A Photographers Confessional & Journey

Most recent photo shoot at Longwood Garden in Kennet Square, PA. 

I challenged myself to shoot with one lens and at one aperture the entire 

day (50mm / f/1.8). It forced me to partner my strengths in composition 

with a weakness in technical skills, specifically focusing, to work together.

I never really intended to become a photographer. Yes, you heard me right. It was always something that was there...a part of my life that came back again and again. I really believe it's a God-thing, a calling, something that He has drawn me back to over and over until I fully embraced it. I have always gravitated towards art and graphic design because it was something I was good at. Photography in my mind was a tool in that process, that if needed I could produce it. But there is something about this medium that is compelling. Perhaps it's the story-telling aspect or the moments of reality frozen for all time or the ability to capture beauty and make it art. But what really excites me is the combination of all of the above simultaneously. I have often said that I have a photo-graphic memory...if I took a picture of it, then I remember it. But what is more revealing is the truth of the moment and searching for these slices of time that reveal something about ourselves and who God says that we are. 

I was ten when I began to make my own photos. My siblings,

our pets and landscapes became my first subjects.

My journey into photography began with a 110 film camera when I was ten years old. My first photos were of a trip to DC and Colonial Williamsburg. Of course the off-center view-finder meant that all my photos were not exactly compositional masterpieces. Around that same time I began to draw. I am not sure that I knew being a photographer was a possible career choice yet but being an artist was since my great uncle worked as a commercial artist (as it was called in those days). Also during that time my grandmother had a series of optical illusion photos that I became fascinated with, which led to experiments with my siblings around the yard.

I went to a vocational high school. In those days I really didn't have any ambitions of going to college. To be honest I did not know if I was even smart enough, I really had no sense of self except that I knew I could draw. I naturally gravitated towards the Commercial Art program. I did well. In fact when I made the National Honor Society I was shocked. I suddenly realized I might have what it takes. I also found that I could also write when I was one of three chosen to write for a local newspaper. But what really got me going was one of the Commercial Art teachers who simply said, "Why don't you do something?" You see I was the kid who quietly sat on the sidelines, always watching but never participating. These simple words where the motivation I needed and so the remaining two school years I was involved in everything--sports, committees, and yearbook. Photography was a part of the Commercial Art curriculum so I learned to shoot and develop film, but it was light painting and using long exposures at night that hooked me. When I graduated I used all my gift money to buy a 35mm SLR Minolta camera, which I used quite regularly when I could afford film and developing.

The remaining evidence of a Senior Show. It was 

the  mid '80s as you tell by the hair and clothing.

The pieces included design, photography, 

drawing, watercolor and mixed media.

College: I was given the following choice regarding college, go to an A/G school or stay home and commute. While some of the top art schools were within commuting distance of the small New England town I called home I also had a bold adventurous streak despite my quiet demeanor. I am definitely a wanderer, prone to travel thanks in part to my grandparents who took my siblings and I often on their travels throughout the US. The only A/G school at the time that had an art program was located in the mid-west and I wanted to stretch my wings so off to Missouri I went. I majored in Art, specifically Graphic Design. These were still pre-Macintosh computer days although the computer lab did have one of the first models in the corner, but no one knew what to do with it at the time. I actually owned a typewriter and all my designs were hand-drawn or painted. I spent hours mixing colors, making samples, waxing type to boards, using a lot of art supplies in the process. It was a time of definite growth, being on my own, learning who I was and what I wanted to do with my life. I had two photography classes in the process and often shot for the school yearbook since I was a part of the design staff. It was there that I learned to incorporate elements of design into my photo compositions, but also where I was first exposed to photojournalism.

After graduating I spread my wings to Brussels, Belgium. It was there that I started to heed of the call that photography may have on my life. I worked in the art department of missions organization. Thanks in part to a very innovative department head they invested in the new technolgies of desktop publishing where I quickly learned the basics. Living in Europe meant we spent our free-time traveling throughout the countries by train or car. My camera was my constant companion on these trips. Many times I was called upon to shoot images for the job as well. It was one day in the video studio struggling with the lights trying to take some product shots when I realized I may need further training in this medium. During the course of these two years God began to quietly speak to me. 

Left: Caught in action in London, England during the late
'80s, Center: Bio photo for my editorial column in my graduate 

school magazine in the early '90s. Right: Hard at work doing
layout and design for a piece called Great Questions of Life
just outside Brussels Belgium, 1988.

