Scott Stebner

New Blog Site !

2009-10-28T09:26:00.001-07:00

I have a new blog launched. Visit Stebner Photography to see or click here .

Have a great day!
Scott Stebner

Behind the Photograph - Stebner Photography, Denver Wedding Photographer

2009-09-26T18:18:00.000-07:00

I have been waiting for weeks to post one of my favorite photographs. This picture is so dear to my heart for a number of reasons. First and foremost, it was so obvious that lives have been changed permanently. Secondly, as a teacher, I fully understood the weight and significance of what I just encountered. Lastly, I realized several months after this picture was taken just how powerful a photograph can be in raising money for those in need.

The narration of this photograph should start months before it was taken. It was May and our trip plans for touring Ethiopia on a fact-finding mission was in full swing. We had learned the dismal situations of the education system for students in rural Africa...well Africa in general had knew we had to do something about it.

One of the many needs that was expressed to us was the desire for chairs and school supplies. Many of these students would walk up to 5 miles a day with only a pencil to sit in a crowded room with zero air flow...on the bare soil.

So fast forward to early-July and we sit outside of a dilapidated school that has been beaten to humility by the sun, wind, and impoverished resources. The students seem excited and so do the teachers. They know something is about to change. There had been rumors, but every time these children have expected a “Western” favor from white people they are often met with disappointment.

However, their callous and cautious faces quickly shifted towards eager anticipation with the faint sound of a diesel engine sputtering in the distance. One kid bolted running with the agility of an Olympian and soon many more followed.

Soon a rusted green truck loaded to the point of overflow appeared upon the parched horizon of the Rift Valley. As the truck came to a skidding stop kicking up mounds of dust in the faces of expectant students, workers unlocked the tail gate and quickly began handing down brand-new desks.

An assembly line soon formed passing desk by desk from the rusted truck into the mud-lined one room school house. These were the first desks many of these students have seen up close, a luxury only reserved for the financial elite of the city. Also important to note, these desks also fueled the economy and gave many men jobs for months at the local welding and woodworking factory. It was truly a life-changing moment for many.

Once all the desks lined up, child upon child began to fill them out of excitement. I watched all the children file into their own seats and immediately began a flashback and comparison of my own teaching experiences. I see so many faces come into my classroom, complain about their seats, and start daydreaming about elsewhere. I loved each one of my students, but they were accustomed to the American education system of plenty. In a sense, it was their first day of school as well...a first day of a promised future.

Soon the teacher walks to the back of the classroom dressed in a white shirt. He is in disbelief. Gratitude shapes every motion of his body and is written upon the canvas of his face.

I soon realize what is happening. This is a class photo...the first of the village of Worja Woshgula. I put my Canon 15mm Fisheye onto my Canon Camera and compose the shot. I don't want to mess this shot up, so much is depending upon it.

Later this picture would make it's way to Africa and to the eyes of many supporters of the Heroes project.

Emerson once said that success is to know one person has breathed easier because you have lived. I don't think I've felt success like this before, effectively empowering 80 students to a better education.

Stebner Photography is a Denver Based Wedding Photographer specializing in Colorado Weddings and Destination Weddings

Zach and Cayla - Denver Engagement Photographs

2009-09-21T11:26:00.000-07:00

I was so excited to hear that Zach and Cayla were engaged! I first met Cayla through my girlfriend Alyssa, and was so happy to know her and Zach leading up to the proposal. By the way, great job Zach on setting all of that up!

They are the type of couple that just truly enjoys each other's company and anyone who spends even a minute with them can see that.

For their Engagement Session we went to Heritage Square in Golden, Colorado for a few fun pictures around the rides and buildings. Little did we know Hurricane force winds are quite common there before a storm. I'm still trying to pick leaves out of my hair and I find new ones in my camera bag every day.

Then to Union Station in Denver. So many great locations to shoot from in Downtown Denver, and this was no exception. Dodging the three other photographers who were already there, we had a ton of fun.

Zach and Cayla, you guys are awesome and I can't to be part of your wedding day in March in Breckenridge!

