I was recently on a film shoot set in during the Civil War. I found enough time to bring out the big film camera and shoot a few frames.
Union
Bobby Smith
Here's another one of those uber-talented friends of mine. Bobby contacted me a while back to shoot some photos for his new album, "Wretched Man". It was an honor to be chosen seeing as Bobby is really good friends with a lot of great photographers in Birmingham. He's currently the featured artist on SongCircle, which is very exciting. Great guy, great talent, great album, check him out:
Ben Wallis
I don't know if I've ever taken a picture that so accurately depicts the subject. Ben is a writer and producer at Student Life. He kind of weirded me out a few years ago when I first met him as an actor for the summer. An enthusiastic idea machine is the best way I could describe him. I was impressed at all the things he could do creatively, but annoyed at how easily it all came to him. We became fast friends once he was brought on to the staff. Ben's the kind of guy that can write a score for a cartoon he wrote, animated, and voiced all by himself. That level of creativity makes me sick, but it's also the kind of people I'm surrounded by... people far more creative than myself.
So back to the picture... He came to me with this idea to show what he does with one frame. There's a lot of detail in there. I'd love to take credit for the idea, but it was all Ben.
This is another shot from months ago I just forgot to post. And since it would be weird to have multiple Ben Wallis posts, I might as well just include it.
Sterling Davis
This picture has taken on a new meaning for me since I shot it last fall. Last year Sterling had surgery to remove a tumor in his brain, the tumor in the picture. Soon after we took this portrait, they found that the doctors had not been able to remove all of the tumor, and since found that the tumor had grown. His next surgery is scheduled for tomorrow, August 24th. So what started out as a portrait of celebration has turned into a powerful call for continued prayer. At least for me it has.
For those that don't know, my sister had a brain tumor when we were kids, so in a small way I know a little about what Sterling's sisters are/will be going through. But as a new father, I just couldn't imagine being in Roger and Becca's shoes.
The Davis' have set up a blog to keep everyone informed and to tell all the ways you can be praying for them.
Taylor Robinson
I fight really hard not to be cheesy or overly sentimental in my posts, but for this I'm going to speak the truth and you'll just have to forgive the cheese. Yesterday was Taylor Robinson's last day in the Student Life office. We'll leave today for Kenya on another Compassion trip, and when I return to the office next Thursday, it'll be the first time in my career that Taylor won't be there. He's leaving SL to start his own production company with Jason Wallis, and I couldn't be more proud of him for doing so.
His departure leaves a huge hole at SL. Taylor's a guy that made everyone around him elevate their game just a little. We called him an idea machine. He's got a gift for turning a bad idea into something great, he can see all angles of any idea, he can breathe life into a creatively dead room. Taylor's crazy talented but that's not the only reason he'll be missed. He's one of the best friends I've ever had, and I'll hate not seeing him around the office every day. But we are all super excited for him and his new company. He's going to do some great things. Good luck Taylor!
On a much lighter note, Taylor loves having his picture taken. If a camera's out, he's in front of it. Only fitting he's going to work with a photographer. Here's some of my favorite shots through the years:
The many faces of Drew
This is Drew:
Drew is my boss at Student Life. I'm very fortunate to say my boss is also a really good friend. I don't know how it is in the rest of the professional world, but I wouldn't think that's always the case. I like to think we here in the production department have a blast, and from these pictures of Drew, you can see why. Here is our fearless leader:
