Thoughts on Togetherness

I've been thinking a lot about the notion of what it means to be together. As individuals, we each have our own unique perspectives, beliefs, priorities, ideas, strengths, weaknesses, and values. When we are together, ideally we bring the essence of our individuality and blend it in equal parts. I grow and benefit from your individuality. You grow and benefit from mine. The sum of this blend has the power to shape each of us if we invite what's different, embrace what's new, and remain open to change.

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Students from Koseli School in Kathmandu, Nepal enjoy being together at recess. You can learn more about the school and support these students here: Koseli School

Trajectory

The path described by a projectile flying or an object moving under the action of given forces.

What You Can Not See

Pinky making images of her home, Jadibuti slum, Kathmandu, Nepal

Photography is much about exposing your view, but there's so much more going on beneath the surface. There's a complicated concoction of thoughts and feelings that drive the impulse to lift a camera to your eye, to compose the raw material of what's present, and to wait patiently for the proper moment of capture... when time and space sync and align.

Teaching my eight photography students at Koseli School through my non-profit organization, Lens on Life, was such a thrill for me. I loved sharing the Art of iPhoneography and studying their images with each of them. While I've been slow to share this experience and the children's images with the world, there's been a lot of effort beneath the surface... things you can not see. But, it's coming. The children are still shooting. I'm working hard to sort and place the puzzle pieces into their proper spaces. And I'm eager to share more with you when the time is right.

Gratitude

Jadibuti slum, Kathmandu, Nepal

This is what it looks like when a grandmother of students from Koseli School expresses her gratitude to the woman who followed the quiet voice in her heart to create the school, Renu Shah Bagaria. As I process images and thoughts from our Lens on Life experience in Nepal to share with you, this moment reminds me that it's not enough to hear that voice. You have to let it guide you down crooked paths, over rough terrain, up steep inclines, through darkness, and into a light so bright it nearly consumes you.

The Art of iPhoneography

We didn't expect to find a camel that day. The secret behind the magic of this moment was made possible by two iPhones. Spontaneous image opportunities most often occur when your serious camera is zipped up in the camera bag... at home. And while I can't provide quantitative statistics to support this statement, I do know that the increasing majority of my favorite documentary images have been produced by my iPhone simply because it is always with me.

My latest book, The Art of iPhoneography: A Guide to Mobile Creativity just started shipping from Amazon this week. While I'm holding my breath, check out the book website and by all means, please buy the book. Anxiously awaiting your feedback.