One time in particular I remember him saying that my camera would open doors that the title missionary could not. It wasn't an audible voice just a still small voice within that I knew was not my own. I did not know what that meant but I knew I better start really learning how to use photography equipment. A brochure began to circulate the department for one such program, ironically this was not the regular type of material that we passed around but it caught my attention. It was for a masters degree in photojournalism at a University back in the US. I had no intention of going back to school but now I was being compelled by this calling that I could not explain. So I applied. I had to see what doors my camera could open.

A collection of images from Grad school. As you can see my

subject matter included more portraits and storytelling images.

Grad school was the toughest thing I have ever done. Not so much the class work but juggling three part-time jobs on top of the full-time class load. My jobs however were all on campus and helped to further my education: photography graduate assistant, Magazine design editor and later editor, as well as graphics freelancer for the marketing department. My classes were small but tough. The photography professor was a former newspaper photojournalist. I was fascinated by her experiences and technical knowledge. I was a sponge and soaked it all in. I shot for every publication on campus and even volunteered as the still photographer for several student films.

Publishing World. 
However, after completing my degree it was the publishing world that drew me in. I worked for a large business magazine publisher both on the marketing and editorial side eventually moving up to art director for a couple of magazines. I also ventured out as a freelancer. Whenever necessary I would pull-out my camera and shoot any image that I could not get via the regular means. One time during a trade-show in Las Vegas the publisher forgot to hire a photographer for the first day of industry seminars. I always traveled with my camera and instantly volunteered. From that point onward I always photographed the first day in addition to my design duties of this yearly event. During this time I also got my first digital camera, a Canon 10D. Digital really revolutionized the way I shot and even thought about photography. Gone were the hours in the darkroom and the cost of film. I was shooting more and learning from my technical mistakes now that I could see what was happening and could properly evaluate the cause.

Some children following the van (Kombie) to the end of the 

street in Limpopo Provence, South Africa. One of thousands 

of stories told on one three week media trip, which always 

included a little ministry, planned and unplanned.

Missions Part 2: I knew that one day I would do another missions assignment. A lot of things led to this new journey however suffice it to say I made a three-year commitment to an International organization that had me traveling all over the world and using my camera the way I should have been all along. It was exciting and tough and eye-opening. I began my commitment leading teams. I always had my camera with me and shot whenever I could but it was not my primary focus at first. Then I had a team in Argentina who challenged me to get back to what I was finding that I really loved. I remember one person on this team who was so passionate about photography. It was an embarrassing moment really that changed everything. She handed her camera to me to get a group photo. She had it set to back-button focus which I admit at the time I knew nothing about. I was embarrassed that I didn't know what she was talking about but was determined to get back into photography and really understand all its nuances especially digital photography. A few months later I updated my camera and the very next day found myself in the communication department due to organizational changes. I admit it was with a little internal kicking and screaming but in hindsight was the best thing that could have happened. I was actively improving my technical abilities, my photographic eye and traveling the world. I feel it was a privilege to document so many stories and be witness to God's work in others lives. It is not something I feel that I was capable of way back but a journey that I was called to and one that has evolved as skills were strengthened, both interpersonal and professional. (NOTE: This blog is filled with some of those stories)

On one trip in particular to Russia. I found that original word come full circle. I found myself teaching a group of Russian youth and young adults photography as well as sharing my testimony. It was a situation where they came to hear me first as a photographer. It was also a situation where I realized that my camera had opened that particular door.

My studio photography class in action working on dance images.

The Classroom. I knew that my next step in life would be back to the classroom. Not as a student but rather a teacher. It was really an unspoken desire that I knew was on the horizon. I got a taste of it prior to missions, teaching study skills at a community college but I always wondered what it would be like to teach something I was really passionate about. That door opened up very quickly and miraculously while visiting my brother on a fundraising trip back home. And I am so grateful that it did. I now teach digital photography to a whole new generation, some who will take this information and immediately make amazing images. And others who like me are on a long journey to discover their true calling. I am also fortunate to still be traveling and capturing amazing stories around the world as well as teaching workshops internationally. (See previous post)

Circle of Life. Preparing to feed the children in a village just outside of Gulu

in Northern Uganda. 

While my camera is but a tool it has the power to open many doors in countries and hearts and minds. As long as God continues to guide me I will go boldly into the places he leads for this journey is not over yet....

Back to the blog...India & Russia

A year and a half between posts is way too long! It wasn't intentional by any means. I do like to write. Working several jobs however has taken its toll on my free time, or should I say lack thereof. So consider this a catch-up post. I did travel last year and so there are really two events to share. 

