A VISION THROUGH CONNECTION

In this era of near constant self-documentation, I use my camera to explore connection. I grew up in a tough neighborhood and from a young age, was surrounded by a darker slice of life. That’s why I thought I could be at home around a crime scene, and early in my career, decided to be a journalist. But I found I could not detach. It is the poignancy of life, and the intimacy of the human experience that inspires me - those moments of connection, and often, quite literally — an embrace, a stolen kiss, a pat on the back. Scripted or not, I love moments where people are close to each other. And I feel privileged to get to capture them.

I strive for my photographs to feel selfless; to show human interaction at its purest and most sacred form, without pretension or self-awareness. In many ways, my camera is my shield and lens into a world many may neglect to see. I love to bring out the beautiful side of life wherever I may roam.

Whether through still or moving images, the evolution of storytelling inspires and motivates me. I am not daunted by the democratization of imagery and creativity. I love the freedom to explore emotion through social media and other new media, yet somehow transcend the media itself and strip imagery down to its essence.

Thanks for checking out my work. I have been taking pictures since I was 7. I don’t go anywhere without my camera. Every day presents an opportunity to capture a great moment. My favorites are the subtle, everyday ones that tell relatable stories in a not-so-everyday way, while also leaving pieces to the imagination. When I am not shooting assignments or personal projects, I love playing tennis and spending time with my wife and as much time with my three amazing kids as I can before they grow up and fly away.

CLIENTS

GlaxoSmithKline Wal-Mart Hyatt Hilton Chevron Navy Federal Credit Union Hormel Lincoln Financial Microsoft Ocean Spray Visa Genentech Grey Goose Dell PepsiCo Unilever Aleve Aetna

Wendy's Abbot Applebee's Pfizer Toshiba Honda Eli Lily Kraft Janssen Pillsbury Coca Cola Avanir LG University of Phoenix BBDO Arnold Abelson Taylor CDM NY

FCB Fitzco Euro JWT Grey Geometry Havas Landor Leo Burnett McCann Ogilvy Palio Publicis Saatchi Syneos Tracy Locke Wunderman Verizon Communications

STUDIO

Executive Producer

Jennifer Pracht

212.647.1139 jenn@johnblais.com

REPRESENTATION

Schumann & Co

Patti Schumann 312.925.1530 patti@schumannco.com