The Bee's Knees

Africa Plate Auction to send Dominique to Kenya

2012-01-27T23:11:00.000-08:00

Okay folks, here is what the finished plate looks like.

Currently, the bidding is at $75.

This is the only place where "official" bids are being accepted. That is so we can keep track of what everyone has bid.

The final winning bids purchase price will be tax-deductible as the check will be made out directly to her church. That is a great bonus. With that being said, the plate is yours if you wish to donate $500.00 towards her trip. Please remember, being a part of a sending team is AS IMPORTANT as the person going to serve.

Here is a bit more information regarding Dominique Petermann and where she is going to be serving on this short-term missions trip.

She will be serving at The Belwop Rescue Center in Nyeri, Kenya East Africa. She will be a member of a team from her church and they will be constructing a new building for the rescue center.

You can find out more about the center by clicking HERE

Dominique is very motivated to succeed at raising funds for her trip. She is picking up baby-sitting jobs and any other paying jobs to help her raise the needed funds.

Thank you so much for your bid and your desire to see Dominique succeed in answering the call, "Whom shall I send?"

Auction for Dominique's Africa Adventure

2012-01-26T14:25:00.000-08:00

I thought I would place this "auction" in one location so everyone who placed a bid can see what the current bid is.

The proceeds from this plate will all go to assist Dominique Petermann to go serve orphans in Africa. This will be her first experience in Africa and I know, from experience, that she will fall in love with the children, peoples and landscape of this amazing continent.

The current bid is at $50. If you would like to place your own bid, please comment on this post. This is the ONLY location where bids will be received. If you cannot post a comment, please contact myself or Renee' Petermann and we will post it for you. Kind of like a call in bid. If you choose to have us post the bid for you in the comments, please verify that we have done so. We cannot guarentee that your bid will be the current leader.

Thank you so very much for assisting Dominique in this mission to help the children of Africa and to show them the love of Christ and that their Heavenly Father has NOT forsaken them.

A Published Photographer!!!

2011-08-05T16:04:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday I received notification from Photographers Forum Magazine publishing company that a photo I entered in their recent competition was selected as one of the finalists.

So, what does this mean??

Being a finalist means that I will now have that photo published in the book published by the company entitled, "Best Photographs of 2011".

WOW!!

There were 14,000 entries and the top 11% were selected as finalists. Out of the finalists there will be four top photos and 100 honorable mentions. If my photo is selected in this next round it will be published in the magazines November issue.

I would love to make the final cut, but I'm please to be able to say I'm a published photographer now.

Click HERE to view the photo.

Ron Howard!!!

2011-06-17T22:54:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, it's been like forever since I've written anything. I have been laying low for a bit.

I have been thinking of jotting down my thoughts again for quite sometime and what a great way to do it by announcing that one of my photos have made the first cut for Ron Howard's Imagination Challenge.

I just received the news tonight and I'm almost jumping out of my skin.

Not sure how many of my followers are actually still following me, but I'm making a plea similar to a plea I made almost three-years ago when my lightening photo was in a competition. I'm seeking votes for my image.

If you click this link: Imagination Challenge, it will take you directly to my photo where you can vote.

ONLY ONE VOTE COUNTS, PERIOD.

Thank you in advance. I promise I won't be gone so long.

Some tech crew photos...

2009-11-27T12:32:00.001-08:00

With a thankful heart...

2009-11-26T10:05:00.000-08:00

I have arrived in Canada to a "home coming" of sorts. I have been able to reconnect with an amazing family who are very near and dear to my heart.

I worked with John and his two sons, Matthew and Taylor, in Sweden and in Scotland on the Impact World Tour. Donna has such an amazing heart for people that I cannot be around her without being changed.

Everyone is running around like a chicken with their heads cut off trying to build stages and get tech rooms set up for God TV to come in and cover the Pursuit Conference. I feel right at home again.

That most amazing thing is how excited I am for this conference. John's main concern is that all of his tech crew remember that it is not our skills that will bless the Lord, but the fact that we are able to worship the Lord with our skills. Such an amazing man with an amazing heart. I have appreciated our friendship over the years and his heart remains steadfast. Not only in his love for the Lord, but his love for me and faith he has in me when it comes to using my skills to bless the Lord and worship Him. I cannot begin to tell you what a tremendous blessing that is to me. He is truly one man who has never given up on me, and trust me, John and I have had some knock down, drag out arguments but through all those times our friendship comes out the other side stronger than before. I REALLY NEEDED THIS TIME WITH THE ROSS FAMILY!!!

The following video is the video John created for this weekends conference. Hope you get a taste of how amazing this weekend is going to be, not only for all the people sitting in the chairs, but for those of us whom the Lord called together as part of an AWESOME tech crew!!

Enjoy!!!

ThePURSUIT 09 Video from John Ross on Vimeo.

In Pursuit...

2009-11-21T16:15:00.000-08:00

I feel like I've been pursuing something for the past 9-months and at every turn, every one of the doors seems to close. I'm confused, hurt, and unsure of where the Lord is leading me.

I have had one interview for a position that I very, very, very much would enjoy and would be doing a job that would utilize so many of my gifts and passion of serving others. I'm currently waiting to hear if I am going to be called back for a second interview.

To say these past couple of months have been a "desert" time is an understatement. It's been one of the most difficult years of my life.

I have some friends with whom I worked with in Sweden and Scotland as part of their live production team. John and Donna have such a special place in my heart. I relish every time I get to "chat" with them online.

In one such chat, John asked me what I was doing at the end of this month and proceeded to ask me if I would be able to come up to Canada and do some stills photography of a conference he and his team were working on.

It seems God TV decided they wanted to cover the conference and Johns' son, Matthew, has been snagged to be a video camera operator. Matthew was scheduled to be the conference stills photographer and when John lost him as the stills photographer, he said I was the first person he thought of.

Now, I cannot begin to tell you how much this meant to me.

My passport expired on my birthday back in August. At the time, I never really thought there was a need to renew it. "When in the world am I going to be going any time soon?"

The position I'm waiting to hear about a second interview is an oversees position. I renewed my passport shortly after applying for the job and only got my new passport back 2 weeks ago. Had I not done that, I would not have been able to say yes to John when he asked me if I could come up and have a great time doing one of my passions and spending some quality time with some amazing people.

The Lord has not left me, even though I leave Him every chance I get.

Oh, this is not the end of this story.

I was on Facebook a day later and I get a chat message from Anne. She was one of my staff members when I was in the School of Video Production down in South Africa.

Annie is from Nigeria and has pioneered the school there. She asked me if I was available within the first three months of next year to come and teach on the school.

WOW!!!

I'm still frustrated, but my upcoming trip to see some very dear friends and take some great photos of some wonderful worship and teaching has lifted my mood. And although I don't know if I will be able to go to Nigeria to teach a topic on video production, it was a great boost to be asked.

I only want to be in pursuit of the Lord's plans for my life and the past 9-months I've been in pursuit of my own future. And as all of you who know me knows, I'm a high control person. I don't like not knowing where I'm going or where I stand and this is what makes patience so hard for me.

So, next week I'll be doing more posting than I have been since school started. Take a peek.

