Snapshots in Time: Recent Work Highlights

Spring arrived with a diversity of projects on the calendar. I am happiest when bouncing around from one project to another, whether it’s people, spaces, or nature. Here are some frames I found worth sharing:

Christine Brown: Sister Wife book cover

This was the second book cover I photographed for Simon & Schuster. Christine was super down-to-earth and easy to work with. The shot that made the cover was the second look we photographed. As soon as she donned that red blazer, everyone on set felt like this was it.

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Adam Jordan Portraits

This was a dream project, precisely the type of work I want to do. Adam, a graphic novel writer, approached me for a portrait session that would capture his essence as an artist and reflect the genre of books he creates. I aimed to create images that hopefully make you feel like you’re inside Adam’s “dark musings.”

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Palm Springs Sights

Palm Springs is one of my favorite places to visit. I love the feeling of being transformed back in time to an era that seems to have a magic spell on me: the 60s. “Anemoia” is an apt term for what I’m trying to communicate here.

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Charlynne Edmunds Personal Portraits

The photoshoot with Charlynne was a bit of a therapy session for both of us. Sometimes, you meet a person who is going through something similar, and the conversation you end up having has a healing effect. Finding a certain commonality and relating to another human can be a powerful experience. I think it’s important to document the different seasons of your life.

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Utah Business “Outstanding Directors” April 2025 Cover

Utah Business has been an incredible client for a few years now. As a photographer, you experience the ebbs and flows of work volume, so having a client you can count on consistently is enormous. This ongoing collaboration has not only honed my skills as a portrait photographer but also helped me become a more empathetic and personable individual.

Is MANICPROJECT Right For You?

I created a questionnaire that can serve as a guide to help you, the potential client, determine whether MANICPROJECT is the right photographer to collaborate with. The market where I am located - Salt Lake City, UT - is saturated with a specific type of photographer. Let’s call it a “wedding photographer.” Let me be clear: I am NOT trying to impose on their clientele. I have always gone in the opposite direction of what most people consider “popular.” I can’t even say I’ve intentionally done it; it’s just not who I am or what I believe in. Hopefully, the photos you see on this website are proof of this, but just in case it’s not clear, let’s go through the questions:

1. I am looking for:
   A) The most affordable option
   B) A unique point of view

2. I want to create something:
   A) On-trend
   B) Timeless

3. My company needs:
   A) Someone to execute our vision
   B) A strong collaborator

4. I value:
   A) A large volume of images
   B) Quality over quantity

5. I chose my photographer based on:
   A) Their popularity
   B) Their work

6. I prefer:
   A) To fit in
   B) To stand out

7. I won’t compromise on:
   A) Budget
   B) Solid communication and mutual respect

If most of your answers are A, we are most likely not a good match.
We are probably a good match if five or more of your answers are B.

Shari Franke's book "The House of my Mother" is a NY Times Best Seller

Wow, this is pretty incredible. I had the honor of photographing the cover image for Shari’s book “The House of My Mother.” We just learned it debuted at number 1 on the NY Times Best Seller list! Some of the images from the shoot have found their way onto multiple news and editorial outlets. It feels incredible to be part of something this meaningful. Shari was an absolute pleasure to work with. She came into the session knowing exactly the feeling she wanted to portray, and luckily, it was exactly what I was envisioning as well. Rarely are the subject and the photographer fully aligned; sometimes, you need to spend some time getting there. Shari carries her story inside and did a masterful job of emoting it through her eyes and expression. Thank you so much, Rebecca Lima, for styling Shari for the shoot and Paula Dahlberg for not only doing the hair & makeup but also being a calming presence and a great listener.