New Hope. Everlasting Hope.

Below you will find a personal article I wrote up from my time with Children's Relief International in Mozambique this past June. I struggle to tell my stories in person. But when I get to sit down, grind through words for hours, erase, delete, and rewrite, then it starts to pour out. I hope you all enjoy this one.

Let me introduce you to our sister in Christ, Ines Guereiro (in the picture above). I met her while documenting our Green Door Project, who builds homes for families in need.

As a widow, Ines and her sixteen-year-old granddaughter spend most days cooking, walking miles to fill jugs with water, and hand-washing clothes. 

“After losing my four children, I was looking for hope and protection.” -Ines

With the loss of her family came the burden of loneliness. She ached for shelter, safe and security. A few years ago, a missionary came and shared how she could find eternal shelter. That day Ines accepted Christ.  

She now attends Dondo Baptist Church.  Here it was mentioned that there was a program called Green Door that built homes for people like her. Because of many generous donors this past spring, CRI was able to put Ina on the list to have a house built this summer. 

"It brings me great joy to not have to replace my grass roof anymore." -Ines A Green Door home means families don't worry about termites. The chance of catching malaria decreases drastically. They don’t have to sleep standing up during the heavy rains. Green Door doesn't offer just a home; it offers comfort, safety, and hope. Families can work, provide for others, and receive an education without the stress of managing a mud home. 

As the work crew began building, Ines waited with excitement and thanksgiving. The morning we flew out, she woke up for her Green Door home dedication, where Manuel taught Ines how to use keys for the first time. 

The mornings I spent talking with Ines, getting to pray with her and hear her story filled me with so much thankfulness for my job. I am honored to get to be a part of her life, share her story, and learn from her. I cannot wait for you all to meet her one day when we get to Heaven. 

The Well of Monte Siluvo

Below is a short excerpt I recently wrote for Children's Relief International during my time in Mozambique this past month. This Well Dedication rattled the depths of my heart with the strength of an earthquake. I pray this brief piece does so for you too. 

“I don’t think I would sleep if I didn’t drill wells for these people. Clean water is not for privileged people like me—it is for everyone.” -Ercylio Greva

After experiencing his first four months of marriage without clean water, the Lord poured a desire into Ercylio’s heart to bring clean water to God’s children. Outside Dondo, Mozambique, you will find the small district of Mount Siluvo with one of our church plants. The women of this area travel three kilometers each morning juggling 20-liter jugs for fresh water. 

For eight years the church at Mount Siluvo prayed for clean water. Year after year passed. Yet their faith did not crack in the dry and weary silence. Neither doubt nor fear contaminated the Living Water they trusted. And after those eight years, by the power of our God and Ercylio’s vision, the community of Mount Siluvo sipped fresh water from their own well.

The church gathered outside to dance around the well, while singing praises to their Provider. The pastor, João Mubata and his wife pumped the well for the first time, as crystal clear water poured out. Children splashed fresh water on their faces. As families from all over Mount Siluvo visit the well, the church can now not only offer clean water, but share the good news about Jesus too.

Ercylio and his team have mapped out land surrounding Dondo, Mozambique to bring hope and rest to more families through clean water. Now we are ready to drill more wells.

Let us join Ercylio and let clean water revive the lives of God’s children.

Photojournalist for Children's Relief International

Hey friends!

Did you know the Gospel writer Luke was essentially a journalist? It blew my mind when I learned this. Luke wrote both the Gospel of Luke and the book of the Acts of the Apostles by shadowing the disciples, documenting their work, and interviewing them to get their eyewitness accounts of the life of Christ. His journalistic efforts and accounts in his Gospel and in Acts have changed countless lives over the centuries. I know they have certainly changed mine. But not only that they have inspired me on my journey as a journalist and storyteller.

I want to tell you about this journey and how God burdened me to do something similar to Luke – to be an agent for change by documenting the work of God around the world.

Let me step back a few years. By the end of college, I knew without a doubt that the Lord called me to pursue photojournalism for missions. With this conviction, I enrolled at Dallas Theological Seminary in the Media Arts and Worship program. While I worked on my Masters, I sharpened my skills as a visual storyteller and developed a strong biblical and theological foundation.

A few months after graduation, I met Children’s Relief International, through a good friend who interned with them. I immediately fell in love with their vision, to take the light of Christ to the poor of our time. Their determination to accomplish this invigorated me, as well as their strong conviction that the poor deserve to have their stories told with excellence and with dignity. Our hearts for the Gospel and for the poor were aligned perfectly.