On one last note, I would also appreciate prayer with regards to the second job interview. As I said, this is a position I would very much like to do and serve a group of some of the most amazing people from our country.

Kitties

2009-11-15T21:24:00.000-08:00

I've been so busy with school that I haven't really had much time to go out shooting. I really wanted to shoot so I used models that are always around.

Third times a charm, right?

2009-11-04T19:28:00.000-08:00

Once again I get to spend Friday having eye surgery. This is the third time in 5-weeks.

I have appreciated everyone's prayers during the previous two and thank you in advance for the prayers this week.

I have not been scared prior to any of the other eye surgeries, including the initial Lasik procedure over a year and a half ago. This is different though.

I was told by the eye doc that every time they need to go in and remove cells from under the cornea they have to get more aggressive. That did not comfort me in the least. Last time I almost asked them to stop and give me more Valium and to try to numb my eye more. I could feel them scrape my eye and it was not a pleasant feeling, to put it mildly.

I am scheduled to arrive at 12:40. It takes them about 30 minutes to get me signed in and drugged before the procedure actually starts, so if I come to your thoughts around 1:10 or so, could you please lift me up in prayer?

I'm also going to tack on another prayer request here. I feel doors on every front are being slammed in my face. I'm getting very discouraged in a lot of areas in my life; from friendships that weren't what they seemed to a job I really wanted being stalled to my financial situation. I really need some clarity right now.

Thank you in advance.

Eye update and more

2009-10-28T14:01:00.000-07:00

I had surgery again last Friday on my eye.

Here's the update.

I just made yet another phone call to the eye doctor because my vision is doing the same thing after the initial touch-up surgery about a month ago.

I'm asking for prayer on this. I was really concerned going into the surgery last Friday and my stress level is high once again as double vision is slowly returning in my distance eye. I should have left things alone and never gone for the touch up.

On another note, please take a look at my other blog: http://www.thosethathavebornethebattle.com/

I'm asking for people's help in spreading the word about this project. If you have a blog, can you post a link to the project site, or if you're on Twitter place a post about it. I'm trying to get the word out to get photographers on board.

I appreciate your prayers.

Kimberly

Prayer request!!

2009-10-22T09:16:00.000-07:00

A little over two weeks ago I had my left eye's LASIK "touched-up". Well, things went wrong and I am going in tomorrow to have them "fix" it.

I went to the Doc last week because my vision was getting worse in my distance eye, the eye they did the touch up surgery on. It was only during the exam, when they had me cover my right eye, that I noticed I was seeing double in my distance eye now and there is no range that is clear. The tech could not get a prescription that allowed me to see without the double vision and clearly.

The Doc came in and was able to get a prescription a bit better, but still very blurry. He then he shone the really bright light in my eye to examine it and I could not see that light AT ALL!! It was only when he placed the magnifier over the light that I could see it.

After examining my eye for about five minutes he explained to me what happened.

When they go in to do a touch up, sometimes when they place the flap back into place, corneal cells from the outer part of the incision "seep" under the corneal and begin to grown. He didn't sound concerned and I wasn't concerned.

That was, until I got the paperwork in the mail to sign for the next surgery.

The paperwork states that it is not uncommon for this to require multiple surgeries to fix and there is a chance that it could lead to needing a cornea transplant.

Trying NOT to freak out. I have been struggling in school as a result of these past two weeks because I can't see properly and have a headache almost all the time.

If you could please lift this up in prayer, I would greatly appreciate it. My surgery is scheduled for 11:40 tomorrow morning.

I've got it!!!

2009-10-10T22:46:00.001-07:00

I need your help on my other blog. I have an great idea for "Those that have borne the battle" photo project.

http://www.thosethathavebornethebattle.com

Take a peek

2009-10-10T16:26:00.000-07:00

I have an ongoing project who's whole goal is to show appreciation to our military personnel and veterans. I've up dated this blog and would like for you to take a look at it and give me your thoughts.

http://www.thosethathavebornethebattle.com/

Lastest Shoot

2009-09-21T15:54:00.000-07:00

Arizona Special Olympics Triathlon Photos

2009-09-13T21:35:00.000-07:00

Special Olympics Moment

2009-09-13T12:35:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had the honor of being on a team of three photographers shooting the Arizona Special Olympics Triathlon in Scottsdale. Wow!! It was a good time, HOT, but good.

I'm in the process of trying to edit my 800+ photos. I have some of them and I will post a few when I get a chance.

I wanted to share with you a special moment that will stay with me for a very long time.

It was hot, but not as hot as it would have been earlier in the summer or later that same day. At the end of the day, after the awards ceremony there was but a remnant of people left behind.

I had taken refuge under the shade of a tree and was putting my socks and shoes back on after being able to soak them in the pool during the closing awards ceremony.

A little boy and his parents came and stood beside me. The little guy was probably 8 or 9 and a special needs child. His father tried to hand him his shirt to put on and that was all it took to unleash the dam of tears.

He had not received an award!

He was heart broken and began to sob as his mother held him. All he could say was, "I wanted a prize. I wanted a prize." His mother's comfort was doing nothing to alleviate his pain.

I love God moments. Lately they seem to be few and far between for me.

I had a prize for the boy.

I turned to him and told him, "I have a prize for you that no one else here today received. Do you want it?"

His eyes got a bit wide as he withdrew his head from his momma's chest and slowly walked the 4-feet over to me.

I reached out my arms and I embraced him. I told him that I had not hugged anyone that day and that he was the only one there who would get this prize. No one else; just him.

It was not a quick hug. I held him tight for about 30-seconds. No more tears. No more breathing heavily; just quiet. I looked down at his face as he melted into me.

When I let him go, he thanked me, turned and walked up the stairs to leave. His mom looked at me, gave me a big smile and turned around, placed her arm around her son and walked up the stairs with him. He received a prize. Acknowledgment for just being himself. A treasure!!

Can Saturday come any slower??

2009-09-10T22:38:00.000-07:00

I'm trying not to get too excited about the upcoming shoot on Saturday, but it is difficult. Have this nice long lens just waiting to get out there and get some great shots of the Special Olympics athletes in all their glory as they cross the finish line for their triathlon.

Check back at the first part of next week and I will post some of my favorite shots for you to take a peek at.

More Lightning

2009-09-09T21:53:00.001-07:00

Phoenix can be a bit freaky when it comes to lightning storms. This rolled through last night and there was no rain. Gotta love our monsoon!!

Hope for a hardened heart

2009-09-07T12:01:00.000-07:00

Do men like this really exist?? When I read the following, I thought it was an excerpt from a book entitled, "The Blissful Art of Being and Breathing". It was not. It is from a blog. You can find the link at the bottom of the page.

All I have to say is, "Angel, you have a keeper. Hold tight and enjoy the ride!"

_______________________________________________________________________

**One warm evening nine years ago…

After spending nearly every waking minute with Angel for eight straight days, I knew that I had to tell her just one thing. So late at night, just before she fell asleep, I whispered it in her ear. She smiled… the kind of smile that makes me smile back. And she said, “When I’m seventy-five, and I think about my life and what it was like to be young, I hope that I can remember this very moment.”

