Type of Organization

Fire/Rescue Department - Paid

Job Function

Other

Years in Fire/EMS:

20 years doing fire photojournalism

Primary Fire/EMS Department:

San Diego Fire-Rescue is the department I love to photograph

Years With Department/Agency

20 years doing fire photojournalism

My Training:

I have been doing fire photography, along with other genres, for over 20 years.

About Me:

Bob’s career as a photojournalist had an unusual start. With the Pacific Ocean minutes from home, he spent most of his non-high school hours near the water, developing a strong attachment for Killer Whales (Orcas) and the study of their vocalizations. He also began his first forays into photography. After high school, he attended trade school and began a career in the automotive industry, becoming one of the first Toyota Master Technicians in America.
As his horizons grew, photography remained a major passion. Self-taught and successful in image capture, he returned to school, earning a degree in Business Administration and began work in the photojournalism and technical writing fields. One of his technical writing projects well known to firefighters over the past few years was the Holmatro Guide to Vehicle Extrication.
Fire photojournalism remains a top passion for Bob, but his areas of photo expertise also include aviation, railroading and endangered species, specifically lions and tigers, not to mention spending time with his beloved Orcas. His aviation photography and writing has enabled him to land on aircraft carriers, fly aerobatics with The Red Baron Stearman Squadron and be one of the select few to fly with The Blue Angels. Aviation and railroading are in his family history, so it’s a subject that holds continual interest. Represented by several top photo agencies before the economic downturn, Bob opted to ride out the storm developing new outlets for his work, unique to his own visions.
As for the future, Bob’s plans for photography remain a top priority. Fire photojournalism provides an incredible opportunity to continue to document the work of some of America’s real hero’s. Endangered species need as much of a voice as possible. Preferring to work as close as possible to all his photo subjects, Bob often jokes that he puts a pork chop on his head to keep the attention of his lion and tiger subjects. Orcas however, remain the mystical, ever changing, sought after subject. He relates that there is nothing that compares to being just a couple of feet from a six-ton, thirty-two-foot Orca charging past his boat or stopping to spy hop and check him out.

Relationship Status:

Single

Why I Love Fire/EMS

Firefighters and Marines. Two groups who get the job done. No excuses