After a few weeks of prayer and consulting friends and mentors, I picked up the phone and made the call. I accepted the job. Now, I serve as their Photojournalist & Missionary for CRI.

What does this look like?

Before I explain my role, let me throw this bit of information in. One of my favorite things about Children’s Relief is that we work with national/local church leaders. In other words, we don’t just go in as foreigners to start our own programs, but we partner with national leaders and churches overseas to help them reach their community with the Gospel. This is where I come in – throughout the year I will travel to our different projects around the world to meet with our international staff. I get to sit down, listen, and document the stories of the Lord’s work – just like Luke.

To do this I need your help.

I can’t do this on my own and I don’t want to. One thing I love about support raising is the community that rallies around you. So I want to invite you to join my financial support team. By partnering with me, we will create a ripple effect as we accomplish God’s work – like dropping a pebble in a pond. Like Luke, if we faithfully share our stories of God at work in the lives of the poor, than we too, in our own small way, can change dozens and dozens of lives for eternity. With photojournalism, we won’t just document stories, but we will document stories to change lives. All this to say- I am stoked and I would be honored to have you partner with me.

What can you do next?

1.     To join my support team, click here. 

2.     To join my prayer team and receive a newsletter every two months, sign up here. 

3.     Have a question? Ask away. Email me at Ashley@childrensrelief.org

Photography & Business: The Value of Admitting Your Mistake

Proving I am right has never solved an argument for me.  But admitting I am wrong certainly has. It can be a shot to my pride, but when I can muster up the strength to admit I am wrong, the situation always seems to move more smoothly.  Less blood is spilled and the anger doesn’t explode. We can save ourselves a lot of energy by simply utter the phrase, “You’re right, I messed up on this one. I am sorry.”

Dale Carnegie reminds us of this in this week’s principle: If you are wrong, admit it quickly and emphatically.

While admitting we are wrong might not fix every problem. There are many benefits to admitting this. These past few weeks we have discussed how to keep disagreements from turning into arguments,  the importance of not accusing someone else of being wrong, and now this week we are learning the importance of admitting we are wrong. These are all key principals to keep in mind when we are in meetings planning out our next assignment whether it’s a wedding or going overseas for humanitarian work. We all bring in different perspectives and experience with plenty to learn from one another.

Below are listed 4 benefits that will unfold when we admit our mistakes. So when you get yourself caught butting heads with a client and you come to a point where you need to admit a mistake you made, there is actually something good that comes from it.

1.     It displays your character and integrity.

I always admire those who can admit they are wrong. It says so much about their character. It takes a great bit of strength to let go of your pride and accept that you are human and imperfect. Maybe you misunderstood a client, wrote down the wrong time for a photo shoot, or did not photograph a certain part of the event. When you take responsibility for what you missed, you are showing your sense of integrity.

2.     It displays your humility.

Taking responsibility for your mistakes takes courage. You have to look at yourself and admit that you are human. And to tell someone who was depending on you to get a certain assignment done that you messed up displays humility. It is a characteristic of someone you would want to work with.

3.     It stirs a sense of understanding and respect in the other person.

When others see you own up to your mistakes, it makes it easier for another person to be understanding and show you respect.  By admitting you are wrong, you are allowing the conversation to be less about proving one or the other wrong and more about understanding each other.

4.     You are reminded that you are human and you have more compassion for others.

Admitting you are wrong can help make you look good, can impact the other person, but it also changes how you see yourself too. Messing up on an assignment is always a good reality check.  You are reminded that you are human and therefore you will have more compassion on the person who messes up. It develops a sense of understanding in yourself when you see someone make a mistake like you did. 

Story Behind the Photography: The Roar of the Red Dirt Roads

The evening approached quickly as the pink, blues, and purples soaked the sky. We finished our church service with the nationals and began our journey back to the compound for dinner. To pass the time, our team walked down the road to meet our driver. Children raced passed us playing games. Men lifted their tools to head home. The women lifted their jugs of water onto their heads and trekked down the red dirt road.

We scuffled our feet in that red dirt for a few minutes until the driver picked us up. As I glanced over the landscape, I noticed how the rich sky made the dirt roads roar with its deep red foundation. In the field to our left, seeds grew into vegetable gardens as the roots dug down deep into the ground. In the middle of this path, the children played. On the sides of the road, we walked beside men and women who began to their journey home.

