I never thought I could get so excited about hand bags…

We were commissioned by JayneMax and Brand Navigation to photograph the Fall ‘11 and Spring ‘12 designs for Jayne Dearborn, an inspiring entrepreneur who’s work has been seen on ABC’s “Ugly Betty,” as well as across the internet.

From Jayne’s website:

“Founder Jayne Dearborn started designing handbags for JayneMax since its inception in April 2006 (originally Designs by Jayne). She began creating handbags as a path to healing from the loss of her son, Max, at age 7 to leukemia. The blue butterfly is her symbol for Max and how she overcame tragedy to begin life again. Butterflies are the universal symbol of hope and blue is the color of healing. Launching Designs by Jayne, now JayneMax, allowed her to combine her love of art with her mission of helping others find their unique style and thrive.

In addition to designing and running her business, Jayne spends time volunteering at The Dougy Center in Portland, Oregon, as a facilitator helping other bereaved parents. She donates her handbags to fundraisers of organizations that help children fight cancer and that support grieving families. Jayne and her husband, Chris, have created a non-profit organization in Max’s memory to which a percentage of proceeds from all handbags sales are donated. Please visit www.bluebutterflycampaign.org for details.”

Jayne, beyond being an amazing designer, is a perfect example of how one can personally use their gifts and experiences to give back to their community.  Jayne has also given us an example of how we can purchase with purpose, to put meaning into the dollars we spend.  Please take a moment to visit Max’s Blue Butterfly Campaign…

Special thanks to Jayne, who will be launching her new website any day now (I’ll throw in a link here), Amara Bessa (stylist), Katie Tuma (hair and make-up), Kristin (our awesome model) and to my rockstar assistants Tiffany Lausen and Kari Swiridoff.  As always, special thanks to Brand Navigation for their amazing art direction.

Here are a few of our favorite images from our time here in Bend and in Portland, Oregon.

I’m both ashamed and excited to say, I finally have my first pair of Toms Shoes.

Ashamed because I’ve waited so long, excited because my new kicks helped changed the world.  How?

(Taken from the Toms website)

“In 2006, American traveler Blake Mycoskie befriended children in Argentina and found they had no shoes to protect their feet. Wanting to help, he created TOMS, a company that would match every pair of shoes purchased with a pair of new shoes given to a child in need. One for One. Blake returned to Argentina with a group of family, friends and staff later that year with 10,000 pairs of shoes made possible by TOMS customers.

Many children in developing countries grow up barefoot. Whether at play, doing chores or going to school, these children are at risk:

•A leading cause of disease in developing countries is soil-transmitted diseases, which can penetrate the skin through bare feet. Wearing shoes can help prevent these diseases, and the long-term physical and cognitive harm they cause.

•Wearing shoes also prevents feet from getting cuts and sores. Not only are these injuries painful, they also are dangerous when wounds become infected.

•Many times children can’t attend school barefoot because shoes are a required part of their uniform. If they don’t have shoes, they don’t go to school. If they don’t receive an education, they don’t have the opportunity to realize their potential.”

Look, if I’m going to be a walking billboard for some company, (and we all are) I want that company to stand for something I believe in.  I love what Toms stands for, One for One.   I buy a pair of shoes for me, and someone else in the world (far more deserving than I) gets a pair too, at no cost to them.  That’s rad.

I love companies who give back, who see the importance of bettering the world around them.  Companies who see that the bottom line isn’t just about happy stock holders, but asking, “have we all made a difference today?”

This upcoming holiday season (or any season for that matter), I encourage you to think about how you can purchase with purpose.  Here are some helpful links:

Toms Shoes

JayneMax Handbags

World Relief: Give A Gift

Jedidiah Clothing

World Changing Coffee

Here are some pics of my new world changin’ kicks…

UPDATE 8.24

Some recent information from World Relief, who is working in the Turkana area of Nothern Kenya (which is receiving lttle to no attention during this crisis.)