A few seconds later she closed her eyes and fell asleep. The room was peaceful… almost silent. All I could hear was the soft purr of her breathing. I stayed awake thinking about the time we’d spent together and all the choices in our lives that made this moment possible. And at some point, I realized that it didn’t matter what we’d done or where we’d gone. Nor did the future hold any significance.

All that mattered was the serenity of the moment.

Just being with her and breathing with her.

**From the blog: Mark and Angel Hack Life

Playing with my rented toy.

2009-09-04T21:29:00.000-07:00

I'm part of a photography group on Facebook and about 2-weeks ago I received a friend request from someone I didn't know. After looking at his profile and seeing that he was another photographer I went ahead and accepted his request. I'm so happy I did.

Jasen is trying to put together a team of photographers and one of the first events he was asking for help on was something I could really get behind, the Special Olympics Triathlon.

It's not a paid gig, but as most of you know, my heart is for volunteering for worthwhile ministries and organizations. I jumped at the chance.

Unfortunately, I don't have a long lens required to shoot the event. The good news is I was once again able to rent a 70-200mm f2.8 lens from the good folks at borrowlenses.com. This is the same company I rented the lens for my shoot in Yosemite with the Aperture Nature Photography trip back in January.

I waited with baited breath today for my package to be delivered. Of course it was delivered when the lighting was at its worse, not to mention the hottest part of the day.

So, when the light was a bit better, I shot what was available, the family pets. Well, I did take it down the road for a couple of shots too.

I have to tell ya, I love this lens!!! I can't wait until the 12th when I get to capture some great shot of some amazing athletes. I'll post some of the photos here so keep an eye out.

Late night addition. This little guy loves it when I leave my outside light on. He can eat till his belly is bulgin'.

Final farewell

2009-08-15T21:10:00.000-07:00

Today was a day of celebration. A celebration of Bill's life. It was evident that Bill, and Susan, have touched many lives when people were asked to stand if Bill impacted their life. Out of about 400 people, more than half of them stood.

It was therapeutic for me to work on the memorial video because I had pretty much worked through my emotions which allowed me to focus on my camera work.

There was one part of the service where I broke down.

Bill served in the Air Force and the color guard was there to honor his service to our country. Prior to the service I approached the three service men and had the honor of shaking their hand and thanking them for their service and that it meant a lot for them to be there to honor this amazing man. All three of them thanked me.

When the service began, two of the guard marched down to the front of the worship center and displayed the American flag. They displayed the unfolded flag as taps was played from the back of the worship center.

I was moved.

Even with this display of respect, I cannot help but think of the type of honor guard Bill had when he arrived home. Powerful!!!

Bill Jr. and Ginger, Bill's children spoke fondly of their father. He was such a wise man. An open mic was an invitation for people to share how Bill touched their lives. So many amazing and funny stories.

Over all, it was a celebration of Bill's life. There were tears. There were hugs. However, there was also laughter and joy. And I know that is how Bill would have wanted it.

He was a simple servant of his Lord Jesus Christ and he counted it an honor to represent Him to people he came in contact with it the same unconditional love as Christ shows each of us.

Smiling Susan. Isn't she stunning?!

Bill Jr. Looks just like his Dad.

Lot's of hugs!

Bill and Susan

2009-08-12T18:49:00.000-07:00

When I was at home, I looked and looked through all my files to find the pictures that I had taken of Bill and Susan out in the Prayer garden at church last August. I had their individual photos, but couldn't find their couples photos. With all the hard drive problems I have been having, I thought for sure I had lost them.

However, I was very thankful to come into my old work computer and find the original photos.

I have shown you how handsome Bill was and his contagious smile and now, for those of you who don't know the two of them, you can see what a handsome couple they made. They compliment each other in every way possible and walked the journey of life tackling every struggle, rejoicing every accomplishment, learning to love and forgive, and growing more like Christ with every passing day. All of this was done TOGETHER.

In as much as it pains me to think of saying Susan with out Bill's name preceding it, I find comfort in knowing that Jesus has, and will, always go before her. And I know she finds comfort in that knowledge.

I love you Bill.
I love you Susan.

More about Bill

2009-08-10T18:14:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, I lost my job at the church way back in March. Because I moved so far away, I'm out of the loop on most of what is going on with people.

I had heard that Bill was in the hospital around Easter, but had heard that he had recovered and heard nothing more. That is until yesterday.

I still am the main camera operator for all four Sunday services at church and yesterday when I returned from lunch, Don was standing at the top of the stairs. He simply told me, "Bill passed away today around 12:30."

I had no idea who he was talking about. "Bill who?"

He had a puzzled look on his face mixed with a bit of horror as he realized that I didn't know about Bill being diagnosed with cancer.

It was not unusual for Bill and Susan to spend every weekend up in the high country during the summer months and that is where I thought they were weekend after weekend. I would look for them every weekend, and this weekend was no different. I scanned the hundreds of people looking for those two familiar faces and to hear their comforting southern drawl.

Don apologized to me. He thought I knew. I didn't. I was in shock. No tears, only questions. The flood gates would open about an hour later when the news started to sink in.

I worked mainly with Susan on a large video project for her ministry and I had a couple of shoots at their house. I enjoyed speaking to Bill. There have only been two men in my life where simply hearing the sound of their voice has an amazing calming effect on me and Bill was one of them.

I sat at my computer and wept. I didn't cry, I wept! Snot bubbles and all. I'm thankful that I did not have to be on camera for the entire evening service yesterday, only for worship. I sat on my camera perch with a box of tissues at my feet and wept during worship.

I didn't know what to do. I wanted to give Susan a big hug and just hold her, but I didn't want to intrude. I didn't get to do that with my friend, who's momma passed just a month ago and never really felt like I had closure with that loss.

I drove to Bill and Susan's house and was met by their son, Bill Jr.. He looks just like his Dad! It actually took me back to see him.

I was able to hug Susan and just hold her. We talked and she told me about the past four months and how amazing God had been during that time. The people at the hospital would come in and just sit with Bill because there was something calm and peaceful about him.

He touched peoples lives right up to his departure.

I don't know how I'm going to get through the service on Saturday. I have already committed to be on camera for Susan and record this memory for her, a celebration of Bill's life. I told her that when we spoke and she told me we would get through it together.

I found one more photo I had taken of Bill almost a year ago exactly. Once again, you see his contagious smile. If you didn't have an opportunity to know him, I'm sorry for you. For those of us who had the blessing to know him, our lives will never be the same. I will miss him, but celebrate that he is worshiping with Christ, his Lord and King.

Again, In Loving Memory

2009-08-09T16:47:00.001-07:00

They say things come in three's. Well, I was just punched in the stomach with the third person in the past month I know of to have passed away of cancer.

Bill passed away today just after lunchtime. He was an amazing man of God with an infectious smile.

I can't write more right now. Please pray for his wife, Susan.

Phoenix monsoon

2009-07-25T22:33:00.001-07:00

In loving memory.

2009-07-07T01:53:00.000-07:00

On July 6, 2009 at 10:20pm Bonnie went home to be with her Lord. She was adored by those who knew her, especially her heartbroken son, Michael. While she will be missed terribly here on earth, we know she is rejoicing with Christ.

