Tuesday July 19, 2011

Mbonswini Community in White River, Mpumalanga, South Africa.

While walking around the community and meeting families and individuals, I had the pleasure of meeting this little angel.  I'm unsure if his name is Tio or Dio but regardless, he was a blessing to meet.  It was really cute to see him strut around with the obvious confidence he had despite him being no more than three or four years old.  It looks like I met him right after a snack or meal as well, as he obviously had some left overs on his face.

Daily Dose of Art -- February 23, 2011

Today's Daily Dose has been chosen by none other than my two favorite residents of Wilmore, KY.  My brother Jeremy and his wife Jessica of course!  This shot is another from my collection from the Ngobe Tribe in Northern Panama.  As we were loading on the truck to head back down the mountain, I noticed this small boy peering through the trees as he was watching us leave.  The morning light filtered through the tall pine trees was spectacular, so I couldn't resist taking the shot.

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Daily Dose of Art -- February 22, 2011

This shot was taken in July 2010 in Ensenada, Mexico.  As explained on previous posts, my team was partnering with Homes of Hope and photographed a two day build in which they built a new home for an impoverished family.  In this picture, I asked one of the local boys to pick up a handful of sawdust and dirt from the work-site and hold it in his hands.  I really liked what it looked like, especially to have little bits of debris falling from his hands.  I visualize this as a combination of volunteer's work and Mexico's home soil, all being held together in a child's hands, because the children are the ones in which we need to invest the most.  It also makes me think of possibility, opportunity, and hope.

Daily Dose of Art -- February 20, 2011

How can you look at this picture and not crack a smile? :)  My team and I spent a few days in Ensenada, Mexico working with Homes of Hope in July 2010, photographing a build for a impoverished family.  Here is Emily Hatfield taking a snack break with one of the granddaughters of the man for whom the house was built.

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Daily Dose of Art -- February 16, 2011

This is Cesar.  He's a young boy in the Ngobe Tribe in western Panama.  He looooved the camera.  He would always strike a pose and patiently wait while I got the exposure and frame I wanted.  Over the course of a few days while we were there, we became pretty close friends, despite the fact I didn't speak a single word other than 'hello' in his native language.  He's a part of the same tribe as this little boy, my Daily Dose from January 19.  Needless to say, the poverty these people face is heart-wrenching.  But the joy Cesar had was inspiring.

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Daily Dose of Art -- February 14, 2011

Meet Julio.  I had the chance to meet this outgoing and spunky little guy in Ensenada, Mexico on July 9, 2010.  Being Valentines Day, I was pondering what picture/type of photo I should select for today's Daily Dose.  I must admit, I don't have a ton of cheesy love shots although I have a few in the engagement archives.  But on this day of 'love,'  I was wondering what love really means to all of us?  Does it mean things?  Does it mean time?  Frankly I'm not very well versed in the notion of romantic love, I'm single.  But I believe I have somewhat of an understanding of what Christ meant when he said "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind.  And Love your neighbor as yourself."  Again, somewhat of an understanding.  Christ also says that (excuse my paraphrase) "The greatest expression of love is the sacrificing of your own life for another."  Wow.  Can't say I've done that.
The reason I chose this shot is because it is through people and children like Julio that I have found love. Love as an expression and a common bond between two or more people.  I've recognized it in the poor because I believe in situations like these all other distractions and levels of human comfort are stripped.  So my question to you is where do you find your love?  My dream for the world is that love will never be found in a 'thing' but a 'who.'  

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Daily Dose of Art -- February 11, 2011

What a cute little guy.  This boy's name is Cameron, "Cam" for short.  I had the joy of doing a mother and son shoot with him back on October 28, 2010.  I was absolutely obsessed with getting shots of his amazingly blue eyes.  Wouldn't you be?