Stebner Photography is a Denver Wedding Photographer who specializes in documentary and portrait wedding photography.

2009-09-17T15:01:00.000-07:00

Bridal Session PIctures

2009-09-15T21:32:00.001-07:00

Bridal Session Pictures

2009-09-15T21:23:00.000-07:00

New Image

2009-09-10T11:13:00.001-07:00

MIke and Jennifer - Rancho Bernardo, CA

2009-08-20T10:16:00.000-07:00

I don't know how to tell you this, but Jenni and Mike are kind'a a big deal. Jenni went to film school in Los Angeles, and Mike was a music and dance major in Florida. After some long distance phone calls, several months, and some planning, it was time to tie the knot in San Diego in an amazing spanish courtyard in Rancho Bernardo.

There couldn't be an easier, more laid back bride to work with than Jenni. She did everything I could ever ask for, and he had her own amazing ideas (photographers like that btw).

The dance floor is where Mike and the groomsmen had their 3 hours of fame. I should have known it would have been an epic reception with Soldia Boy, Michael Jackson, and more when most the guys went to school for dance. Simply awesome.

Mike and Jenni, thank you for being such a blessing to work with. I enjoyed your wedding, and truly wish you many years of wedded bliss.

California Sunset

2009-07-09T10:05:00.000-07:00

I have been so blessed to grow up a Californian! I know our state has some negative connotations, but to be in San Diego and San Luis Obispo, and to call those places home is just a blessing. Except for the rockies, you will not find a more beautiful area.

I've officially moved to Colorado in the Durango area for the time being, and could not be happier. The great blessing is that I fly back to California all the time to cover weddings, so I will be able to visit California a ton...which needless to say is awesome. Plus, that goes towards my goal of offering photography services from around the globe, be it Africa or the United States.

The following I wrote my last sunset in California sitting on amazing Montana De Oro .

Goodbye California

Montana De Oro is a sedative calming a weary soul. As I lay upon sun drenched rocks generous in their basking warmth, I listen the continuous crashing of waves over hardened rock leading to the subtle applause of water sifting its way through scattered pebbles, and with it, washes away my worries back to sea with the tides of yesterday.

This is my last week in California, and my last rendezvous to hear the coming and going of the Pacific tide as I please. With just a few miles of twisting pavement stretching between the golden hills of Paso Robles and the scattered shores of Los Osos, I can arrive at an endless stretch of vast ocean. I find rest upon these shores, my comfort in these waves, and my tranquility in the tides of a welcoming beach.

Yet there is an unfamiliar feeling as I prepare to leave this place, as I am not heartbroken or sad. For I am exchanging the humble calm of the ocean for towering mountains capped in deposited winter snow still clinging with dignity to the hillsides of summer in Colorado. The triumphant call of eagles will now sing over me and replace the song of gulls and pelicans. The breeze through outstretched Aspens will be substituted for the subtle sound of applause of tide and rock colliding.

The unending coastal horizon, which on a palette of sea and sky paints its nightly masterpiece, will yield to the beautiful architecture of pine scaffolding stretching towards the skies with blazing sunsets turning them into beautiful silhouettes. The smell of salt, sand, and tide-pool will evaporate to yield fall’s turning of leaves on luscious grasses.

And as I view the choreographed ballet of sea lions and otters, I take with me the masterpieces pained for my memory today, and so take it with me to the scenes of Colorado.

For I no longer see a sorrowful goodbye, for the ocean offers tears of plenty, but instead a beautiful welcoming to the majesty of the Rockies where I shall find a field of competing blades of grass swaying in mid-western wind to write new words upon my canvas. And as I lay in a bed of prairies, I shall look to my right and be amazed by the royal giants of the Rockies, beckoning me to find rest and tranquility yet again in its welcoming arms.

And as I lay, Skies as vast as the sea will sing me to sleep with glimmering bed-time stories. Star by star, stretched across the Milky Way, will calm my heart once again and sing my soul to silent sleep.

Hello Colorado.