This dirt marked every inch of their lives. The red dirt paved the roads, but also gave them grounds to grow food, and even created bricks for their homes. The red dirt did more than just provide for their lives, but it marked my own life as well. This dirt left a stain on my life that could never be washed out. The dirt roads of Lilongwe led me to some of the most honorable men, women, and children. The red dirt gave us a home to start a church, gave us a ground to walk on, mud to make bricks, and a place for the mango tree to take root.

I was born and raised on the Red Dirt Roads of Texas, but the Red Dirt Roads of Lilongwe filled my life with a richness that roared. That night, we said our goodbyes. Like the red dirt soaked my shoes, these people soaked my heart. Today, I remain thankful for the grounds that raised those men and women I so dearly admire.

If you are interested in hiring me for a photojournalism assignment or have any questions at all about my work, please visit my contact page here. Thanks!

For Photographers: How to Win Friends and Influence People Week 6

“Remember a person’s name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language.” –Dale Carnegie

Here is the image that immediately popped into my mind as I began reading this chapter. In my mind all the instances that I forgot someone’s names flashed in my mind like a movie. Confession, I am horrible at remembering names. When I have to ask for someone’s name more than once, these words always fall out of my mouth, “Sorry I am way better with faces than names.” This is the truth. Names are the hardest for me.

Last week, I closed the book feeling pretty spiffy. I thought to myself, I like smiling. I can do this. I already do this. This isn’t hard! Then I read on and embraced this new chapter and thought, Oh crap.

I have no problem asking for someone’s name or reading his or her nametag when I am placing my order for lunch, but when it comes to remembering it…well it requires some focus and intentionality.

At the end of this chapter, Dale Carnegie shared a fantastic example that I plan on mimicking. And it is my challenge to all of us for the week: intentionally engage a client, friend, or a random person you meet and practice these four steps listed below.

Napoleon the Third, Emperor of France was known for remembering the name of every person he met, in spite of his royal duties. And here is how he would do it.

1.     Ask his or her name upon meeting

2.     Intentionally repeat their name during the conversation while talking

3.     During the conversation he would associate his or her name with the person’s features, appearance, and expressions

4.     When he got alone he would write the name down

In light of all this, I closed the book with a conviction. I forget names as easy as I can turn on my TV. But when you decide to remember a person’s name, you are showing that person how much you value he or she has. A name sets each one of us apart. A name is wholly and completely owned by the person we are dealing with. It makes people unique. This is a small example of a greater truth: each person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. No matter what he or she believes, or how difficult he or she may be, every person deserves respect and our full attention. Taking the time to remember something as simple as a name, is a small yet profound way of honoring the person.

So how you do handle remembering names? Would love to hear how you all do it!

Story Behind the Photograph: Cochabamba Air & Jasmin

After forty-eight hours of flying, layovers, and an overnight stay in Santa Cruz, we finally made it. The seat belt lights went off. We landed in Cochabamba, Bolivia. I looked around me. My mind felt frozen. I had the jitters and I already dreaded the day I would have to leave.  These were my first few moments in a developing country.

 We loaded the bus and drove out to our hotel. I hurried to a window seat, pulled out my camera and captured everything I saw. I never thought the air back home seemed polluted, but when I smelled the Cochabamba air, it was freshness unlike anything I had smelled before. We weaved around cars on the dirt roads. Stands with umbrellas cluttered the sides of the streets selling fresh fruit, vegetables, and meat on sticks. Everything seemed so new and so fresh, yet so fitting. It was a whole other world to me, but at the same time it felt so familiar and so much like a new home.

 The main roads in the city seemed chaotic like all cities. But when we drove out to our village, everything slowed down. Men herded their cattle through the streets. Boys strolled along on bikes. Women and children worked their village’s convenient-like stores selling bags of water, sodas, and candy. We pulled into the drive away of the home of one of the families we would be working with.

 We gathered every morning with the men, women, and their children. I had never seen such eagerness, energy, and excitement to start a church in a village. The energy was contagious. I felt it not just among the adults, but among the kids too, especially my dear friend, eight-year-old Jasmin.