*Your $200 donation can feed approximately 10 people in this region for ONE MONTH.
*A one time delivery of a meal for a child is only .24 cents…

As a photographer, how can you help?  This is how I’m doing it, you may find a way that works better for you.

*How many sessions would you like to donate and at what price?  Use Facebook, Twitter, even a PSA from your local radio or TV station to get participants to contact you for more information.  (be sure to let them know when the sessions are all booked)
*Have the participants donate the amount you’ve established to the World Relief Website.
*In the “Comments” section of the donation form, have the participant type “Photography Donation.”
*Once the participant has emailed you confirmation of their donation, you can book their session.

For those wishing to donate, please don’t hesitate to do so here.

You can follow World Relief’s media team and our good friend Marianne Bach’s images on the WR blog…

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I received a phone call from a dear friend yesterday who works closely with World Relief, an amazing organization we’ve worked with in countries such as Sudan, Burundi and the DRC (Congo.)

My friend was calling to ask if I was able to leave this Sunday to document the crisis taking place  in the horn of Africa right now, more specifically, the work that World Relief is doing on the ground to aid in the disaster.

World Relief is well known in the NGO circle as a leader in disaster response and their presence in this particular area of Africa has been felt for years–so much so that a few of the larger, more well known NGO’s we’re all aware of are giving funds to World Relief to aid in their work.

Unfortunately, due to prior commitments, I had to tell my friend  I was unable to go on the trip.  I felt a bit useless at the time, then realized (thanks to a post from a fellow photographer on Facebook) there was something I could still do to help…

Enter social media: “The next person who donates $200 to World Relief’s disaster response work in Africa gets a photo session with me.”  BAM, two immediate bites.  I accepted the second friends offer as well and once I receive their donation receipts will be scheduling two shoots.

$400.00 raised in a few moments.  While it will take more than a few moments to book, shoot, edit and deliver their images, I’m more than okay with that.  Using our gifts to change the world is time well spent.

More inquiries followed.  I’m thinking of trying to organize something on a larger scale now… What if photographers from across the US, perhaps the World,  donated 1, 2, or 3 sittings through September?  What if World Relief had the funds to do what it’s called to do?

Two quick thoughts:

“Do they really need the money, will it get to where it needs to go?” I’ve been on the ground with this organization in some of the most dangerous, desperate areas of the world.  I’ve talked with the men and women who risk their lives for their fellow countrymen–they’re willing to do the hard work but many times are unable to accomplish all that they can because of lack of funding.  We do our part, they’ll do theirs, trust me.

“Our economy sucks right now and you expect me to donate three sessions this month??” Yes, things are rough right now for a lot of people.  However, let’s put this in perspective:  You still have water to drink, food to eat and whether you’re renting, buying, or caught up in a short sale, you have a roof over your head.  You haven’t walked 50 miles after just delivering a baby to find food (true story) and if you really needed medical attention, all you have to do is call–and someone answers.

People are calling, can we answer?  You and your clients can donate here at the World Relief Website…

Rock on, and remember, we’re all on the front lines…

Thank you all who gave to help the young women at Villa Esperanza.  While we fell a little short of our goal, we’re thankful for those who gave to further the work that’s being done on behalf of the girls rescued from La Chureca.  I want to thank my dear friend Kevin Kubota for his help in raising awareness.  It’s not to late to be involved, to change a life.  Here are some parting images from our time in Nicaragua, collecting media for Forward Edge International.

When dwelt upon, regret can be a destructive, paralyzing emotion.  When one can move past their regret, it can also be a powerful educational process.

In the past, my most focused moments happen while in thought and prayer on an airplane, or during a documentary/humanitarian trip when I’m thrust from routine to reaction.  It’s amazing to me the clarity that comes when I’m detached from my safety bubble, often having just experienced a part of the world trying to overcome poverty, oppression, the list goes on.

As if clarity was the bait, regret likes to sneak into my thoughts and during those moments, I’m confronted with a choice:  Dwell and stall, or learn and regain forward motion.

While our time in Managua and Puerto Cabezas was truly blessed and successful, I do have one regret.

While visiting La Chureca, Managua’s dwindling city within the dump, we were escorted through various areas by the incredible field staff from Forward Edge International.  In particular, a native Nicaraguan woman named Gloria, who has spent her last 8 years nurturing relationships with those in dump and helping many girls to escape to the haven of Villa Esperanza, “Village of Hope.”

Gloria, who is a true inspiration, was doing her best to find interviews for us, while also having to make sure that our being there didn’t jeopardize the work she’d been doing, compromise the dignity of the people or create a safety concern.  (Word travels quickly in La Chureca and although we traveled light, we still had thousands of dollars worth of gear with us–a target for those wishing only to survive.)

At one particular stop, Gloria ushered us inside the gate of a courtyard area that seemed to serve a few different “houses.”  To get inside the gate, one had to step over a man laying drunk in a puddle leftover from the mornings heavy rain.  For me, this was one of the most visually difficult things to see while in La Chureca.

It’s easy to judge in a situation like this.  This man could be working trying to better his situation, rather than turning to the bottle to hide his pain.  Rather than lay in the mud and water, he could surely be doing something productive.  It appeared he was dwelling, no forward motion in sight.  In all of our infinite first world wisdom, myself specifically, one thing was forgotten as he was mentally shamed.  He’s human.

This man wasn’t their to be on display, I wasn’t in attendance at a theme park or circus and no authority had been given (nor ever will be) for me to judge any man.  A life.  Drunken, muddy and in pain.  My regret?

Without hesitation and with desire to “maximize” the time at La Chureca to get the next interview, I photographed him, and passed by his muddy, wet body.  I didn’t acknowledge his life.   A simple hand on the shoulder, prayer or smile, to briefly share his pain so he would know (even if he didn’t remember) for that one moment, he wasn’t alone.

Now, I am left with a visual reminder, etched in my memory forever.  No matter the circumstance, life is meant to be recognized.  Yet again, I’m reminded that we were intended to be relational, to use words, touch and our time to bless others.

As a photographer, I’m reminded that the most powerful moments in my life haven’t been with the camera raised, but rather when it’s lowered, in order that I might use my eyes to see, ears to hear and hand to touch.  This is my reminder…

I’m convinced you can change the world, seconds after you read this.

In the past few days I’ve seen lives who were rescued, nurtured and transformed.  The work being done here at Villa Esperanza by Forward Edge International and its team is nothing short of miraculous.

You can be a part of this transformation.  23 girls are currently housed at the Villa, 7 are in need of sponsorship to remain.

How you can help…  I’m asking roughly 80 of my friends and family to stand up for these beautiful young women and give $30 a month, (13 of you together can sponsor one girl at $390 per month.)

Why, you ask, does it cost so much compared to other programs?  Beyond receiving a school uniform and the opportunity to attend school, they’re getting housed in a safe compound where they are fed well, mentored, encouraged, tutored, and counseled because of their time at the dump, La Chureca.  For many of the girls, the staff here serve as positive parental role models, something many were lacking where they once lived.

The reality is, if these girls return to the dump, they may end up end up prostituiting (some at the demand of their parents), pregnant at a very young age, addicted to glue sniffing or perhaps like some girls before them, dead from HIV/AIDS.

Writing a check to change the world isn’t one of my top few suggestions, to say the least.  However, there are situations and circumstances where people can genuinely be changed because of a kind donor’s heart.  I very much believe this is one of those situations.

Here is an opportunity to completely change the course of history for one life.

I’m convinced you can be a light.

80 people @ $30 per month.  7 girls.

Please visit Forward Edge International here…

Select: Villa Esperanza, then meet the life you’ve changed forever.

It’s the rainy season in Nicaragua.  ”Rainy season” doesn’t do justice to the torrential downpour that happened roughly 95% of today.

The other 5% of the day we got to hang out with Casa Uno.  Up until fairly recently, these girls all lived in the landfill known as La Chureca.  Thanks to the work of Forward Edge, they’re in a safe environment.  These girls can smile.