INDIA
May 2013 I spent a month in India. From the arid North with a dry but energy-sapping triple digit heat to the tropical south where just walking outside caused the sweat to pour. It was an eye-opening experience. The colors are like you imagine in the brightly colored clothing, and the spices in the market. The insanely crazy traffic and hundreds of thousands of people however are not something you can truly know until you are in the middle of it. As a foreigner you are always being watched but there is also a friendly curiosity. Everyone wants your photo and everyone has a camera phone. It was unusual being on the other end of the camera at times but we were able to use it to start many conversations.

The VFCC team just outside the Taj Mahal looking at one of the other 

structures on the property during a sandstorm raging up the river 

in the background.

NOTE: my new masthead image for this blog also came from this portion 

of the trip while visiting a village in Uttar Pradesh.

The first 10-days I traveled with a great group of young people from VFCC. We learned first-hand about the culture in Northern India. We visited several sites in New Delhi and in Uttar Pradesh. We did a lot of praying and talking to people, learning first hand what it is like in a Hindu / Muslim culture. We visited the largest Mosque in that part of Asia, the Taj Mahal and did a 13-mi prayer walk at the birth place of Krishna (and no we weren't chanting Hari Krishna rather praying for the area). We learned a little Hindi, ate lots of Indian food and experienced life on that side of the world. I am thankful for this time because it prepared me for the remainder of the trip. After the team left bound for the states, one of my students, Autumn and I flew to the south.

At the last Hope Center of many that we visited on this leg of the trip in Pune.

Immediately after leaving the airport in Chennai we could see and feel the difference of the South...palm trees and humidity, a little bit calmer traffic, a few churches and a more laid back atmosphere. For the next couple weeks we traveled in Chennai, Mumbai and Pune, not seeing a single Western face, documenting stories of hope for OneHope, an organization I have long been associated with. We traveled out of the city to small villages, as well as into several slums and it never ceases to amaze me the places that you find God at work. It is always such a privilege and honor to document the stories of others. Here is one story we came across of a young boy born blind that received his sight as a result of the hearing the gospel and believing. However there are so many that I can't even begin to tell even a fraction of the stories we encountered here but I often see and remember them when I close my eyes at night. The thing that always leaves me with hope is when I meet the dedicated men and women who work tirelessly to reach the children and youth of their area and there were many on this trip. I know I left with a greater understanding for that part of the world and those trying to reach it. I am not sure when, but I had a strong sense while riding in the back of a taxi through the congested streets of Mumbai that I would return one day...even as culture shock and fatigue were having their way with me.

RUSSIA

Photo taken by Andrey Kovalev, also a 

Communications alum from Regent 

University who I had the pleasure 

of meeting in St. Petersburg.

Russia always seems to be a place of new beginnings for me. At least that has been the trend. I taught my first photography class in Russia five years ago, then not long after the doors opened up for me in the US to teach photography at the University level at VFCC. This time I was invited back to speak at a media seminar in Nov 2013. Really it was a dream come true. Actually it was beyond my dreams...you know the kind you have tucked away that you don't dare utter, but you know when they happen it is a God-thing. I was one of three speakers at this media seminar in St. Petersburg for those in the church who wanted to strengthen their media skills. I thoroughly enjoyed it and the participants did as well. I spoke about story-telling in Photography and told many stories from my travels as well as how to capture them. I also spoke about Info graphics and how to create them. Then we flew to Perm where I taught several more master classes and had a little bit of time to dream about the future. I am not sure where some of these things will lead but it felt like catching my breath after a very hectic fall semester which in turn gave me the necessary push to carry on when I got back. 

VFCC's first photography Student, Autumn Granger and I at her senior show. 

The photos in the background to the left are from the India trip specifically
of the story link from above. Photo taken by another up-and-coming
VFCC photography major Jenessa Tomassacci.

Even now at the end of my spring semester remembering that time gives me hope for the future. This summer I will spend time developing a few classes for a new Graphic Design major at VFCC. The first 4-year photography major is graduating with several more to come. Ideas are flowing once again. I am excited to see what will happen next. 

As a good friend wrote me just after this trip, "with each new journey comes a greater level of anointing". I believe that for my life but also for my students as well.

Missions Photos with a Purpose

MISSIONS PHOTOGRAPHY SERIES ~ PART ONE: 

Pictures Speak in Ways That We Cannot.

Several young men in South Africa waiting to have
their eyes checked at a free clinic with Blessman Ministries. 