 Each afternoon, our teams would meet back at one of the families’ homes to share stories over hot cups of green tea and pastry breads. After we finished our meals, Jasmin and her friends would pull Kendall and me down to the floor. Sitting Indian style, we gathered around with the girls as they taught us Spanish and giggled at our attempts. Kendall brought with her a bilingual Bible stories book. The girls loved it. They would press their fingers to the pages, read the Spanish words, and make us repeat after them. On the last day in the village, Jasmin’s mom let her accompany us on our last visit walk around. Those next few hours play in my mind like a old timey movie reel. So vivid. I could never forget what would happen.

 Jasmin led the way. She took me  by the hand and guided me and my interpreter, Sindy out to her friend’s house.  Once we reached the door, Jasmin knocked and shouted over the wall, asking her friend to come outside. Normally I would talk with the families and share the Gospel story, but this time I took a backseat role and watched Jasmin do her thing. This little eight-year-old friend inspired me. Jasmin began telling her friend about Jesus. Sindy stood by her side to help her with any details she might forget. As the minutes passed, I saw Jasmin and her friend bowing their heads and closing their eyes fiercely tight. Her friend wanted to give her life to Jesus. Sindy stepped back. With a big grin, trying to contain her excitement in a whisper, Sindy told me what happened. Jasmin and her friend turned to us and smiled so big. We all just looked around at each other and laughed.

 There was no other way I could imagine ending our time in the village. We headed back to the house, so Sindy and I could catch my taxi back to the airport. I realized that day, some of the most difficult experiences happen for some of the best reasons. As we all hugged and shared stories of God’s work in the village. Jasmin stood near the back waiting to see me. She came up to me, wrapped her arms tight around my waist, and we cried. She handed me the best gift I have ever received, a framed photo of herself. I didn’t know what to say. I had no words. My sweet friend opened my eyes to so much. Her energy and excitement for Jesus revived my life, just like that Cochabamba air. 

For Photographers: Week 2 How to Win Friends and Influence People

Another great chapter to discuss for this week! I have decided to add something to these posts. It will help me process, as well as help all of you to see how I am processing to help you reflect on your photography businesses. With each of the questions I put forth, I am going to share some of my ramblings about how I am looking to be intentional with my relationships revolving around photography. When I am reading these chapters I am thinking not just about my clients, but other fellow photographers as well. So here we go, week 2!

Principle 2: Give honest and sincere appreciation

1. Everyone desires to feel loved and appreciated. How can I make others (clients and others in my photography circle of influence) feel important/loved/appreciated? As I began to chew on this question, I started realizing throughout the chapter the value of listening. He does not directly address it, but I cannot help but think that in order to give sincere appreciation, we must listen and ask questions. Practically what this looks like for me is when I am emailing with clients, I will ask friendly, light-hearted questions to get to know them. I try my hardest to schedule a face to face consultation with each client before a shoot to not just brainstorm ideas, but get to know them as a person and develop trust and a comfortable atmosphere. Also I think giving sincere compliments and not just flattering them stems out of listening and asking questions. Something I want to do now is make a list of about 3-5 questions- some of them deep, some light-hearted to get to know the person I am with on a deeper level and serve them better. 
2. How can I show others that I appreciate them? I've got two thoughts for this one. First, this is something I have realized I have to be very intentional about. I am an introverted, task-oriented person, so I sometimes get so focused on an assignment I forget about the people I am doing it for. Also, as I am typing this I realize I can use my introverted nature as a strength. I love one-on-one over group situations.  This is great because I can use this in my consultations with clients. Second, I have seen several photography friends do this and I am taking this chapter as a challenge to start it myself.  I like the idea of giving little gifts and a handwritten note when I deliver my products. Handwritten notes mean so much to me, so I feel like it would mean much to others. 
3. Here is a reflective question: What is it that makes me feel important/loved/appreciated? When I think about this, it helps me learn how to appreciate others. Here is a bit of honesty for ya, a pet peeve of mine is when people compliment me by just saying I am "sweet". I hear that word so often, I now wonder what people mean by it. Sometimes, not always, it cam come off as an empty comment, a space-filler. All of this to say, I appreciate compliments that have thought put into them, that shows they have seen a part of the depths of who I am. I also feel loved when people ask me questions. Im not talking about the "how are you?" that you blurt out real quick while passing in the hallway, I am talking about the lets-talk-for-a-few-minutes-how-are-you-really-doing, full eye contact and everything. 

