How did you get into photography? 

Two years ago when I was 12, my dad gave me his old Canon EOS 20D when he got a new camera. It just sat there in a drawer until I started multimedia class in 7th grade, then for the first time I actually used my camera. The only training I really had was in my 7th grade multimedia class and most of the stuff I had already known. I taught myself everything from settings to photoshop to lighting, except for the help of a friend's dad, a wedding photographer, but our styles were too different and he couldn't help me much after the basics.

Who are your photography heros and mentors?

Oh man...I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE Steven Klein, his fashion photography is crazy! I especially love his Dolce & Gabbana ads. Also I look up to Patrick Demarchelier, he uses natural lighting really well. I hope one day I'm as good as him. Oh! And one more person, my good friend Alexis (Jesus) Mello who encourages me and pushes me. Her words of wisdom will always stay with me, "Shut up! Get back to work!"