An offering of art.

Not too long ago I was asked to go into the studio with some good friends (and phenomenal artists) to document the recording process of a special project. These sessions were an offering of the artists time and talents to simply make great music/art and then to give it away freely to the people they walk through life with on a daily basis. Thanks to Journey church for asking me to be part of such a wonderful collaboration.

If you're interested in the incredible music made, you can download the 4 tracks for free by going here.

Fire trucks rule, girls drool.

Shooting 2 & 4 year olds birthdays isn't really my forte, but it was boys only and they had a fire truck...how could I say no?

Insecure Identity = Question Dodging.

Every time I meet somebody new, I struggle instensely within as it relates to my identity, as it never fails - the following question will arise:

"So, what do you do?"

I get it. Most people are trying to engage in smalltalk, and are trying to find some common ground to connect on - which I find no qualms with. I do believe however, that to most, that question is really just a rewording of "What is your job?" and thus, the majority of responses look like this: "I'm a _______."

Can I just be honest for a moment though? I loathe that question.

For those of you that don't know - I am not a full-time creative. I work from 8 - 5 in a cubicle, with slacks and a tucked-in ironed shirt where I have to shave on a semi-regular basis and even occasionally answer the phone with a generic greeting. Technically my title is 'Marketing Director' but let's be honest, I only direct myself and I answer to my bosses - so it sounds flashier than it really is. Last but not least, as soon as I say '...for a private financial planning company' I'm in most cases immediately off any person's radar as a creative.

There's this lathargic part of me that occasionally just wants to give in to the status quo and say "Oh, I'm the Marketing Director for a private financial planning company" and continue on with the conversation. There's also the part of me that sometimes blurts out "I'm a photographer" and I then engage my 'one-day-I-will-be' brain (yes, I do plan on pursuing the depths of full-time creative in the future). Really though, neither of those are truth - and therein lays my struggle.

See, this post was spurred on by two quotes really, the first of which I have written on a yellow sticky stuck up in my cube (sorry, I forgot the reference):

The other quote I came across while reading an article on PDN's website called 'How To Quit Assisting and Be a Photographer' was this:

"There have been times when, if I'd had a back-up plan, I might have taken it. But I never had a back-up plan. I'd rather be a poor photographer than someone making a lot of money at a

9 to 5 job."

If only I could...then I could...and it would be...

Sigh.

We all have our own complexities and longings in life, and my tension resides here. One (very large) part of me wants so badly to leave my secure and blessed job to pursue the life I believe I'm (eventually) called to live out - the life of a creative. Then of course, there is that (for now) more responsible and sane side of me that wakes up and irons every morning, keeps my beard in check, and plops down into my cubicle - keeping 'my hand to the plow' as I like to call it.

Here's the thing - far from settling, I think I'm actually beginning to be ok with where I am. Not that I don't have these intense longings and get completely frustrated sometimes, but it's more of a 'Hey, I am where I am, and everything is going to play itself out just fine if I just practice some patience and stay diligent.'

So, next time our paths cross, forgive me if I ignore the status quo, and just feel the need for some authentic dialogue:

You: "So, what do you do?"

Me: "You know, that's a great question. Actually - what I do is I wake up every morning and try to love and serve my family the best way I know how right now. I shower, (occassionally) shave, I iron my shirt - and I go to work in a cubicle so that I can pay our bills and put food on the table. I also am constantly in touch with my visionary and creative side - the one that longs to create and capture stories all day long and help build the artistic bridge between despair and hope. Most importantly, I try my best to not let any of that define me, because tomorrow it may all change, and all I'm really trying to do is learn how to just love people...people like you."

Thanks so much for asking.

Driving Home.

Sometimes it's the most mundane activities that we are inspired by...Don't ignore the ordinary.

Pictures snapped on my iPhone using Hipstamatic camera app.

Love is in the (cold) air.

This past weekend I had the wonderful opportunity to not only see an old friend, but also had the privelege of capturing her and her military beau. Meet Ally and Drew.

Ally and I first met while wearing matching green aprons at some coffee joint you've probably driven by once, twice, a million times in your life. I was about to get married, and had no job...why not serve coffee to addicts for pennies? Perfect! I digress...

Anyways, another fine person that worked alongside us was a lovely gal named Rachel, whom you may remember from this wedding. Rachel married Eli, who before getting hitched to Rachel, was military roommates with Drew. You can connect the rest of the dots.

So here we are - celebrating warm fuzzies and anticipating what is shaping up to be a kickin wedding in Savannah, GA this May. Look out for those later, but until then, enjoy these little nuggets.

Snowed in.

This is the productivity that happens when you have a snow day...

Her story is:

common

unique

hopeful

tragic

beautiful.

The concept of our lives as a story is exceptionally intriguing to me. When I pull my perspective lens on life back far enough, it seems that things actually fall into place...the tide is much more fluid.

Not too long ago, I was approached by some of my peers to take part in a 'story team' of sorts. The goal was relatively simple: creatively represent and bring light to some wonderful stories that are being lived out by those among us.

The project isn't completely done yet, but I wanted to go ahead and share some stills, as well as introduce you to Cathryn, our first story. You can read a bit about her here. I'll absolutely be posting again when the project is done, so keep an eye out for it. Until then, let me say that I am honored to take part in this - and to Cathryn: thank you for your vulnerability. It has richened us all.