Diane and MIke (San Miguel, CA)

2009-02-09T18:09:00.000-08:00

Mike, Diane, and a 1940 Ford. Three awesome things (people?) Mike and Diane are a perfect fit. I've never been around a couple who seems to just "click" like these two do.

Mike is an EMT and Diane is an emergency room nurse. For this engagement shoot, they wanted to do something different, and a family friend of his offered an amazing 1940 Ford for some incredible road side shots.

Bottom line...Mike and Diane are awesome.

Kristen's E-session (Paso Robles, CA)

2009-01-25T14:19:00.000-08:00

I love E-Sessions, and this one was no different. We were praying for no rain while Kristen and her fiance were driving up from San Diego. Not only did we get a break from the rain, but amazing weather, skies, and good times. It was one of those days where everything went our way.

Walking down Paso Robles, there are so many amazing locations to shoot at. Just by chance, we ran into the owner of Hotel Cheval and he let us have a half hour of on-location pictures inside this amazing hotel. If you are ever in downtown Paso Robles, you have to check out this hotel. Even though we had a great time on location at one of Paso Robles' most prestigious hotels, we had an eventful hour on the train tracks of Templeton. Just as we were joking about a close encounter with a train, a loud whistle blew and the tracks began to shake. I'm not sure who made it out of there the quickest, but we were able to get down, get the lighting equipment set up, and snap a few pictures of the train as it went by. Good times...minus the almost getting hit by a train part. Actually, even that was fun.

Myndi and Jason - Liberty Oaks Ranch.

2008-08-13T15:45:00.001-07:00

I have been so looking forward to this wedding! I absolutely love photography. Taking pictures of people on their wedding day is possibly the best job in the world. However, few people may know my other love is Agriculture. When you get to combine those two together, I'm in Heaven!

Some background on the couple. Myndi and Jason met while going to Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Like most modern couples, they met in a Dairy Cattle Production class at Cal Poly. As they met eachothers eyes over a holstein cow (true story), sparks started to fly. 4 years later they are now married.

I taught high school agriculture in San Jose with Myndi and she became a great friend of mine in the process. Even before their engagement, It was obvious to see how they loved each other. Working with Myndi sometimes 12-15 hours a day, we were able to talk weddings and do a lot of planning for this "country" wedding. Jason is a rancher from Kansas, so they wanted to keep it very "rural" and got married at Libery Oaks Ranch out on Teneja Trail. Such a fun wedding and an incredibly good set of dancing wedding party members.

Faces of Ethiopia

2008-07-11T12:51:00.000-07:00

My last posted focused on the Relief efforts and situations Ethiopians are facing. These are just a few of the faces of children behind the struggle.

Ethiopia 2008

2008-07-10T15:02:00.000-07:00

I am finally back from Ethiopia. The trip was incredibly different this time from knowing the people and their stories to not getting incredibly sick. Ethiopia is an amazing place with some incredible needs. If you are not supporting some form of charity that benefits people in extreme need, consider doing so.