But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.

For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.

For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep.

For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.

Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.

Therefore encourage one another with these words. 1 Thes 4:13-18

2009-06-30T10:22:00.000-07:00

A comment I heard years ago when I was in a foreign country came to my mind today. This country I was visiting is a country where a lot of Americans adopt children from and there were/are people who are frightened about letting the children of their country be brought to America. It wasn't because of politics, or fear that the children would be mis-treated by their adoptive families or that they were being exploited. No, people were concerned about these children being brought to America because of an illness that seems to be rampant here.

Cancer!!!

I woke up this morning to find out that a little 8-year girl is/has succumbed to brain cancer after a 2 1/2 year battle. (She was not adopted, just want to clarify that.) I had the privileged and honor to film a fund raising event for her and her family back in 2007. I watched it and I cried.

I also have a friend of mine who's mother has been battling pancreatic cancer for the past 4 months. He is currently there visiting her for what could his last time. I also had the privilege and honor to make a video for him of their last family reunion.

And, my own mother went in for a CT scan last week to investigate "shadows" on her lungs.

I don't like this word. I hate this word. I hate all the tears it brings to the people in my life I love. I hate the pain it brings to people I love. I simply hate it!!!

In the infinite words of Forrest Gump, "And that's all I've got to say about that."

Bull Riding at The Buffalo Chip

2009-06-20T01:57:00.000-07:00

Tonight I went out with Leonard and Debbie to The Buffalo Chip in Cave Creek. They had bull riding there tonight and it gave me an opportunity to try my hand at shooting this sport. You can see high rez photos by clicking HERE.

Below are the best shots of the night.

Notice the guy standing by the gate...

He had to make a quick get away from the bull.

Just missed this cowboy.

Rodeo Clowns are the unsung heroes of the rodeo circuit.

Doing good so far...

This hand touch ruined his ride and it didn't count.

FYI

2009-06-03T20:55:00.000-07:00

I would like to be able to tell you that this does not happen, but unfortunately it does. I'm finding this out more and more since starting my own photography business.

Flashback to Sweden

2009-06-03T19:21:00.000-07:00

I found these photos as I was cleaning up one of my HD's. These were taken the last time I was in Sweden back in 2006.

Competitions

2009-06-03T16:14:00.000-07:00

I have recently entered some of my photos in two competitions.

This first was is from AZ Highways to highlight the work of world renown glass artist Chihuly. The AZ Botanical Gardens just concluded a 6-month display of some of his work.

The second contest I entered was the "Art of Photography". I entered a series of photos I took in Tanzania.

Dunn's Arena 05-27-09

2009-05-28T23:01:00.000-07:00

Here is the link for the photos taken at Dunn's Arena on May 27, 2009 and are available for sale.

Dunn'sArena052709

Dunn's Arena

2009-05-27T22:53:00.000-07:00

I went to Dunn's Arena tonight and had the opportunity to shoot the barrel racing. Leonard took me to speak to the gal who manages their website and we spoke about the possibility of me buying a banner to allow me to the images I shoot to the riders.

While we were speaking to her, I got another gig this Saturday to shoot another barrel racing competition. Things are looking up for me. I'm soooo excited, that if it were for the oral surgery I had earlier today and the pain meds, I'm not sure I will be able to fall asleep tonight.

Here's some samples from tonight.

Little Rider

2009-05-26T22:32:00.000-07:00

She is most at home while riding her old friend, Sam the horse. She's even happy if it's just sitting on him while he eats his dinner. She's a horsewoman in a little girls body.

Six Day Old Miracle

2009-05-22T22:14:00.000-07:00

How do You see me?

2009-05-21T13:19:00.000-07:00

This post is getting back to original purpose I created this blog and that was to give voice to my thoughts. This is not about my photography, it's about life, my life and what is going on right now.

Last week I posted about how Facebook has allowed me to reconnected with about 20 people from my school days. It's been interesting to hear where life has taken us. In school we put on a front, wore masks and didn't present the real us for our peers to see. For the most part, through the years we have discovered who God has created us to be. Even so, that journey will never stop completely until we breathe our last breath.

I've reconnected with one particular friend who has turned my world on its side. He has me pondering myself, my life and my beliefs. When we talk I know he will tell me the brutal and honest truth as he sees it. He is the only one in my entire life I have ever had enough courage to ask him, "How do you see me?" He can read me like no one else I have ever met. I have told him on many occasions, "You scare me." But, I also have to admit that it's refreshing to have someone know you so well, still accept you for who you are now and is excited because he can also see who you have the potential to be.

After 27-years apart and only 3 1/2-months of being back in communication, when I asked him that question, in addition to some better qualities, he called me out in most of the areas of my life I still try not to face and confront. He was, and is, brutally honest with me and I appreciate his candor. I receive his words. I can only do this because I know he cares about me and is not saying these things to hurt me, but because he simply wants the best for me. It is a friendship I have been longing for all my life.

The more I thought about how I appreciate this relationship the more I realized I already have a relationship like that but chose to turn a deaf ear to it.

How could I have pined for something I felt I was missing when it was right there in front of me all the time?? I have wounded Christ by longing for something He has been trying to give me all my life.

Isn't my friend showing me the true character of Christ?? Christ accepts me for who I am, but doesn't want me to stay in the pain, anger, distrust and all the other things that are not of God. His heart for me is to see me live my life to the fullest. To enjoy every day for what it truly is, a gift from God. These are all things modeled in and through my friend.

Through his job, he has seen the darkest side of humanity and yet he loves with a passion that I have found in very few. Even so, at some point he will fail me. He will hurt me. His words will bite into me causing a scar. He will look at me wrong. He will not talk to me in the tone that I longed for. In other words, he is just a man; a human being who is sinful and fallen. It is through these times where I will have the privileged of modeling Christ's forgiveness back to him while I ask for forgiveness from him as I fail him and his expectations of our relationship.

I firmly believe the Lord brought him back into my life at a very crucial time. Many of you who read my blog know that I used to be a video director for a large church. Two and a half months ago I was laid off due to the downturn in the economy.

I was not heartbroken to have lost my job. For over a year, I had been getting back into my first love, photography. After the shock wore off and I had a good cry, okay a "snot-bubble-tear crying session", I was excited about where the Lord was leading me. This was a new adventure and I knew the Lord as orchestrating it.

These past 2 1/2 months have been a time of great activity in my life with old friendships being restored and new adventures to embark on.

The Lord used an old friendship to point me back to Himself. To show me His Character in a man who is not afraid to speak the hard words of truth into my life and for me to accept those words because they are spoken with love.

While I do not feel I will be serving with an organized ministry in the foreseeable future, the Lord has brought other people into my life with whom I can be a model of His son to. Speak the tough words in love and watch them grow into the people the Lord has created them to be. To let them know that at some point I will fail them, but Christ NEVER will.

