inspires you?

My mom. Really she's a tough cat. She holds people accountable for their actions and calls you out if your acting like an idiot. One time two of my siblings didn't clean their rooms after repeated warnings. So she packed their stuff in garbage bags and posted (real) 24hr Eviction Notices the doors to their rooms. It was classic Mama Comeau parenting.

You Love:

A lot of things. Frequent Flyer points. Good coffee. Good food. Assistants who keep me organized. Sophie, Liam, Eva, Mama Comeau, Mike, Christina, Celina, Trevor… and well that’s it… Oh yeah my brother Callen, and Kevan.

You Hate:

Early flights, dried sand in your toes, mornings, sharks and poor coffee.

Favorite Sport:

I still have a deep love for hockey and I still play when I'm home, but it's becoming more and more difficult to manage with my career. I also have a passion for TaeKwonDo.

Most interesting place you have worked:

Dutch Harbor, Unalaska. It's one of those places one would never visit unless it was for work. It has a legendary little bar near the edge of the earth called "The Elbow Room" dating back to 1966… - seriously… google it.