The following situations may apply to you: You plan for months to leave on your first missions trip with the idea of changing the world. Or perhaps this has become an annual event and you can't get enough of it, or you have taken the steps to become a career missionary. What does photography have to do with reaching our world for Jesus? And how can you best utilize this tool? Some of you may be amateur photographers but desire to become better, others have an iphone and are not afraid to use it, and still others are wondering how to become a professional in this area?
    This is a summer blog series on the many aspects of Missions photography. Every Monday morning for the next several weeks, many more topics will be explored: from relationship-first photography to using your camera as a witnessing tool, what equipment to use, to cultural sensitivity and any questions you may ask in the process, but today, let's look at purpose. 
    First a little introduction. I have had the privilege of traveling in over 30 countries, doing ministry in at least 19 of those to date with the hope of doing much more. For me, photography has opened many doors of opportunity. Having a camera in my hand has emboldened me to step out of my comfort zone and talk to others I might not have otherwise. Telling stories through visuals has helped to inspire others to reach out. And most of all, it has allowed me to tell the stories of hope of those who cannot speak for themselves.

(Left) Dr. Blessman and his Des Moines, Iowa team greet local volunteers from Mokopane,
Limpopo, South Africa. (Right) Lisa works to get this young mans prescription just right.

Purpose One: Communication. 
If you are going on a traditional missions trip, then you are being sent-out by your donors: your church, friends, and family. You are their hands and feet extended. As part of the process, you will need to report back on the work that they have partnered with and what better way to do that than visually. It is a fact that images make any presentation, whether in print, web or multimedia much more impactful. Visuals of the people you meet and the places and cultures you visit give your audience a framework to build upon and a more memorable point of reference. 
     I know for a fact a few friends and family will never travel to the places I've been (they've told me so). Taking photos has been my way of taking these places to them. There have been a few times when I have been somewhere encouraging others and the faces of those back home flood my mind, and I have been overwhelmed with emotion knowing that my words and actions also represent theirs. It makes me realize that the love of God that is extended not only pours from me but everyone else back home so much so that I have to share the experience and blessings the best way that I know how --visually.

(Left) Ann counsels with this young girl about AIDS prevention and then gives her a
copy of the Book of Hope. A book that she can now read thanks to her new glasses. 

Purpose Two: I call this "pay it forward". 
Visually telling these stories helps future endeavors. This is two-fold. It helps you with your fundraising because people now have a visual reference of what God has done through you and the possibility of what can be. This makes the fundraising process flow a little easier. But the most important are the souls that will be reached. Showing photos of what God has done perpetuates giving to reach more people, both on an ongoing organizational level for those entrenched in various areas of the world and for those at the grassroots level. 
     Okay, the question can now be raised, is this emotional manipulation? This depends on your approach. I believe using photos should be purposeful but never take advantage or exploit another's misfortunes. I prefer the "stories of hope" approach. Yes, you will probably be presented with scenes of starving children, of misery and depressed conditions and abject poverty. I've seen my share of it first-hand. But to only show that is skewing the picture. A more balanced approach works best. Be real about the situation, but make it a point to show those who are making a difference, how they are doing it and what you can do to partner with them. This way people are part of a solution and not just a cause. Show how the proven methods are really making a difference. This is transformational story-telling at its best.

(Left) Most of these children have never had their eyes checked before. Many will leave with a new pair of glasses. They will not only have physical sight restored but spiritual sight as well. (Right) the rugged beauty of South Africa and a bit of hope for many many students who won't be left out due to eyesight issues.

Purpose Three: Story-telling images can bring the world closer to God.                  When Jesus was on this earth, he used word pictures when speaking to the crowds. If he had a camera and the ability to show visuals, I'm sure he would be using that as well. By capturing another person's story especially in a missions setting, you are bringing their transformational story to light for others and showing God's power and love at work. Now, I have also heard how images of starving children have caused people to doubt God's existence, but that is where "stories of hope" are different. I've seen the incredible changes of God at work in this world through obedient hearts and to not show that would be a travesty. All good story-telling shows the conflict, transformation and the solution not just the conflict.

My favorite example is a photo I took of a young boy of eight worshiping in the midst of chaos in a very difficult school in Cape Town, South Africa where drugs and rape are common even in ones so young. I could have easily shot the problems only, but it was his peace and serenity that caught my eye. Six months later while teaching a photography class in Russia, the photo wound up deeply impacting a 20 yr old girl who had to know why his hands were raised and why he looked so peacefully. Since then I have heard stories from other people how this one photo gives them hope. To see what God sees in desperate situations and to be able to capture redemption is a honorable calling, one that I hope many of you aspire to as well.


