I grew up in Portland, Oregon, where the surrounding forests, rivers, and mountains first shaped my appreciation for the natural world. I developed an interest in photography during high school, but over time the hobby faded as life moved in other directions. While serving in the military, I rediscovered photography and began using it as a way to document the places I traveled and the experiences along the way. Since then, photography has remained an important part of my life—both as a way to record the beauty of landscapes across the world and as a personal archive of moments, places, and the passage of time.

Portland Japanese Garden is excited to showcase the art of our own community in the Garden Gallery, a hallway gallery space in the Jordan Schnitzer Japanese Arts Learning Center in our Cultural Village. In early 2026, for the first time, we extended a call for submissions to Photographer Members, including Matsu Members (formerly Steward), Sakura Society, and Golden Crane Recognition Society, for photographic artwork inspired by the natural world – especially gardens Japanese gardens, the Pacific Northwest, and Japanese art and cultural traditions.  We were honored and moved by the portfolios we received in response.

We look forward to continuing to celebrate the diverse artwork and voices of our Photographer Members through future Calls for Photography. To be included in future opportunities, learn more about becoming a Photographer Member.