Incredible Images - Chris Jordan

I like to share things that inspire and push us to new levels of creativity. I was dropping off my entry into a gallery competition this afternoon (fingers crossed!) and got to speak for a few minutes with the gallery director, Dion Dion. She shared this link with me to an amazing photography out of Florida named Chris Jordan. Take a few minutes to peruse his work. You'll be amazed.

Beyond the technique, skill, and mind behind those images lies a sad truth. Each represents our cumulative consumption and waste. Isn't it mind-boggling to read his statistics and see those stark numbers displayed in his photos?!

This is art that takes a stab at changing society. It's not just a beautiful piece that a collector buys to hang in a home. These are images that convey a much deeper meaning...one that might cause us to pause and consider the broader impact of what we're doing the next time we're about to throw out our grocery bags, toss out those old dolls, or turn in our prison work clothes (oops).

Enjoy!

News!

First things first...Vicki and I committed to hitting our knees and thanking God for His provision no matter what the word was on the job front.  We have seen God work so much in our lives, showing His faithfulness and love to us even when the situation seems impossible.  We trust Him with our lives and know that His way is best even if it hurts.

All of that said, we were able to pray together as a family, thanking God that we were offered the position at New Balance!!  We're on top of the world, so excited to see how things progress!

A Big Week

It's been in my pocket all day as I've awaited the possibility, even if remote, of word coming about the job.  But no ring.  No flashing LCDs when it was in silent mode this morning at the YMCA.  They said mid to late in the week but the waiting is TOUGH!  After all of the waiting we've been doing of the past couple of years you'd think we'd be used to it by now!

Perusing the latest news online I came across an article out of China....scary stuff.  Even if I'd worked my tail off to get to the Olympics, I just don't know if I could make that trip...especially after this latest report of the outbreak of hand-foot-mouth disease.

Interview update

In case you're wondering, my interview went great today.  I met a couple of extremely nice people who would be great to work with.  There are still 4 other interviews they need to do before making a decision sometime mid-late next week.

We'll see!

Yesterday's Shoots

I'm extremely pleased to share with you that a very well-known local real estate agent has decided to give me all of her photography business. It felt great to hear that a few days ago when she called to book a couple new listings with me.

It is a very interesting thing to shoot high-end real estate. What else can you do to basically tour extremely nice homes and see how the rich and famous live? After a few of those homes, though, you begin to just see it as "another big house"...it loses the zing of the first go-round. That is, until you do some smaller homes.

What's funny is that all of these homes are WAY over my financial head. And they are all beautifully-prepared...gorgeous homes that we would love to have. But it's just funny how even a 4,000+ sq. ft. home can look small after you've shot a few 6,000-7,000 sq. ft. homes because somehow those big ones become the norm.

The houses I shot yesterday were beautiful. I always find myself thinking, "I'd do that..." if I lived there. Generally that involves finished basements...oh, what I could do with a finished basement!! I'd be fine to let the rest of the family do whatever in the rest of the house...but the basement is dad's! [Insert sinister laugh.]

If you'd like to check out the other shots, you can go here to Dejournet or Crystal Springs.

3rd Interview and "Side Trips"

After a few days of anxiously awaiting a call from NB Web Express about moving on to a 3rd round of interviews, I heard a strange buzz emanating from my printer yesterday.  Sounds random, right?  Well, my printer is cell phone psychic as were my computer speakers in Poland.  They know when it's going to ring and get all happy about it, buzzing with anticipation.

It rang.  I answered.  I'm in!  So, tomorrow I have a third interview with NB's head photog and their director of creative services.  I'm pumped to say the least.  This would be such a great fit from what I know.  And trust me, our family could really use the stability that this could afford us.

On an unrelated note, I was reading a post this morning on a photog's blog which I frequent.  He was asking some questions about Christianity...sort of why we get upset about the thought of death when we say we are going to spending eternity with Jesus.  And further, asking what we think we're going to be doing "up there".  It made me think a lot.

My thought was that I really live under my privilege so often.  I was worried about that phone call yesterday as the end of the day quickly approached and I still hadn't heard at 4:25p (they called at 4:30p).  I've been doing quite well in the trusting department but it does get tough.  And we are human.  We will screw up and we will step away from God.  In short, we will sin.

I was reading in Proverbs 4 this morning and in the New Living it said that we should mark out a straight path for ourselves and stick to the path...no "side trips" (my paraphrase).  That's a great challenge for me...especially for the next few days as I interview and then hear if I get the job or not.  My straight path is knowing that God is in control and that He will provide for my family.  Side trips would be to begin worrying and get discouraged and defeated.

The question for us all to consider is what are we missing out on by taking our own little side trip adventures?

Stay tuned for news on the job!

Disjointed Thoughts

I have a lot of things floating around in the noggin today.  So, while there is no way to write about all of them completely, I'm just going to hit the highlights.  They are absolutely not in any order.

• Gas prices went over 12 CENTS overnight!  What is happening?
  

• David Tejada is an incredible photographer that seemingly gets amazing opportunities to shoot incredible things all over the globe.  I love this shot from Northern Chile!

• After what I saw my dad go through late last year, I hate hearing  about people who are battling diseases without proper insurance, and thus without adequate  medical treatment.  This is not a political statement but rather one of spiritual foundation...it is not right just allow people to die simply because they are not able to afford exorbitant, over-inflated prices.  [Ok, that was a bit more than a statement...inspired by this article on cnn.com.]
  

• I will be hearing from New Balance early next week whether or not I move on to a 3rd round of interviews for a product photography position.
  

• My country is obsessed with the elusive pursuit of happiness, thinking that it comes from primarily these sources: money and youth.  Without these, we are led to believe that we don't amount to much.

• If we desire to see the following things manifested in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, then we need to realize that this is impossible without allowing God to completely control us.  Completely...that means 100% in everything.  [Scope out the book of Galatians, chapter 5 in the Bible for more on that.]
  

• When asked in an interview about where I get my inspiration to create from, I gave an answer.  But now, I think it was incomplete.  My complete answer would now be that I am inspired to create by trying to find beauty in the things around me -- anything from the mundane to the exotic.  The direct quote escapes me but I recall reading something from Brian McLaren about how all of creation is like art that God has displayed for us to enjoy.  If you think about that, you can truly find beauty everywhere.

Back from LA

Got back from LA yesterday and it was GORGEOUS! If it weren't for constant traffic (one of my mortal enemies), I might think about how great it would be to live out there. Yes, everything costs a fortune and it's crazy crowded but look at that beach! And the sun...oh, the sweet sun (it's storming here in M-O...again). You can see a few more pics here.

It was a great weekend. We met some wonderful people who are making huge impacts as they live for Christ. I love hearing stories of transformed lives...and there was no shortage of that where we were able to speak.

I also got some great news while I was there concerning our Life Celebration Photography services. One of the things that I've been having to wait for is to find an album publishing company that would work with us to get memorial albums printed quickly and in high quality. After sending a quick email to Jasmine Star asking if she knew of anyone out there that might be able to help, she connected me with what seems like the perfect partner! We'll still need to work out the details in coming weeks/months but it looks like we're in good shape to get rolling!