How did Young Guns get on your radar?

YG20 winner Jackie Molloy nominated me to apply to the Young Guns competition. Studying the archives of past winners, I was amazed by the caliber of talent recognized over the years. Exploring the work of creatives beyond photography has also inspired me, and I look forward to connecting with a broader community of creatives.

How did you end up in the creative field?

My start in photography stems from one of my first passions: skateboarding. When I was home from university one summer, I bought a camera to photograph and film skateboarding. I had no idea that decision would completely reshape my future.

The following year, I switched my major to journalism and became involved with my student newspaper. In hindsight, it feels fitting — as I’ve always been driven by curiosity. Journalism was one of the most natural ways for that curiosity to take shape.

So, it did happen by accident. But it also makes perfect sense.

Why did you decide to enter this year?

Thank you! I am turning 30 next year, so that milestone has been on my mind.

Competitions provide an opportunity to reflect. In putting together my submission, I looked back at my career and selected bodies of work that felt cohesive together.

I’m grateful to be a part of this year’s Young Guns class. My background is primarily in newspapers and magazines, and I’m excited to meet other creatives and learn what else is possible.

You only get to submit six projects. How did you decide what made the cut?

I’m drawn to subcultures — the kinds of communities that form around niche passions or sports. These spaces bring together people who might otherwise never cross paths, and they often reveal something universal about identity and belonging. A handful of projects developed from this interest.

I approach storytelling through documentary photography and portraiture, and these photo essays best reflect that skill.

“I’m drawn to subcultures… they often reveal something universal about identity and belonging.”

What was your reaction when you found out you won?

I was on the phone talking with a close friend, Zack, and mentioned that I had applied and I hadn’t heard back yet. Ironically, during that same call, the email came through saying I was a finalist. Zack witnessed my genuine excitement in real time, and that made the moment even more special.

In what ways does where you’re living right now inspire your creativity?

Michigan and the Midwest are full of nuance. Detroit and its surrounding communities hold a mix of history, culture, grit, and warmth that I’ve spent the last 5 years documenting. I enjoy meeting others who embrace it all.

Now that you’re part of the Young Guns community, are there any past winners you admire?

I admire the works of: Katie Orlinsky (YG12/2014) katieorlinskyphoto.com. Katie’s photographic storytelling is intimate and powerful.

Jesse Rieser (YG9/2011) jesserieser.com. I admire Jesse’s approach to documenting the American landscape and the communities within it.

If you could create a new Young Guns tradition, what would it be — and why?

It would be fun to see winners paired to create portraits of one another in their chosen artistic medium. It would be a meaningful way to learn about each other’s processes and build community through collaboration.

Name a dream project you’d love to do next. Who would you want to collaborate with?

My dream is to dive deeply into a subject I’m fascinated by and collaborate with a publisher on a photography monograph. The idea of shaping a long-form body of work into a book is a goal I hope Young Guns propels me toward.

I’m also interested in learning more about opportunities for portrait photography in the commercial photography space.