Next week I will go more into what types of images you should be making to be an effective story-teller.


PS. Wow, this is just the first post in this series and it has sparked so many more ideas. Please ask questions or comment. I'd love to have dialog, different opinions are welcome, just keep your comments civil. If you have tips feel free to share. 

It's All in the Glass

What a difference a lens makes! Ever wonder how the pros have these super sharp images? How they can shoot in seemingly impossible situations? When the best you can do is outlines, silhouettes and a lot of grain. Fast lenses my friend. They are not cheap but the results are amazing. I like to rent the 70-200mm, f/2.8 lens. The difference speaks for itself. Fast lenses have the larger aperture openings that range from f/1.4-f/2.8, where the average kit lens might start at f/3.5-f/5 which are fine for outdoors but difficult to work with in low-light situations.

Grant Reitzal, Monthly Pursuit Service @ 422CHURCH.COM

Randy DonGiovanni, Monthly Pursuit Service @422CHURCH.COM

Grant Reitzal, Monthly Pursuit Service @ 422CHURCH.COM

Close-up of old glory with a little diffused light shining through.

Fading light & shallow depth of field.

Using the longer focal distance foreshortens objects.

A moment of rapt attention caught from across the room and perfect window light. 

Literally a game of catch me if you can. This lens had no trouble keeping up.

There are several rental companies out there that allow you to try these lenses before buying. It is a great way to generate professional looking images for important projects. This allows you to build your portfolio and clients until the day comes when you can afford to own this type of glass. Try the 70-200mm, f/2.8 lens, I guarantee it will be instant love. It is heavy but the results will be noticeable.

f/1.8 Goodness

              Nothing is more relaxing on a Spring day than a walk with your camera. 

              A lot of times I will try to focus on one thing just to harness and 

              experience everything that the one photo concept has to offer. It maybe a 

              focal distance, or last week it was monochrome but today it was f/1.8.

As White As Snow

This winter much of the US has received a lot of snow. It is hard to resist the urge to run outside and photograph the newly fallen snow before the plows and shoveler's create dirty mounds of the not-so-white stuff everywhere. Those who do venture out with their cameras in hand are usually rewarded with a winter wonderland of shots from the trees wearing their winter white coats to the the fresh, pure and clean ground cover. But have you ever come back inside, thawed out with a nice hot cup of tea or hot chocolate then sat down at your computer anxious to see your new spoils only to be let down by images of grey dull-looking snow? What happened to the white crisp snow? There is an easy answer to this and it lives inside your camera. Don't worry your camera is not defective. It is doing what it is supposed to do. But there are a few tricks to bringing the white back. Of course there is photoshop, but who wants to spend hours cleaning up something you could have fixed while shooting.

Digital cameras shoot in grey values and for most situations this is great. But when you are shooting at the extreme tonal ranges such as white snow your camera meters that whiteness as neutral 18% grey to compensate for the lack of contrast. There are a couple ways to get around this. The first one is simple for some, many camera manufactures have a snow setting in the automatic dial that makes the necessary compensations. But not everyone has this option. 

The next step and most effective solution is to shoot manual. By doing so you can move your settings to slightly overexpose the image. A half to a full stop over for cloud cover, and one to two stops for sun will bring that scene back to white. Be careful not to go too far. You don't want areas that are completely washed out. 

If your are in doubt about how bright your photo is, you can always look at the histogram. What is that you ask? When viewing your photo on the LCD screen most cameras have an info or display button. This brings up a graph that often looks like a mountain. When you are shooting snow the graph information will be mostly over to the right. What you want to avoid is that information going completely off the right side. This means your photo is severely overexposed and there is no way to fix it later. If the majority of the information is to the right but not going off the edge chances are you will have white snow, but histograms that show all the information in the middle, in this situation, will render that grey snow that you are trying to avoid. 

Snow is fun to shoot but to get the results that you are seeking you must trick your camera meter in order to get that 'white as snow' appearance. Happy shooting while the snow last, spring is just around the corner.

Point of View

Who knew shooting could be so fun looking through, down and on a trampoline! Of course a wide angle lens helps as well. It helps to expand your creativity by looking at things with a new perspective.

While its not a really a resolution I want to make a conscious effort this year to push the boundaries, to see things in a new ways but most of all to see things the way God see them. Sometimes that is from a much different angle. Sometimes we are much smaller than we think especially in the grand scope of things but when we make God much larger in our lives you can't help but touch others and make an impact. I want His perspective this year in my photos and in my life, how about you?