Quite often I feel lucky. Lucky that I get to share in peoples lives. As I document them, they are letting me see a side of them that many others may not see. I hear stories of their lives, stories of hardship, stories of love.

I've met people from all walks of life. I've met the poorest of the poor and people that have seven figure incomes. Everyone from dairy farmers in Saskatchewan to Elvis impersonators in Ontario to homeless children in Laos.

Every person that I have met has a story. It is my job and my joy to take these stories and spread them to others.

I am a listener. I have always been like this. Quiet. I am the guy who sits across the table and asks questions, listens and digs deeper for more information. A cross between a bartender and a soft shoulder. My ears are always open. I don't judge. I take both sides of the story and come out with my own interpretation. I make it as unbiased as I can.

In the studio, this happens less. I still hear stories, however more than anything it is to understand the person that I am photographing. People put on masks. Masks make for bad portraits. I have to dig deep and get to the real person. Sometimes this is easy, but usually it takes time. I generally write off the first three shots.

But in the end, I always leave satisfied. I get my shot and I hear good stories. Not always exciting like a Hurricane Katrina survivor, but always just as important.