I am happy with my life. Happy with where the Lord has brought me. Through all the trails and tribulations, He has stuck by my side. Happy for the friendships He has restored. Okay, I'm not so happy about Him working on my patience, but I'm dealing with that moment by moment. Happy that He still loves me and accepts me for who I am right now and also when I look for that love and acceptance in someone who will ultimately fail me. Happy that my own failures are opportunities to grow. Happy that I will be able to re-read this post and "preach to the choir" again and again because I know later tonight something will happen and I will have forgotten all that I typed here. Happy that I'm getting a little closer to not caring what you think of me, but only of what the Lord thinks of me. I haven't asked the Lord the same question I asked of my friend, "how do you see me?" See, He has told me through His Word, and let me tell ya, He thinks I'm simply the Bee's Knees!!!

3-day old miracle

2009-05-19T22:28:00.000-07:00

How can you not look at a newborn and know that there is a loving God??

After a HOT night on the town.

2009-05-18T23:28:00.001-07:00

Tazo had been out in the heat of the night and was cooling off under the fan.

Friends before Facebook

2009-05-15T09:53:00.001-07:00

A friend from South Africa told me about Facebook quite sometime ago. It all started because I had not seen photos of her baby boy.

"Are you on Facebook?"

"Huh? What's Facebook?" I said.

Here we are almost two years later and Facebook has had a tremendous impact on my life. Last night was just another example of how powerful this internet phenomenon has changed my life. It has brought me back to the roots of friendships from my school days.

There are very few people who made in impact and left an impression on me when I was in school. Over the years I have wondered what happened to them and would like to reconnect with them. Facebook has allowed that to happen.

Leonard and I went to school from the 4th grade through to our high school years. I can't really put my finger on why he stayed in my mind all these years, but he was always there. Last night twenty-five years faded into nothingness as I had dinner with him, his beautiful wife and five of their seven kids.

I went to their house to grab some photos of their youngest daughter as she practiced her barrel racing.

Since Leonard and I have reconnect, both of us have found out things that neither of us knew when we were in school together. The joys of growing up and being able to openly talk about things. He didn't think I liked him in school and I didn't know some of the struggles he had. It was eye-opening to hear how we each viewed each other back then and found out how wrong our perceptions were.

So, we sat around the table and then out by the cars and talked about where this road of life has led us and funny enough, thanks to Facebook it brought us back down the same road and the great opportunity to resume friendships that would have otherwise been lost.

More from the Revelation Tour - Brandon Heath

2009-05-07T22:51:00.000-07:00

Photos from the Revelation Tour with Third Day.

You can see more images of the entire show here: REVELATION TOUR

Ponding deep thoughts

2009-05-06T00:05:00.000-07:00

Baby's First Portraits

2009-05-04T22:36:00.000-07:00

Third Day Photos

2009-05-03T17:29:00.000-07:00

I have finished editing all of Third Day. Please take a peek at them by clicking HERE.

I still have to edit the photos of Brandon Heath and Revive. I will post those as soon as I can.

Third Day

2009-05-01T01:04:00.001-07:00

What an amazing evening!!!

Bradley, a friend of mine, helped me get a photo pass that allowed me to take my professional camera gear into the concert. Usually photo passes allow you to shoot as much as you can for the first three songs and that's it. However, I had two things going for me tonight. First is that I actually purchased a front row seat and the second is that the band actually wanted people to take all the photos they wanted. So I shot almost 26GB worth of images. That's A LOT of images to edit, but I'm looking forward go going through them all.

For now, I just went to my last card and pulled some of the images off. I had been shooting all evening at at towards the end, the band were posing for me and my camera. When they started doing that, Bradley and his wife were yelling for me and not the band. The guitarist tossed one of his picks to me and I got some great shots.

So, enjoy this sample of my images. Please remember, ALL IMAGES ARE COPYRIGHT PROTECTED AND WATERMARKED. If you want to use the images, contact me.

The Nitro Pit

2009-04-25T10:19:00.001-07:00

Artistry in Motion

2009-04-24T17:52:00.001-07:00

More Baby Belly

2009-04-23T23:20:00.000-07:00

Baby love

2009-04-23T08:50:00.001-07:00

First place

2009-04-18T11:55:00.001-07:00

I just received notification that one of my photos took first place in a contest I entered.

Here is the winning photo:

Click HERE to go to the site to see the other winners.

Tazo and Ms. Bear

2009-04-17T16:06:00.000-07:00

I know it has been a while since I have posted anything new. My life has been a bit crazy over the past month. In one month I lost my job, moved out of my apartment and into my brother and sis-n-law's casita and began trying to figure out what to do now.

The Lord has been very good to me. I have been getting enough freelance work to keep a positive cash flow coming in. That's always a good thing.

I can't say things have been easy though. I have been overwhelmed many, many, many times. Now I'm settled into my new, but hopefully temporary, diggs and things seems to be a bit less overwhelming.

I've been sick the past couple days so, I shot what I could. Tazo is my reluctant model for days such as this. But he's so darn cute, especially when he sleeps with him Ms. Bear.

The first image was taken using the Lensbaby. I'm still playing around with this amazing little lens.

Goin' fishin'?

2009-04-01T21:49:00.001-07:00

Lensbaby

2009-04-01T21:23:00.001-07:00

Today I received my Lensbaby. This was one of the prizes from the Aperture Nature Photography Workshop.

I didn't have much time to play around with it, but here are two of the images I was able to capture.

The is my aunt Denise who just passed away.

ROAD TRIP!!

2009-03-24T15:41:00.000-07:00

Okay, I'm not sure when this road trip is going to be taking place. I don't even really know where the road trip is going to lead me. I have some research to do. Here's the story.

My great grandma had her own photography studio in Missoula, Montana back around 1910. She was a pioneer in the photography field and took her camera with her on expeditions and family outings.

One of the outings, she captured an image she called "50-miles of the Rockies". I'm not sure where she was when she captured this image. I'm trying to contact my aunt to see if she knows a bit more about it. She did a lot of family history and I'm hoping she will know.

The last time I traveled was in January to Yosemite with the Aperture Nature Photography Workshop. By the time I'm able to hit the road to try to re-shoot my g-grandma's image it will be about six-months since that trip. That's about the time frame I seem to have before the itch to travel someplace become unbearable.

So, here is a copy of the original photo. You will need to click on the image to see it a bit larger.

New photo project gains momentum

2009-03-18T17:21:00.000-07:00

I have created a new blog for this new project. I'm VERY excited to see where it goes. Take a peek at the new blog and please bookmark it. This is one you will definitely want to follow.

Those that borne the battle:

http://thosethathavebornethebattle.blogspot.com/

More Chihuly

2009-03-17T21:58:00.000-07:00

Chihuly - Take Two

2009-03-17T07:57:00.000-07:00

New Tanzania Images.

2009-03-13T09:20:00.000-07:00

Another photo entered in another contest

2009-03-11T19:02:00.001-07:00

Theme for the entry is: Emotions.

You can see the other entries here: http://tinyurl.com/dflp62

The REAL Bee's Knees

2009-03-11T16:33:00.001-07:00

This afternoon I kept seeing flying things past my arcadia doors. Tazo was also going spazo and jumping up trying to catch them as they came close to the windows. When I finally got up to see what was going on I saw several hundred bee's going crazy around my balcony.

After I went to the complex office and they called the exterminators, I promptly went back home and grabbed my camera to take photos. Well, what else would you expect I would do?? Hmmm?? ;-)

New contest. Seeking your votes.

