On my tenth birthday, my parents opened a door that has never closed. They gave me a Kodak Brownie Hawkeye—a simple point-and-shoot box camera. Durable and easy to use, it didn’t matter that the image quality was less than perfect. What captivated me was the idea that, with a single click, I could freeze a moment in time—no skill required.

Later, life steered me into a 40-year career creating advertising campaigns for iconic brands. When I wasn’t planning campaigns, I found myself in the agency’s creative department, learning about photography from world-class designers and art directors. They sharpened my eye and raised my standards.

Though I also work in color, I’m especially drawn to black-and-white photography. When it comes to my favorite subject—architecture—black and white brings out contrast, texture, and emotional depth that color often overshadows.