Freshie Fresh Gray Tones & Classic Sultry Red.

You've probably already noticed, but formal announcements are always nice...right? So I had a little makeover done on my logo/site/branding etc. and I wanted to formally introduce you.

Blog reader and friend meet new digital files representing me.

New digital files representing me....meet blog reader and friend.

There! Whew...good stuff. I always enjoy when strangers become friends, makes everyone a bit more fuzzy on the inside.

Anyways...as I started on this project many months ago, there were two long term goals that I was constantly keeping at the front of my mind. "When I think about how I want people to know me, I want it to be a reflection of two things: First, my work. Second, my name."

That then led to these types of words to describe what I was going for: simple, classic, timeless.

Really big kudos to Killorn out at inkd in Seattle for helping dig through my mind and create what I was looking for. One of my favorite moments was when she asked me about 'color' and I responded by saying 'I feel pretty comfortable with black and white...and maybe gray.' So I can be a little picky, what gives? Hah. Nonetheless I hope you like...I know I sure do. Stay warm out there -

Help-Portrait...A Reflection.

Some of you may recall back in August when I first blogged about local photographer Jeremy Cowart's seemingly unbridled idea of another way to give back during the holiday's: Help-Portrait. To say I loved the idea would be an understatement, but in the end I figured it would be a local 'Nashville thing' that would be 'neat.' It was more like a 'World' thing that I for one would describe as 'epic.'

Out of privacy and (moreso) respect, from the beginning there was an agreement not to share pictures of the individuals and familes from the actual day. So...as you can see, there are no pictures with this post. However, there is something a bit richer to be shared: stories.

As the day started, the location was buzzing with excitement as a community of photographers, hair & make-up artists, volunteers, sponsors and news stations swarmed around the location leading up to 'start-time.' We had no idea whether 40 or 400 people would show up, so as the time arrived, a bit of anxiousness set in.

Then it happened. The first face, the first life, the first real story walked in the doors, and all of a sudden it wasn't about the buzz. It became real as stories started flowing, and faces began smiling.

There was one story in particular that personally just grabbed my heart, and I would like to share it with you.

Her name we will say was N. N approached my set-up with a bit of sheepishness, and certainly a humbled woman. She had never had any sort of professional picture taken of her before.

So to help break the ice, I asked a simple question, "So N, who is this picture for?"

"My miracle boy."

"Miracle boy?" I ask. "Why is he your miracle boy."

N went on to tell me a bit of her story. She told me how she had fought and beat both breast cancer and ovarian cancer, which in its own right is a miracle story in and of itself. But of course, there is more. N was trying to have children, but lingering effects of the chemo and radiation were waging war with her system. She ended up getting pregnant four times...and she lost all.four.children.

She then became teary-eyed and went on to tell me how she was finished, and she was ready to take her own life. Then it happened. She got pregnant again...and grace abounded. Thirteen years ago she had her miracle child, a baby boy, and life had meaning again. She then, as any proud parent would, goes on to tell me stories about her boy with a smile from ear to ear. (By the way, he's no ordinary boy...just one of the stories is that at 11 years old he became the youngest Red Cross volunteer where he lives)

Every time I think back on that day (12.12.09) I get chills...and sometimes emotionally overwhelmed. To remember how a simple picture brought so much worth to someone just takes my breath away. I'm so very thankful I got to be a part of Help-Portrait, and I'm already excited for the ways in which 2010 will allow me to use my gift to richen someone elses life.

Just call me 'Proud Papa'

Well another Holiday season has come and gone, and as usual it was a heavily unbalanced coop of hectic craziness alongside warmth and relaxation. Nonetheless...I was a Dad for the very first time this Christmas, and it's one I shall never forget! So though little Emery primarily slept through the festivities while Mom and Dad opened gifts for her and held them up for her to see (obviously dreaming peacefully in fuzzy pajamas was much more interesting) I still cannot resist sharing some pictures we made as gifts for family and friends! Enjoy my little sweet pea.

Hope 2010 is treating you well! Cheers -

Awkward Christmas Portraits? Yes, please.

Every now and then we all just need to kick back and have a good time...and that we did! This combination looked like good friends, great food, red wine, and awesome-awkward-family photos for Christmas cards. Some may call it silly, I think of it as a dang good time...Enjoy!

Party Nashvegas Style.

Ever wondered where Taylor Swift parties after winning Country Music's 2009 Entertainer of the Year award? Well here's a little sneak peak.

Whenever you start planning your next big throwdown, make sure you get ahold of a few of my friends: Randi at Randi Events is Nashville's premier hospitality consultant, and don't forget my boy Nate at G.I. Inc. Not only is he a swell guy, but he's a production and design genius too.

Seasons.

Well friends, I just wanted to say 'Hi.' Fall is my favorite time of year and I think it always will be...the weather, the colors, the symbolism, the fondness of friends and family, the constant desire to hold a warm beverage...Everything. This year is proving no different, and I can't tell you how thankful I am for seasons, both in creation and in life.

Seasons can be (and quite often are) hard to understand and embrace, especially when it seems everything is dying off. But alas, time takes it course, and life is richer. Take hope. Much love, J