2009-03-10T15:57:00.000-07:00

Hi folks,

As you know, last week I lost my job as video director at SBC. I truly believe the Lord has plans to use me and the photography skills He has blessed me with.

I have entered another contest. This one, like the last one, starts out with people voting for a project idea. It then goes to judges to vote on, not only the idea, but the photographers skill. They do look at portfolios.

Here is my project idea:

A Child's Point of View

My heart for this project is to capture the simplicity of children at play worldwide.

Children worldwide learn about the world around them through play. However, in different countries and cultures, what a child plays with varies.

Children in first world countries are focusing on activities such as video games or spending time surfing the web while children in third world countries find as much joy in playing with a simple metal ring and a stick as the runs through the African bush.

I would like for the images to show the joys of childhood that can be found in the process of play and how this is one similarity that can be found worldwide, regardless of culture.

This voting process is much easier than the last. There is no registration required. All you need to do is go to the site and vote. AND, you can vote as many times as you like.

If you like the project proposal, please click on the link below, or on the badge to the left, and place your vote.

Thanks.

Portfolio glance

2009-03-09T17:20:00.000-07:00

Photography is a my passion and capturing the moment is what brings a smile to my face. The following are some of the images I have captured over the past year. If you have a need for a photographer, whether it's for your business needs or to preserve cherished family memories, give me a call. It would be my pleasure to create images that tell your special story.

Randomness

2009-03-05T16:19:00.000-08:00

My shower head in Kondoa, Tanzania.

Some more casualties

2009-03-05T11:37:00.003-08:00

I'm still processing photo from my last trip to Tanzania and found more photos of people I will miss dearly.

Laveena, Elisha and Anna. These were the three people I "hung" with when I was out in Mairowa. They became dear, dear friends of mine during my stay out in the bush.

Elisha wears the collar I had made for me.

Aperture Nature Photography Workshop

2009-03-04T13:42:00.000-08:00

This week was the deadline to submit up to ten of my favorite images I captured while in Yosemite at the Aperture Nature Photography Workshop in January. They will be reviewed and the best ones from all 12 winners will be published in a book at the end of this year. There are two more contests to be run this year to determine the next eight winners.

Here are the photos I submitted:

A photographer's ramblings

2009-03-04T11:27:00.000-08:00

I found this video on one of the blogs I follow and found it very moving. It really spoke to me, especially at this time in my life where I'm trying to shift my focus to my photography as a main source of income and a way for me to tell the stories that are near and dear to my heart.

If you know me, you know how I struggle with being able to view my photos objectively. Comparison always comes into my thoughts and looking at how someone else might have shot this particular scene.

Bottom line though is I love the photo that I take. I really do. I'm like a proud parent only my children are not the subjects in the images I pull out to show people, they are the images themselves that I birthed. My passion is to shoot. I am literally like a child when I bring the images back to look at them on the computer and begin to process them and tweak them to make the "pop" all the more.

The video is 10-minutes long, but if you have the time and want to "go deep", watch the entire thing. He brings my thoughts to life with his words.

Unknown Final Farewell.

2009-03-03T13:45:00.000-08:00

I'm going through all my images and files on my work computer, trying to put some order to it so Bradley can find things when he needs them. Today I have been processing all the Tanzania images from my three trips. Cataloging them and doing some photoshop work to make them look their best. I was doing fine until I ran across this image.

I know it's not the best image, but it holds special meaning to me. One of the saddest parts of me losing my job is losing the opportunity to return to Tanzania to record the SBC projects. I have made some dear friends and the thought of never seeing them this side of Heaven is harder to take than the loss of income.

This image is of Len Gai (middle), his brother and mother walking away. I snapped this image on one of my last days in Mairowa. If I had known that this was going to be the last image I captured of this little boy who holds a very special place in my heart I would have run after him and given him one more big American style bear hug and held it a bit longer than usual.

Whenever I would arrive in Mairowa, Len Gai would always ferret me out. What makes him so special? Other than his quiet spirit and gentle heart who melted into this big body of mine when I hugged him, he has an added challenge to his life, he is legally blind.

My boss and his small group sponsor Len Gai and I sponsored him by default. I was the small groups representative and would always deliver things to both side.

I recently found out that Len Gai is now going to school for a the blind and I look forward to hearing amazing things from this young man, but I will miss standing in the grassy area of the school only to turn around to see his shy smile greet me. He will always have a special place in my heart.

Loss brings a new beginning!

2009-03-02T12:34:00.000-08:00

My number has been selected. I signed the paperwork yesterday and I am no longer a video director at SBC. I am now counted among the many, many Americans who have found themselves out of work.

I can't say this has come as a surprise to me. With the economy tanking and offering down, the writing was basically on the wall. It also didn't help that we had two video directors on staff and I was the "low man on the totem pole."

Things are going to be changing in my life over the next month. I am moving out of my apartment and into my brother and sis-n-law's Casita. That in itself should be an adventure; condensing my two bedroom apartment into one room the size of my current living room.

I am having to say good-bye to one of my kitties. Lilly has been with me since I moved into my apartment, but I'm going to have to find a home for her or take her to the shelter. Out of all of these changes, this is going to be the most difficult for me. So, if you know of anyone who wants a very independent cat who doesn't get along with other kitties, please let me know. Tazo the spazo kitty will be going with me to the casita.

So, what am I going to be doing with my life??? That is a very good question. I don't know what the Lord has in store for me, but I'm very excited. I feel he has been preparing me for something but I don't know what it is.

I do have a project I'm trying to get off the ground and would very much appreciate your prayers. This is not a paying project, at least right now. I don't know what the final project is going to look like but my passion for it is growing with each person I tell.

Some background on it first.

I recently reconnected with a friend from high school. I had not been in communication with Michael since the end of my Sophomore year. He was one year behind me. Throughout the years he randomly came to my mind and I wanted to know what he was doing.

Michael and I reconnect twenty-seven years after our last communication. I found out that he went on to become a Navy SEAL and served in the Gulf War. I filled him in on my life journey and referred him here to see some of my work.

Upon seeing my photography he planted the idea about going to the VA hospitals and capturing images of the Vets and telling their stories. And so a seed was planted and it has grown into something with huge potential. I would ask for your prayer pertaining to this project.

Our veterans have stories that NEED to be told. Their experiences need to be conveyed to the next generation. Just as God gave us the Pentateuch to tell the Jewish people where they came from so they could understand where they were headed, we need to understand our history for the very same reason.

I also have some other things in the works, but nothing definite right now. I will keep you up-to-date.

In the meantime, if you or anyone you know, wants to have a portrait taken, please let me know. I would very my enjoy the opportunity to capture special family memories for you.

Thanks for all the support and encouragement I have already received. It means a great deal to me.

Sedona, Arizona

2009-02-28T21:42:00.000-08:00

Meg3 @ Vertigo

2009-02-23T07:11:00.000-08:00

Win The Scene at Free Sushi Records Kick off

2009-02-21T16:01:00.000-08:00

You can view more images by clicking on the following image:

Todd Agnew Gallery

2009-02-19T22:39:00.001-08:00

I have finally finished editing all of the images I shot at Todd Agnew's concert. If you want to view all of them, click the image below.