It’s been awhile…

As I lay in my (very) warm room in Nicaragua I feel speechless.  Countless times I’ve written a sentence, only to replace it with blank space, blinking cursor and then a new thought.  Repeat process…

I have a years worth of emotion inside me and I feel as though my lips (or fingers) can only speak in seconds, letting out little bits of feeling at a time, not nearly enough to feel like I’ve accomplished letting go of all I want to say.   At this point writing anything down is just a start, and I lean toward being dissatisfied with “just a start.”  Then again, starting is forward motion, and that’s been my motto since I woke up Thursday morning, kissed my family goodbye, and flew to Nicaragua.

Joined by two magnificent and talented friends, Elizabeth Fischer and Marianne Bach, I’m helping document some of the amazing work that Forward Edge is doing both in the capital city of Nicaragua and on the Atlantic Coast of the Nation.

In looking back over the last 5 years, I’ve been blessed to travel to 13 different countries and during those visits, I’ve happened to see people living through extremely difficult and sometimes dangerous circumstances.  Those circumstances can take a toll on your heart and when dwelled on, can suffocate you with a sense of hopelessness.  It started to happen to me, and then something happened…

Last Spring I was walking by our kitchen table and noticed something by our coatrack.  With children, you never really know what you’re going to find when you go “looking” so I nearly chose to not see what I was looking at.  After a brief tussle with my conscience, I bent down by the coat rack and just above the trim piece above the floor was a leaf “stuck” to the wall.  This didn’t surprise me at first, I find all sorts of things from outside on the inside, but what did surprise me is that this leaf was alive, thriving and attached to a stem that ran through the trim.   My first response was that this wasn’t a good thing, ivy can destroy trees and houses and I didn’t like the idea of not knowing where it would pop up next.   Then a beautiful thought crossed my mind…

Somehow this ivy branch was smothered in darkness  by our house and through a great effort and journey through cracks (I don’t want to know are there) it broke through the caulking and trim and found the light it desperately needed.

Though I have seen people in circumstances that can leave us all feeling overwhelmed by great darkness, I have seen something greater… A light.  Light in the form of a man risking his life everyday in the Congo for his countrymen, a 60 year old woman in Rwanda dedicated to caring for hundreds of orphaned children, men who travel the dangerous inferno like roads of the Sudan to help women and children have their next meal, a teacher who goes without pay because his love for the children is too great to leave them, a man who shares his knowledge with those in his field, a mother who gives all she has everyday to ensure her children are loved and cared for, a pastor who walks for miles day in and out to care for those in need, and more recently, a woman who for 8 years has visited the local garbage dump, home to thousands,  in hopes of rescuing young women from being prostituted, just so their family can have access to better garbage.  The light in these people shine so much greater than the darkness around them. They aren’t fooled into thinking they must “go” and do, they just simply do.

Where there is light, life will find a way.

La Chureca, landfill to Managua, Nicaragua and home to thousands.  Shrinking everyday due to local policy changes, however, locals are unsure where or if they will be relocated.

At the same time, Forward Edge International (based out of Vancouver, Wa) helps keep the doors of Villa Esperanza open to the roughly 30 young women who inhabit it’s park-like setting, a setting in stark contrast to LaChureca.

I’m in awe of the staff at the Villa, as well as the work that Forward Edge is doing.  Myself and the team are truly grateful to see so much light in this place and look forward to the rest of our week.

Be blessed friends, and please remember, you’ve been given a gift that can change the world.  There’s no need to wait, no reason to fear and most of the time no plane ride to take.  Just shine your light.

Up first, some images from day one at La Chureca.  In the coming days, I hope to post more images of the Villa.

Rock on.

This is what happens when you frame a shot from inside a moving Land Cruiser...

The girls at the Villa performed a beautiful dance for us...

Once a citizen of the dump, this young woman who now lives at the Villa looks out at her former back yard.

