Photography

I met with a client the other day and from the beginning of our meeting I had this lack of peace. Though I really liked the people, I felt inwardly that this wasn't a good match for me. They loved my work, especially my prints with Scripture, and truthfully I really liked them.

However, there was this lack of peace.

Along with shooting through God's Eyes, my prayer for me as a photographer is to shoot through His Mind. A lot of people wouldn't outright understand that, but what it means is listening to His Spirit and succumbing to His Will rather than my own.

Sometimes when I'm in a middle of a shoot, I find myself praying seeking the Lord for His direction...He's never let me down. Now you might be thinking, "well if you're a professional photographer shouldn't you know what you're doing?" I would answer, "yeah, I've got the years of schooling and the experience." But you know, being dependent on God for all things doesn't make me less knowledgeable about what I'm doing, but makes me more powerful because my power comes from the creator of the universe who knows all things. He controls the lighting, the smiles that are generated, the conversation and the technicalities of the equipment.

He's NEVER let me down.


Check out the bride and her nephew. Precious. Precious in God's Eyes.

One Very-Cool Ride

There are many reason why this bike ride is going to be fun, but the most important is the ride accommodates a wide range of ages and athletic abilities. Let's face it, if you can ride a bike five to eight miles, a 15 miles should be cake. Now, if you're a 15 mile-rider, then what's another 10 miles especially with a group of friends, business associates or your family pushing together. Now the more challenging 50 miler, well, this is a great start for experienced cylcists wanting to push themselves and a great primer for cyclists who are gearing up for century rides.

However, cycling in Napa Valley in the Spring, in a safe controlled environment should entice cyclists from across the nation. The vineyards are blooming with tell-tale signs of mustards, daffodils boasting bright colors and other adorations of Napa Valley foliage. From rustic farms to exquisite mansions, it's really quite beautiful.

The really cool aspect of this ride are the two organizations that the Rotary Club of Napa has selected to raise funds for. The Pathway Home Project, a transition center located at the Yountville Veterans Home geared specifically for Afghanistan and Iraq Veterans and Enchanged Hills Camp for the Blind and Visually-Impaired (in conjuncion with Lighthouse).

Probably the best way to get involved is to form a team and raise pledges. See our Web site for more information: www.cycle4sight.com.

Photography

Photography has changed a lot in the last 10 years. We moved from the dark room to the computer, and hey, it's exciting stuff. The only problem is non-photographers have no idea the time it takes to manipulate an image. I think a lot of people are of the assumption that photographers tap a few keys and in seconds refresh, enliven, brighten and...viola. Spending time in PhotoShop can take hours sometimes, and hey, a lot of times it's not because the photographer didn't get the lighting right. Many times it's refinishing our clients mistakes. But that's okay...because I love photography.

A View From The Top

This is a picture of our friend Archie, atop Mt . St. Helena, in the Napa Valley.