Street Photography

2009-02-11T20:23:00.000-08:00

Street photographer, Ronya Balka, makes me want to go out play in the street with my camera. Her images are simply stunning.

I love her quote about street photography:

The wonderful thing about Street Photography is that every photo is a 'Limited Edition'. One shot is all you get: no rehearsals, no re-takes. The street is your blank canvas and the props you're working with are the unpredictable movements of complete strangers.

My main interest lies in depicting ordinary gestures by ordinary people in ordinary situations - candid moments that present themselves amidst the hustle and bustle of busy city life.

For me, nothing beats the feeling of being in the right place at the right time and capturing the briefest of all insights into someone else's world which stays with me in the form of a photograph long after our paths have crossed...

You can view her website: WEBSITE

Or her Flickr page: FLICKR

Todd Agnew

2009-02-07T16:16:00.001-08:00

I had never seen Todd Agnew in concert before, but trust me, when he comes to town again, I will be right there!!

His love and passion for Christ is something you cannot miss. He does not apologize for his faith and, like Rich Mullins did, he wants to challenge the church in how we think about things.

Here are some of the images I captured from the concert. If you would like to see more images, please click on the any image.

Tanzania

2009-02-05T13:56:00.001-08:00

I am organizing photos taken in Tanzania and doing some re-edits along the way. I thought you might enjoy some of these treasures.

The joys of taking photos of men.

2009-02-04T10:57:00.001-08:00

I'm not one who is comfortable talking to people if I don't have a reason to. That is why I love my camera. My camera gives me so much more freedom in my communication and allows me to capture who that person is on 'film'.

Scott Bourne put it this way on one of his blogs, "It is my job as a photographer to make my subject look good, not the other way around."

I admit that I have a couple of muse's that I enjoy working with. I always thought that was a funny concept but now I find myself calling on the same people because I know I will be able to get something good, not only from them, but myself. It is a great "pick-me-up" if I am a bit discouraged.

"Hey, wanna go shoot?"

If I'm shooting an event, I usually find my camera naturally directing its way to one or two people. They become my muse for that shoot. I am aware that I have a tendency to do this and I try re-direct my camera, but sometimes it's just hard. There are simply some people who cannot have a bad photo taken of themselves.

Men. I enjoy taking photos of men. Handsome men. There is something that intrigues me about a man's face. That's a good thing since I am a woman, but when I look into the face of a man I ponder many things.

I ponder what it must be like to be called by God to be the head of a household. What weight they bear on their shoulders. How do they view the world? Why don't they cry at the old Hallmark commercials? How can a man sit and watch ESPN for hours on end? Oh, how the list goes on and on.

If you take photos of something to better understand it, then I will be taking photos of men for the rest of my life because I'm sure I will never fully understand the majesty that lies within them. Though, it sure is fun trying to discover it.

Steve Simon-Super Shooter

2009-02-04T08:56:00.000-08:00

Okay, I didn't want to go too crazy with all the "S's".

Steve Simon was on of the pro's I had the pleasure to shoot with at the Aperture Nature Photography Workshop in Yosemite. Steve picked me up at the airport in Oakland and the two of us spent 4 1/2 hours getting to know each other on that long drive and then again when we were both exhausted on the return trip. We were so exhausted that we pulled over on the side of the road to get let our eyes rest a bit. Let me tell you, the workshop was fun but it sure does take it out of you.

I heard from Steve that he has another eposode out of Nikon's "Lookin Good In Picture's" video with Carson Kressley. It's a hoot.

Carson and Steve take people off the streets of New York and take photos of them. If you want to learn some tricks of the trade with regards to how to improve your images of people, check out the video.

Well done Steve. Oh, you too Carson.

Humor for photographers

2009-02-03T22:21:00.000-08:00

Warning: There is some inappropriate language in this clip.

I was almost under my desk when I saw this for the first time. Hysterical!!!

The Colbert ReportMon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

Nailed 'Em - Amtrak Photographer

Colbert Report Full Episodes
Paul McCartney Appearance

Funny Political Videos
More Funny Videos

Christian

2009-02-03T11:40:00.001-08:00

What can I say about Christian Tessmer??? Well, I can tell you he is an AWESOME drummer. He plays with his shoes off. Wears some funky socks, as well as some other interesting choices of clothing attire. He enjoys life! Absolutely loves PB Hagen Daz. Basically, he is the type of person who really adds spice to the lives of people around him!

He is also the drummer for Meg3. You can listen to some of their music by clicking the player on the right side of my menu bar. Yesterday I captured some great shots of the band as they were rehearsing for a concert this Friday. (Click here for more information about this concert.) I shot these images because I have tickets for another concert that very same day and won't be able to attend. However, I prefer to shoot bands when they are rehearsing. I can get up on stage with them and lay down to get some funky angles. Place my ear next to the bass players amp and lose hearing in one ear for the rest of the day and not hopefully for the rest of my life. Have my hair blown back from the kick drum as I try to get an unusual shot. You know, the usual stuff a photographer goes through to get the angle she wants. ;-)

With that said, Christian is a very unique critter. I captured this image of him and I simple love it. It is so NOT him, but at the same time it is totally him. If you know him, chime in. Tell me what you think. Leave me a comment.

You can find out more about Christian by checking out his website by clicking HERE.

Meg3 - The Guys

2009-02-02T13:17:00.001-08:00

Sean Johnson - Vocals/Guitar/Programming

Christian Tessmer - Drums/Programming

Steven Stipech - Bass/Keys

Brennan Smiley - Guitar

Superbowl!! The Cards lost, but what a night!

2009-02-01T22:40:00.000-08:00

Amazing video made of close to 3225 stills

2009-01-31T14:20:00.000-08:00

PFR Reunion

2009-01-30T23:38:00.001-08:00

40-years and still in love.

2009-01-30T10:45:00.001-08:00

The Aperture Nature Photography Workshop

2009-01-29T19:16:00.000-08:00

The third of four contests for the Aperture Nature Photography Workshop is now open for entries. Find out more about the contest or enter your image by clicking HERE.

I was one of four winners in the second contest with my lightning photo taken this past August when I was returning from a camp where I was the photographer.

Let me tell you a bit of my experience with this contest.

First, if you want to enter, I cannot impress upon you enough to enter. If you don't have an image you think is up to par, go out and shoot one and enter it. It is worth it!!!

I had entered perhaps three other photo contests prior to submitting my photo to the ANPW and didn't have any success. That didn't stop me. You really can't beat entering one of your best images in a contest where the is no entry fee. And the prizes??? Come on!!! They are amazing.

An expenses paid trip to learn from four pro's in a national park.
A Lensbaby
A "ThinkTank 360" camera bag
A years subscription to Lynda.com
A collection of books from PeachPit press.
A DROBO
Apple Aperture software
Lifetime membership to Photrade

I just returned from four information packed days with Scott Bourne, Steve Simon, Jenifer Wu and Gary Hamburg. The best part was the one-on-one time with the pro's when we were out shooting. I learned so much! They were there to answer any questions we had and to point us in the right direction.