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Daily Dose of Art -- February 7, 2011

On August 23, 2010, my outreach team and I ventured over to the Atlantic coast of Panama from Panama City to the city of Colon.  We were planning on simply walking around the streets, taking pictures of the city and mingling with those who were willing to talk with us.  However, right before we began to explore, I asked a single child if I could take her picture.  She was in the park with us along with approximately 100 of her classmates, all dressed in their yellow uniforms.  Upon seeing me take her picture, an uproar began and almost instantly every child wanted their picture taken and wanted to be a part of the fun.  It was so neat to see about a thirty minute shoot between the kids and my team arise from one simple question.  Some friends and I ended up hanging out with the kids and teachers a little longer and had a chance to talk with them about their city and school.  What a fantastic day.

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Daily Dose of Art -- February 6, 2011

I met this little boy in a slum community in Ciudad de Guatemala (Guatemala City) on August 31, 2010. I love his little suit and the pink balloon was just priceless.  He was a relatively shy kid but his two sisters were just the opposite.  They loved the opportunity to have their picture taken and went crazy when I showed them their portrait afterwards.  This was such a great day and very eye opening at the same time.  At times you begin to question, "What did I do to deserve the opportunity and life I have?"  The only difference between myself and children like this is the circumstances under which we were born.

Daily Dose of Art -- February 2, 2011

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Meet Beatriz.  I believe that is how you spell her name.  She is a gorgeous little Brazilian girl who I met in Sao Paulo.  From the minute I met her the only thing I wanted to do was to get a good shot of her eyes.  A few days later, I got what I wanted!

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Daily Dose of Art -- February 1, 2011

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So I apologize I haven't uploaded a photo these past two days, but I have an excuse!  I've spent the last 30 hours or so traveling from Sao Paulo, Brazil to the arctic Indianapolis.  But don't worry, photos are back.

This snapped this shot a few days ago in Sao Paulo.  Giovanna had a toy camera and loved to mimic me and all of my picture taking.  So I decided to do the natural thing and take a picture of her taking a picture of me.  Miss this girl.

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Daily Dose of Art -- January 26, 2011

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This cute little girl I met in Mexico City on July 22, 2010.  My friend Emily and I got to know her dad and grandpa and even got to help them wash their car.  They were such an inviting family.  I love this shot because I think she is just so darn cute.

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Sao Paulo, Brazil. Day 1.

Welcome to Sao Paulo, Brazil!  After a long 11 hour flight from Detroit we landed at 9am local time (6am ET).  We managed our way through customs and were greeted by the lovely, warm, inviting faces of Luciana, Pastor Arminio Kopp, and Pastor Ricardo.  First reaction:  im tired and this place is not as cold as Indiana!  

The ride from the airport to the church where we are staying?  I'm not sure because I slept a majority of the way but I overheard something in the area of two hours.  Each time I'd wake up I'd see us taking a new turn down another street with more skyscrapers and buildings.  Sao Paulo is HUGE!

After arriving at the church, getting our things settled in, and having a quick meal, we wasted no time and got to work on the job site across the street where we are helping to build the new sanctuary.

After a solid afternoon's work, Luciana and some or our hosts walked us down the street to try out a local favorite dessert.  I have no idea what it is called but imagine frozen coconut goodness.  One word: delicious.  This shot is of Jadde (pronounced jah-day with kind of a french twist) walking my mom to the shop.

We then had some time to relax and get to know the people some more before eating an absolutely DELICIOUS meal.

Things I learned about Brazil today:
-Brazilians are more diverse than I ever imagined.
-Brazilians are extremely warm and inviting.
-Brazilians are beautiful people.
-Brazilians eat amazing food.
-January in Brazil is not like January in Indiana.

Daily Dose of Art -- January 24, 2011

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This is Alex.  I met Alex today, my first day in Sao Paulo, Brazil.  First thing you have to know about Alex:  he is the opposite of shy.  He will introduce himself to you and talk your ear off right away, regardless of whether or not you can even understand him.  Oh and by the way, he's pretty photogenic and loves to tell you.  Leave Alex a message and I can show him what you have to say!

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Daily Dose of Art -- January 23, 2011

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I got this shot in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica on August 15, 2010.  My outreach team and I visited her school for a day and had the opportunity to hang out with about one hundred kids, play games, and speak to them.  Unfortunately, we only got to spend one day with the children and I wish we were able to see them longer.  I love this little girl's expression.

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