We feel blessed to be involved with The Justice Conference, this Friday and Saturday, the 11th and 12th of February at the Riverhouse Convention Center.

What is the conference all about?  Taken from the front page of The Justice Conference website, “The Justice Conference is about the nature of justice.   Justice as the foundation of human rights.  Justice as the expression of equality.  Justice as the fabric of freedom. Justice as forgiveness.  Justice as reconciliation. Justice as restored relationship between the creator and the created.  Justice as the very nature of God.”

Gifted speakers, musicians, and organizations, all dedicated to justice, will be gathering to seek their part in this massive topic.

Saturday evening, I’ll be speaking with my inspiring friend, Kevin Kubota, as he and his wife Clare host a dinner conversation surrounding Creative Advocacy.

We hope to discuss how we as artists, in any media, can come along side organizations and help tell their story and the stories of those they work with.

If you aren’t signed up for the Justice Conference, please consider it.  Rarely is such a production held, especially in our area.  Rock on.

If you’re around a Barnes and Noble, pick up a copy of this months PDN Magazine.  We were recently featured, along with our dear friend and producer Elizabeth Fischer, in an article discussing the need for still photographers to form partnerships with editors to take advantage of cameras that now shoot HD video.  Video is a great new revenue stream for still photographers, but very time consuming.

PDN highlighted a specific video project that Elizabeth produced and I directed for  Alternatives Women’s Center in the San Diego area.  We had a great group of friends working on the project with us, Gary Christenson, Conor Miller, and Peter Wiley, all who are involved with our media non-profit, Emote360.

I’m looking forward to directing more pieces and learning more about film, it’s my favorite way to story-tell…

Here’s a short commercial style film we shot for their web page intro…

Here’s a longer piece Alternatives is using on their website as well as for awareness events…

Every now and then you meet someone who completely inspires and challenges you, simply by their example, to lead your life more by faith than the security (false or not) of what is seen and known.

Through a series of life events, we were blessed to meet not only one, but two, such people in Kim and Troy Meeder, Co-Founders of Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch.

Located near Bend, Oregon and started in what once was a dry cinder pit, CPYR has blossomed into a mecca of fertility both of the ground and the spirit.  CPYR is a place where miracles happen, and thankfully, Kim is a wonderful author, which means the stories are bound in (tear drenched) pages that can be so inspiring, they’re difficult to put down.

I’ve been blessed to shoot for CPYR on numerous occasions and consider them one of my favorite ministries to be a part of.  One of the funnest projects to date was shooting the cover for Kim’s latest book, “Blind Hope.”  You can read more (and see a video) about Blind Hope here.

This isn’t just a story about Mia (pooch) and Laurie (caretaker of pooch) it’s a story about God and you.

Pick up a copy on-line or at Barnes and Noble, you’ll be glad you did.

Thousands of miles, four countries, countless stories of heart ache and hope in 17 days.

Is it possible to share with you, my loved friends, colleagues, and family, all that I’ve experienced in the last few weeks?  I’m still processing what I’ve seen and heard and although it feels impossible to convey a coherent thought regarding this journey, I must share with you all that I can.

In the past 17 days I’ve traveled with some of the best friends a soul could have, made wonderful new friends, battled the extreme heat of Southern Sudan, been taken into custody by the Sudanese Police (okay, I shouldn’t have been riding down the road on TOP of the Land Cruiser), traveled in some of the most dangerous regions in the world on roads stricken and formed by smoking volcanoes and heard stories that would crush your heart.  I’ve seen people risk their lives for their countrymen and live every breath by Faith.  Above all, I’ve seen hope.  Hope for peaceful elections in the Sudan, hope for continued peace and healing in Kenya and Rwanda, hope for peace and reconciliation for the people of DR Congo.  Hope.