I have to admit, I was a bit frighted when it came to having my images critiqued at the end of the workshop but I knew this was the best way for me to learn how to improve. I purposely did not choose the images I thought were my better ones, but I "bit the bullet" and selected the ones I knew didn't quite work. It helped a lot.

As you can tell from most of my images on my blog, I am not a nature photographer. I prefer to capture images of people. Now I have the confidence to shoot nature in a way I would have never thought possible.

Again, if you are thinking of entering one of you images in the contest - DO IT!!! You have nothing to lose and just might be on the next trip to Yellowstone to learn things from amazing pro's. I guarantee, it might just change your life. I know it has changed mine!!

Bruce

2009-01-28T23:58:00.000-08:00

Links of Utopia

2009-01-27T18:01:00.000-08:00

Last night I shot a ministry outreach at the Celebrity Theatre. This post is the first of a couple. Paul Colman lead worship before and after the program.

If you don't know who Paul Colman is, he was with a Christian band called "Newsboys."

This was an AWESOME evening. I will write more about it when I post further photos.

God's timing!

2009-01-26T21:30:00.000-08:00

These past 2-months have been quite a ride for me. When I stop and think about all that has happened, I wonder how they could have gone by so fast and yet dragged along at the same time. If someone would have told me on December 1st of all that I would go through before the first of February, I would have thought them mad.

Now, mind you, I'm not saying that things are going to stop as of the first of February, it's just that is the next milestone in the calendar that I can refer to.

It's simply amazing how the Lord brings people into your life for a period of time to get you out of a rut you have been, whether you have been in that rut your entire life or due to a recent trauma, if you have been around the mountain more than once you are in a rut. I was in a HUGE rut!!

In early December, the Christmas program at church was the only thing I could see. It was quite a challenge and really tested me. I was relieved when all the edits were completed and the show was finally taking place.

With my work done, I was able to enjoy taking photos of all the performances and got some great shots. I sat on the step, hidden by the orchestra and fired away.

There was one person in the show whom the Lord would bring into my life and use him as an instrument of change. Steven was one of the drummers in my favorite piece of the evening; good ole' bagpipes playing as he and two other drummers played live on stage.

I didn't know him then. It was by accident that I came to know him at all. I know it was not an accident, but God's direction that the two of us get to know each other.

I have never known a man like Steven before. He pushed and prodded me for information about myself. He asked me difficult questions. Really made me look at my past as he tried to get to know and understand my present. By him doing this, I have found freedom in a couple areas of my life where I had not known it before. No one had ever taken the time to encourage me to open doors in my heart that had been closed and bolted shut.

We had our bumps in the road, everything from hurt feelings, to anger and frustration, but in the end I have someone with whom I will always be able to look back on this period of my life and know that the Lord used him to cause growth to happen in my life.

Steven was a catalyst for all that is happening now. I'm not giving him all the credit, but I honestly don't know if I could be doing what I'm doing right now had the two of us not become friends.

His friendship is not the only big thing. In these past 2-months one of my photo was selected out of over 10,000 entries for the Aperture Nature Photography Workshop, I took part in the workshop learning a lot and having a great time. As a result, I'm trying to get my photography business off the ground and I'm finding a boldness I didn't know was within me.

This is by far the most exciting time in my entire life!!!

Another photo of ME!!

2009-01-26T21:20:00.000-08:00

Enjoy it while you can folks. You know how much I dislike being in front of the lens.

Scott has posted some more photos of the workshop. Take a look.

http://homepage.mac.com/scottbourne/YosemiteANPW/

Paul Colman

2009-01-25T20:31:00.001-08:00

From death to LIFE!!

2009-01-25T19:58:00.001-08:00

We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that,

just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father,

we too might walk in newness of life. Romans 6:4 (ESV)

Julius

2009-01-24T12:45:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, before my new camera body arrived, the Watoto Children's Choir were rehearsing at our church. One of their leaders, Julius, was outside the worship center playing his guitar.

This was shot with my 40D.

First image from new 5D

2009-01-24T11:59:00.001-08:00

Yesterday morning I had a portrait session at church.

After that shoot, there were some friends in the recording studio laying down some tracks for an album so I hung out with them. Part of the reason I hung out was because I knew my new Canon 5D was going to be delivered to the church later that day.

When the new camera body came, of course I had to get some images of the people immediately around me. Here are some of the first images captured with my new tool.

More Watoto

2009-01-23T19:39:00.001-08:00

Watoto Children's Choir

2009-01-22T19:55:00.000-08:00

Watoto means “the children,” and these children are on a mission. Through their inspirational songs and compelling stories, the Watoto Children’s Choir is spreading a message of hope for Africa’s children.

In 1994, Gary and Marilyn Skinner were moved with compassion concerning the critical orphan crisis in Uganda. As a result, Watoto Child Care Ministries was established as an outreach of Kampala Pentecostal Church. Today, Watoto is caring for over 1500 parentless children by providing physical, emotional, educational and spiritual care.

The goal of Watoto is to raise the next generation of Ugandan leaders by pursuing excellence in academic and practical skills, integrity in conduct and moral values, so that each child becomes a responsible and productive citizen.

The choir’s music and multimedia presentation is a soulful fusion of gospel and contemporary African style. Dressed in colorful costume, the children’s enthusiastic song and energetic dance has moved audiences world-wide.

Okay, that was the "formal" information on this amazing children's choir. Let me tell you a bit about my experience tonight.

If you have met me in person, you know I have a HUGE heart for the entire continent of Africa. I lived in South Africa for about 3 1/2 years and have spent time in Tanzania and Liberia. These experiences have cemented that love for this beautiful place and her peoples.

With that said, I sat through the entire concert with tears in my eyes and a huge smile on my face. Yes, I'm a weepy person when it comes to things that are strongly on my heart. Africa has been on my heart since I was about 12 or 13 years old and that love has only grown deeper over the years. And how could I not smile at these gorgeous children?

My heart is in Africa, yet my body is here in Arizona. There is a separation between that two that literally hurts me at times. I long to capture the beautiful faces of that far away place and show people that we are not that different.

Look into these faces and you cannot help but see how we are one.

Meg 3

2009-01-21T18:28:00.001-08:00

This is an awesome song with moving lyrics. I work with Sean, the lead singer. Keep an eye out for these guys. They are on their way!!

Aperture classroom

2009-01-21T05:31:00.001-08:00

ApertureNatureWorkshopYosemite (3), originally uploaded by Scott Bourne.

Steve Simon is teaching us Aperture. I can't wait to get my copy and start streamlining my editing process.

Caught in Action

2009-01-21T05:29:00.001-08:00

ApertureNatureWorkshopYosemite (2), originally uploaded by Scott Bourne.

Scott caught me while I was shooting in Yosemite. Here I'm shooting the water fall and the amazing rainbow.

Caught in action

2009-01-20T19:56:00.000-08:00

Scott just posted some photos of the participants in the Aperture Nature Photography Workshop on his Flickr account. You can check them out by clicking HERE.

Now on Twitter

2009-01-19T09:13:00.000-08:00

You can now find me on Twitter under LittleKnoll.

Water 003

2009-01-18T08:45:00.001-08:00