So there are my thoughts! Can't wait to hear what all of you think. Again, I encourage you if you would like to dive further into these principles from the book, go buy it! It is a great read and I have had several photography friends and mentors recommend this to me. You don't need the book to partake in this discussion, but it would certainly enhance it.

Please comment below and let me know what you think about these questions and this principle. I would love to hear your thoughts!

Stay tuned for next Friday's discussion!

Story Behind the Photograph: "Mugumu Men"

I just recently had the privilege of displaying this photograph in an art exhibit and my caption read, “One man gave me an arrow, another man preached, but this one listened.”

 I never got his name and I never understood a word he said. You’d think with my interpreter, Joyce, just across the room, I would have asked her to come over and help, but for some reason I didn’t. My time with this man was brief. He uttered a couple words, but I could only translate his hand gestures. Yet even with the lack of words, a few minutes with him changed my life for eternity.

 After taking this photograph, I sat down next to him and we began to sift through my photographs. He pointed at his photograph, and then pointed to his chest, as if he was asking “Is that me?” I nodded “Yes, yes it is.” with a big smile. We let out a few chuckles and smiled at one another. Nothing else needed to be said. We continued looking through more photographs together as the time passed.

 Every time I look at this photograph, I remember the short time with him. Being with people like him, well, let’s just say no matter how short the time, it becomes a life-giving and invigorating memory. We didn’t need to speak the same language to understand each other. A simple photograph would do. Without any words, we bonded.

 As a writer, I believe words have an unbelievable power. Yet the photographer in me would say, sometimes you don’t need words. Sometimes words are not enough. And so much of the time, photographs connect us in ways words cannot. In a situation where we cannot speak to one another, grace arrives in the form of photographs, forging a bond deeper than any word could create.

 Every time I see this photo I remember why I do what I do. I believe in the power of photographs. They freeze memories in time. They open our eyes to things we overlook. They slow us down. Photographs are a means of grace, allowing us to be with people and relive memories that we once rushed through. 

Documenting Muslims in London: The Pay-Off of Persistence

Any seasoned photojournalist will tell you, no two assignments are ever the same. In my thirty years of shooting, there’s never been another gig anything like my three weeks in England.

I was working for a Christian publication, doing a story on Muslims in London. This was pre-Internet and pre-iPhone. I flew from Los Angeles with a few contacts written down in my reporter’s notebook. Upon arrival, all of them fell through. No one, and I mean no one, wanted to spend a few days allowing a photographer record their lives for a Christian magazine.

Day after day, I met with people, followed up on leads, took lots of exterior shots but felt no closer to my goal. Finally, in desperation, I walked from the west side of London to east side, praying the entire way. There I found a small mosque in the Bengali section of the city. I tentatively walked in, asked to see the imam, and explained my situation. Miraculously, he told me I could spend 24 hours with his family.

Two days later (and a mere three days before my flight home) I arrived at their flat in a high apartment building. They were lovely, hospitable, kind, informative, and non-defensive. Their only restriction was to avoid photographing the teenager daughters without their head covering. I photographed them praying, preparing ablutions (the ceremonial washing), going to the park as well as the mosque. They treated me with respect and dignity.

Because everything was shot on film (five rolls in 24 hours), I really had no idea whether I had successfully nailed the shoot. Once I printed up the contact sheets, I met with a new friend who worked at Geographic to ask him for some input. Together, we chose ten images that accurately and beautifully captured this amazing family. The image of the eldest daughter praying is perhaps my favorite. (It’s printed full frame on Portriga fiber paper.)

Though I sent them copies of the magazine, I never heard from them again. I am still grateful for their hospitality and trust.

Find more of Dorothy’s photography or writing on her website or by following her on Twitter or Facebook. 

Since graduating from Boston University in 1983, I have worked as a photographer, journalist, home-schooling mom, and pastor. A rather eclectic combination which actually reflects the diversity of my soul. Perhaps the common theme of all four “professions” is the desire to tell stories: mine and others. I feel incredibly grateful for the trust that men and women have extended to me: the Bengali family who let me spend 24 hours with them, the teenage runaways in Hollywood, the CEOs, and the many folks in church settings. Regardless of the demographics, my goal is always to find beauty and redemption in the lives of the people I spend time with.

