Iraq

In the beginning of 2009 I was sent on my very first deployment. I was going to work with a group of special operations troops doing kill/capture missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. I had no idea what to expect, to say I was nervous at first would be an understatement but you have to find your courage and man up rather quickly in those situations. I loved the experience I gained from the whole situation and wouldn't trade it for anything. I got to work with some of the best trained military members in the world and I'm forever grateful for the opportunity. This is just a small collection of my first few missions.

I wasn't exactly nervous the first time I followed the team into a house, I felt a sense of excitement capturing everything that was happening--you never knew what to expect.

Looking down the hall, I saw the door on the floor and among all these soldiers a fake flower hanging from the ceiling. I just remember it standing out to me and I have no idea why.

Whenever I wasn't documenting I'd help out where I could. Pulling security to help the team out, as they say "if you're not an asset then you're a liability."

Silhouettes or shadows were all we were on our way to "bang" targets.

I remember thinking how devastated the town looked, that and all the stray dogs barking, it was almost unsettling but you get over that feeling rather quickly when you're in the moment.

Pulling security.

We usually travel in small teams as combat photographer/videographers. I looked over and saw this great shot of my partner Jeff behind our First Sergeant and you can't not take the shot.

Whenever possible I'd try and play around and make something creative in the middle of whatever we were doing, just a new way to present the events of the night. This was my first ever attempt at rack focus and I was pretty proud of myself.

This is what was waiting for us behind the gate. You can never be too careful or take too many chances, everyone is a possible threat at first.

More security.

Everything was so fast paced and precise. I was always in awe of how quickly and effectively everything took place. These guys train their asses off and it definitely shows.

Even in the middle of it all you find beautiful moments pulling rooftop security.