Father brought home a German model Leica camera when he returned from WWII. After some coaxing, he let Tom experiment with the prized possession. Currently works out of his 12,000 sq. ft. studio on Pittsburgh's South Side. Won an Addy last year for his "crab campaign."

Grew up in a small, picturesque mountain town in California (didn't even have a traffic light). Adolescence spent hiking trails and shooting with his grandpa's old Canon AE-1. Enjoys surfing, backpacking, and taking care of his vegetable garden. Has a tortoise named Yortoise.

Originally from Hong Kong, he's a competative triathlete (swim,bike, run) who spends free his time training. Got into photography by looking for a way to finance his surfing and climbing addiction. The birth of his daughter is the best thing that's happened to him.

Lifelong love of travel began early, when he lived in Laos (filled an entire passport by age 8). Says having vocal dysphonia (like Robert Kennedy, Jr.) gives him "empathy for everyone, and that comes through in my pictures." Made first industry contacts while running a bar by a SF photo lab.