HOW IT ALL STARTED

I was born in Madaba, Jordan but moved to California when I was 7 years old, so I consider myself a true Southern Californian. Shortly after graduating from Cal State Fullerton with a bachelor’s in history, I realized that my passion was in photography. I was always the guy taking photos, something I most likely got from my dad who would take endless home videos. I started shooting in high school on 35 mm film. I've always loved to hold a photo in my hand, but I was impatient with the lengthy process of having film developed. Enter the digital age! My first digital camera was a simple Canon point and shoot, and eventually I progressed to the professional Canon DSLR. Several years ago, I landed an internship at a fast-paced wedding photography and videography studio, which gave me the experience to learn in the field and build the confidence and portfolio to start Petra Calling Photography. 

WHEN I'M NOT BEHIND THE CAMERA

I recently became a new dad and it's been by far the most amazing chapter in my life. When I’m not shooting you can find me roasting beans for Kéan Coffee in Costa Mesa or taking walks with my wife Scarlett, and son Eli around the various nature preserves near our home in Orange County. I am an avid #Instagramer, I enjoy listening to podcasts, going to comedy shows, and epicurean adventures around Southern California and beyond. 

WHY I PHOTOGRAPH

I am fascinated by the blending of art and technology and enthralled with vintage and traditional methods of image making. I love to capture people and life's moments and am driven by the one on one connection that comes from portrait photography. Through wedding photography, I not only get to witness different types of love, but I am exposed to different cultures and ceremonies, places and food. It is my life's ambition to capture the sweet moments between you and the ones you love.