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DTS Creativity Cafe

This was my first art exhibit to ever be a part of. It was an honor and a humbling experience. Nothing can quite describe getting to not only have your work displayed in an exhibit but getting to watch people interact with your pieces and share your stories with them. Such an inspirational night getting to know other artists and listen to their artistic journeys. Listed below are the pieces on display.

"Mugumu Men". Mugumu, Tanzania, 2012. 

"Serengeti Sunrise". Mugumu, Tanzania, 2012. 

"Serengeti Hunt". Mugumu, Tanzania, 2012. 

"End of a Day's Work". Lilongwe, Malawi, 2012. 

"Coming Together" by National Geographic Photographer, Joanna B Pinneo

The genesis of the Southwestern Photojournalism Conference grew out of a desire for photographers working in the Southern Baptist agencies around the country to get together, share our work, stories and support one another. There was a small band of us back some 30 years ago and we treasured the fun and support when we got together. As our little group grew we wanted to expand the fellowship and gathering with other photographers.  From the very first the deal was that our egos were left at the door! The conference grew organically, attracting others by both the spirit and the level of professionalism.

Today as the conference keeps expanding we come together to hear about other’s adventures, spiritual challenges, growth and blessings. We learn that we are not alone in our journey. We receive encouragement, prayers, and gentle counseling.  Many of us experience an “Ah Ha” moment at some point during the conference. SWPJC is a gathering of both the experienced and the budding photographer. Each learns from the other.

 One of the most meaningful parts of my journey as a young photographer was the other photographers and editors that took the time to mentor and help me. My first “real” job as a photographer was with the International Mission Board. Staff photographer Don Rutledge and Commission Magazine editor, Dan Beatty, spent many hours looking at my work and offering guidance. If I can approach the level of time and commitment to other photographers on a similar journey I will feel like I have made a contribution. I owe much to these gentle men.

 Some of my favorite time at the SWPJC is when we are just sitting around talking with each other – both the joking and laughter as well as discussing the struggles we have had and sharing our hopes and dreams. I love huddling over a cup of coffee and finding out what’s been going on with my long time friends. One-on-one with students and young photographers has it’s own reward. The combinations of interactions and connections made are restorative to the spirit.

SWPJC continues to offer an environment of caring and learning; a coming together of photographers who want to make a difference with their work and strive to serve. 

To get involved with the Southwestern Photojournalism Conference, click here. 

To view more of Joanna's work, visit her website here.

Joanna B. Pinneo's work is a respectful portrayal of humanity and dignity of people around the world.  In 34 years Joanna has worked in 66 countries, her photographs appearing in Time, LIFE, National Geographic,Smithsonian, New York Times, Geo, and Stern. Joanna was nominated for a Pulitzer, won an Alfred Eisenstadt award, and featured in National Geographic’s 50 greatest photographs. Joanna is part Ripple Effect Images, a group of photographers who document the programs that are empowering women and girls, photographing their daily life as they battle to save the family and their community.  Joanna is author of the forthcoming book, Guardians of Memory, Stories Behind the Photographs.

Official Launch of Written Shutter

I have spent the last several months brainstorming, writing, praying, and seeking wisdom as to what to name my new business. Words and photographs play tug-a-war with my heart. The dance between words and photographs has grown to consume my heart.  And finally, I get to introduce to you (drum roll please): Written Shutter.

 So what does “Written Shutter” mean? Written Shutter combines two powerful forces: writing and photography. With my camera and pen, I gradually sink into each person I meet, layer after layer. Scuba divers sink under the ocean’s waves. They swim against the current and dive deep into the heart of the ocean. In the same way, through words and photographs, I dive into a person’s rhythm. I go against the rushing current and sink into the everyday moments. The interview and the camera are just an excuse to be with the people.

 Written Shutter is about kicking back and spending some hours immersing into the depths of a moment. Over the past two years, I have become excellent at freezing over my heart.  Vulnerability rattled me like an earthquake. Eventually my walls came tumbling down. Yet, this world-shattering leap of faith freed me. We all tend to mask, deny, or hide ourselves to some degree. My heart is to let my shutter and my pen open the soul of each person. 