I’ve struggled on many levels during the duration of this trip.  Leaving home is very difficult for me, ironically, so is leaving Africa.  I’ve struggled with fear of the unknown, wondering if I would see my family again.  I’ve struggled with photographing those who, despite being willing (and signing releases) have stories that seem far too personal to be told.  However, it’s through awareness and action that change can be made.  Without knowledge, without awareness, we walk blindly along catering to one thing, ourselves.  Despite my personal struggles, which pail in comparison to those of the people of Congo, I’ve been renewed.  God has shown me His faithfulness and has questioned me about mine.  Am I willing to leave all that I have, go to the ends of the earth and use my gift to try and change the world?  Despite my struggles, I am.  Why?

People matter.  When our eyes and ears are awoken, when our hearts are turned toward others, it’s then that powerful changes can occur.  I’ve seen change like that and it’s inspiring.  It’s important I let you know that my being here isn’t because I’m a good person with a good heart.  I like to be comfortable, safe and with my family.  I’m here because I felt lead and if any good resides in this body, it is because God is working in me.
A few of the following brief stories are extremely difficult, rest assured, if you are willing to walk hand in hand with these people, or people like them, opportunities will come in the following weeks.  Until then, what can we do in our own back yard to help those in need?  It may be taking a picture, chances are, it will always be lending your ear and a soft touch.

Friends, more than photos, more than stories of hope and heart break, these are the people of Africa and they have won me over.

Her name translated means, "Joy." This young woman is a victom of gender based violence and at a young age has been raped. A woman raped in this culture is usually forsaken by her family. The Father, with no hope of a dowry, is angry. As young girls and women are often the ones to fetch water and firewood in the bush, they are left in vulnerable situations and are often taken by a group of soldiers or men and raped. We heard stories of women as old as 70 and as young as 5 being raped.

Peek a boo... A young Congolese attempts to peek in on our small group of Mzungus (white people.)

This young Congolese girl captivated me with her eyes...

During a pastor conference near Minova, DRC, a pastor stands and speaks of what he's learned throughout the workshop. World Relief is working closely with local churches to get involved in their villages to help the most vulnerable. These pastors walked for many miles this day to learn how best to lead their church, by serving.

This man, with his wonderful smile, is a victim, in his own way, of gender based violence. His wife was raped, however, because of the work of woman counselors in the area who are aided by World Relief, he was convinced that it wasn't his wife's fault she was raped, and therefore, should remain in the house. He says he's still very angry she was raped. Due to the violence done to her body, they are incapable of being intimate with each other... Many women raped in the DRC are in need of surgery to repair damage done, however, they are unable to pay for it.

Even now, starting to cry as I type. This is Dadu (Dah-doo.) She is 5 years old and as recently as this month was repeatedly raped by her step Father who has since been put into prison. This brave girl sat with us as we heard her story. We tried our best to stay strong for this beautiful girl, as you can imagine, we wept silently throughout the interview. We love you Dadu.

Catchin' a peek a boo...

Meal time in the DRC. What a blessing...

In Africa, sometimes you wait for things to happen...

5 year old Dadu... She is innocent...

In a small village named for the smoking volcano it resides near, a small girl and her Mother tell us their story. Now 12, this young women was raped much earlier. Her Mother couldn't leave her.

My turn for a peek a boo...

Curious...

Sometimes, in order not to be seen, you have to pretend you're photographing something else...

Always looking through the windows...

This young woman is another vitim of gender based violence and rape. Her young daughter looks on as Mamma is interviewed by Beth and Matt.

So much joy. Minova, DRC.

Proud to hold a card from a Kindergarten student from Pine Ridge in Bend, Oregon.

A pastor who works with his people to fight against gender based violence and it's many layers of destruction on the family unit.

Odette. After hearing her story of being raped, we couldn't contain ourselves and cried for her. She holds the precious child that was a result of the rape.

This is "Joy." She praises God no matter the storm and believes, though many in her village do not, that she has worth.

Yet another victom of gender based violence and rape. But her smile, oh her smile...

We don't know her story, she only wanted us to photograph her and pray for her. A young mother and rape victim holding her beautiful son. This was an overwhelming day to say the least.