Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Paul Sherar :: Boone, NC


Yes, this really happened. It was all very innocent and things got crazy. Please enjoy this outtake from what started as a routine shirt shoot. You can thank Paul for the great cutout and drop shadow. And while you're at it, check out Paul's Site for more entertaining fun.

Saturday, June 27, 2009

WonderDog :: Boone, NC

I'm back from Boliva and am quite pleased with my first international assignment. I regret to say that, unlike what we would like to believe, it isn't possible to blog from every corner of the world; well, unless you can pay for satellite. Since I cannot afford the luxuries of world blogging the photos I have taken over the last ten days have added together to form a very large number. So, for now, I give you "WonderDog." Chai is capable of leaping over tall buildings and small people when on the prowl for tennis balls. Here is a rare capture of this athletic creature in mid flight.

Monday, June 15, 2009

Samaritan's Purse :: Bolivia

The broadcast crew and I met up with some fine cowboys at the Miami airport on our way to La Paz, Bolivia. We'll be flying to Trinidad tomorrow and moving between there and Loreto as they build a church and break in some horses. These are men who are servants of our great God. What they do they do in the name of Jesus. Here are a few of the guys. Above is Todd testing out his Spanish.DJ heading in the opposite direction of the other fellas trying to persuade the guards to call on the president.Mike, from Texas.

Monday, June 8, 2009

Wedding :: Catherine & JM

Saturday was a beautiful day for love. Catherine and JM are two very sweet people who wear their hearts on their sleeves. It was a privilege to photograph their wedding day alongside the talented Matt Powell.

Friday, June 5, 2009

Samaritan's Purse :: Boone, NC

What happened?! Well, I'll tell you. I'm back, but in such a different place. My absence here is largely in part to a total life transition. Kristen and I have been greatly blessed to experience the tangible direction of God which has brought us to rest in Boone, North Carolina. Well, maybe "rest" isn't the right word. Nonetheless, we are at great peace even though we've left all we know and just about everything around us is new and in great need of exploring.

So, crazy story. We felt God leading us to move to Wisconsin to be near my family, but now we know that God was using that very difficult decision to prepare us for where we are now. We went through all of the emotions, up and down, and finally came to rest in the understanding that it doesn't matter where we live, what we have, or how much money is in the bank. What truly matters is who we serve. At the moment we truly gave all to God He revealed His plan and laid it out for us to exercise our faith in His care for us. Let me tell you, it is good. We have a desire for our family and the friends that we left, but more importantly we are following Him.

Following God just happens to fulfill a desire I believe He put in my heart many years ago. Samaritan's Purse has hired me as a full time photographer to, as VP of Communications Jim Dailey put, "tell the story of God at work." This organization, led by Franklin Graham, responds to suffering people around the world who are victims of natural disaster, famine, war, poverty and disease; but more importantly seeks to share the hope found in God's love through Jesus Christ.

What a privilege to hear the stories of people around the world and share the love of Jesus Christ. With a position like that I look forward to seeing what God shows me through the lens. I look forward to introducing you to many around this world that you may see how God reaches those He loves.

As for the pictures in this post: These few frames are from a very recent local assignment I was on. I know they are of the same individual, I was slightly infatuated with the symmetry as I was working through the hundreds I had taken, but she represents 180 others who spent a weekend at The Cove in Asheville, NC. These folks are just some of thousands who volunteer their time and service to help victims of natural disasters in the United States. This weekend was a time to re-charge, worship, forge friendships and share their stories and excitement. I felt like family around these people. They were so warm and inviting. They are good samaritans. Luke 10