Recent Assignment for MannaExpress: From the Wall to the Truck

For one of my most recent assignments, I got to spend the day with a homeless ministry in Dallas, TX called, OurCalling. Being born and raised in Dallas, TX I roamed the streets of downtown every day of the week as a kid. I had my fair share of encounters with the homeless men and women all across the city. And with that said, I thought I knew all there was to know about the homeless men and women. This leads me right back to one of the key reasons I love photojournalism, I realize I have so much to learn. Its quite humbling and invigorating. Talking with the employees, the volunteers, and the homeless people who they serve, broke down every opinion I ever had about these lovely people. To hear more about what OurCalling is up to, check out the story on MannaExpressOnline.

Lights Camera Love Part II: From a Good Photographer to the Best

How would you respond if a photographer walked up to you and asked if she could photograph your family for an assignment in a Muslim magazine? Dorothy Greco came face to face with this situation during one of her first assignments as a young photojournalist. At the age of 23, she received her first yearlong assignment for a Christian magazine. She boarded her flight and set across the Pacific to London, England, and searched for a Muslim family to photograph.

Why would a Muslim family welcome a Christian photojournalist into their home? How would she connect with them? Why would they trust her? After a week searching around London, an imam and his family welcomed her in. Twenty-four hours later, Dorothy returned to her hotel room humbled and amazed.

How did she build that trust and connection? To become a great photographer, you need more than the Photoshop skills and the knowledge of light. You need to connect with people. The deeper relationship you build with your subjects, the better storyteller you become.

Practical Tips to Develop Photographer/Subject Relationships:

• Manual Focus: Months or weeks before you go off on assignment, research the culture you will be diving into.  Brainstorm ways to relate, connect, and build relationships. Ask questions, listen, read, and take notes. 
• Focus Your Lens: Before you set out on assignment, take a breath. Spend 30 seconds, a minute, or even an hour to get focused. You’ve done the research, now step out there.
• Put Down the Camera: Charge the batteries, grab the memory cards, organize the lenses and camera bodies.  Set the camera bag down.  Put the phone away, let the emails go unanswered for a few hours and get to know the people.  Spend some time working beside them and serving them. 
• Develop the Photos: When you return back from your day of work, silence the doubts about your work. Put the obsession with perfection away in a dark closet, lock the door, and throw away the key.  Perfectionism destroys assignments, steals joy, and can harm people. Don’t try to be the best. Give your best. 

Lights, Camera, Love Part I: A Photojournalist’s Take on What Makes a Great Artist

As a child, I would slide out the dusty photo boxes from underneath my parents’ bed and scatter the photos across the rosy carpet. I saw my mom and dad suited up in camo gear, fresh from the morning hunt, skinning bucks. I discovered my dad’s teenage years sporting bell-bottom blue jeans and an afro hairstyle. I laughed at my brother in his cooking lessons with a giant mushroom on his head. And I blushed at the sight of my butt-naked baby pictures that showed me drinking from the backyard hose. There is nothing like a good picture to tell a story. And that’s why I decided to pursue photojournalism.

It was from these photos that I learned about my family. I got to meet people, like my grandfather, whom I never knew. As I grew older, I loved meeting people and just hearing their stories: the teenage breakups, the first kiss, the volleyball championships, and art competitions. A good story is the photographer’s adrenaline rush. But unfortunately, as I soaked in these stories, I got lost in the rush and forgot the irreplaceable piece of every good story: the people.

Recently in my photography journey, however, I had to relearn one basic life principle: we must love people.  Photojournalists search long and hard for a good story, but the secret to capturing stories is not hidden in any special formula. We find the stories when we love people.

I am not talking about the love we use to describe our favorite type of cake. The love I have in mind is more than just about a favorite pair of shoes, or a dream home. This love listens when you want to snap a quick photo. Love puts down the camera, to comfort a hurting friend. Love waits until they know you care. People want to open up to and show their deepest sores. No amount of energy or time could drown it out. This love breathes hope into a broken story. In this love, a person finds rest, safety, and strength. When a person burned by the past speaks, it cools their scorched hearts. Through the ebbs and flows of conversation, this love touches the most jagged of souls, molding them into smooth stones.  

Only love can capture authentic stories. Out of this innocent love for people, I fell in love with photos as a child. The photos underneath my parents' bed were like the children's photo books that all my friends read at night. When I scattered the family photos on that rosy carpet, I traveled back in time. I smelled the trail of my grandpa’s cigarette smoke as he walked the farm. I heard my mom fire the 22 from the deer stand. I walked alongside my dad in his bell-bottom blue jeans. I slurped my brother’s soups from a spoon during his cooking classes. 

Love. That’s what makes a great artist.