When I go to Ethiopia, I find it very difficult to cope with my limited emotional understanding of mankind as I view life unfold infront of me behind the shelter of my camera lens. I spend so much time worrying about composition, aperture, shutter speed, and the subtle nuances of documentation that sometimes I forget about the life going on around me. However, all of that quickly fades when I am processing my pictures. Editing pictures brings back the emotions, sickness, and poverty I encountered which lead me to write this note while staying in an international hotel in Addis Ababa. Surrounded by luxury in a country of depravity. I cannot neglect the poverty they live in. I am tired of seeing children starving to death. The rain, economy, and crops have failed them. The fortunate ones have found their way to a hospital about 2 hours north of here, but if things do not change, the unfortunate ones will probably not last the summer. To see children begging for food because they haven't had any in days breaks the heart. To see children to weak to do so rips it out. America has poverty, but not like this. These people work 10, 14, 18 hours a day for a mere 50 cents that will hardly buy them food. They did not ask or do anything to become poor; Lattitude and longitude determined it in the same fashion and probability of me being born into wealth and a nurturing family.
I am tired of rising food prices that have more than tripled the cost of corn and related goods, sending not a ripple but a tidal wave of starvation across Sub-Sahara Africa. Combined with the absence of rain that has scorched and cracked the broken ground of promise, the equation for a perfect storm of starvation and malnutrition has been set and carried out. With global warming, rising petrol costs, HIV, and increasing population demands, Ethiopia stands at a balance that is weighing heavily against its favor. Amidst a wail of help from a desperate people, the Government turns an ear that has become hard of hearing. Yet in the face of a global food crisis, many people refuse Genetically Modified crops that could offer a small hint of relief. I am tired of seeing corrupt governments that will neglect their own people. What is it in a man that causes him to abandon humanity for wealth? Time and time again, I have heard people say the government took their land or threw them in jail for no reason at all. How Banturi managed to survive 10 years in an underground prison, chained, losing his vision, and without visitors is a mystery to me. However, I cannot imagine how such a kind, well educated, and polite man like that could ever be accused of any crime. Even more astounding is that he was never given a trial. Ethiopia is building a multi-million dollar fountain to celebrate the strength of the government right across from shanty towns lacking hospitals. Heart is where the money is.

The hardest thing is coming to the realization that these people are just like me. This year I know their stories, they know mine. I am already a "member of the family." Talking to these teenagers about their hopes and aspirations remind me of my students and my life as a high school student. They dream of the University, of Master's Degrees and higher education. But their dreams are near impossible for them to achieve. How can an a/ccident of longitutde and lattitude carry imeasurable significance in a futureYet despite all of this, one must continue to recklessly hope for the betterment of the world. Paul summed it up best. To give glory to God even in the hardships, for "suffering produces perseverence, perseverence character, character hope, and hope never fails us." If we can combine immeasurable hope with a compassionate heart quick to action, we just may make this world a better place.

As I sit from the comfort of my latte, IPOD, Laptop, and PDA, I also acknowledge just how unfair the distribution of wealth is in our nation to the world. But I believe we have been given much so we can give much. And in all of the Americans I met overseas giving up their luxuries to make sure one person in life has breathed easier, I find hope in our own humanity. We have no other option but to actively hope in making this world a better place.

Ian and Jen Andes

2008-06-18T20:58:00.000-07:00

Everything about Jen and Ian was amazing!!! From their family, rehearsal dinner, the accomodations, an unforgettable first dance, to being a beautiful couple. Oh, and did I mention the Film Crew from a reality show covering this wedding for national television?

Jen and Ian decided to get married at the reknown Calimigos Ranch in Malibu, California. From the landscaping, waterfalls, and redwoods, truly an amazing location.

Aside from the videographer, my crew, and the hollywood producers rubbing elbows every once in a while in a small cabin (which was not meant for 10 extras), everything was just amazing. Props to Jen and Ian for throwing the wedding of the century.

January 27th - Images of Ethiopia

2007-12-15T14:37:00.000-08:00

Giving a Voice

On January 27th, I will finally have the opportunity to display my work of Ethiopia for everyone to see. This whole experience has been truly amazing. From trying to find ways to pay for my flight, to the amazing people I met while over there. Then, we came back and showcased my images to great acclaim. Our Calendar sales will help provide drinking water for thousands. Now the culmination of my vision and reason for going is about to happen. In a gallery in Cupertino, I will be displaying about 40 images on regular print, canvas gallery, and gallery wrap along with brief descriptions of my encounters with the royal people of Ethiopia.

Half of all profits will go towards Ethiopia. I was hoping to put all profits towards the cause, but I soon realized how much money this is going to take to pull of what needs to be done. The location will be posted later, but please put the 27th on your Calendar.

I feel called back for another trip, but this one will be different. I might be alone for several weeks and in hostile areas. I'm not really sure where I'll be going, but just that I need to go back, and that there is important work for me to document in Ethiopia. It frustrates me to learn of human rights violations, only to learn that what I just heard about has been happening for decades. It may be naive to believe that an image can start a movement and stop evil. However, it is not naive to believe we all have a purpose. To sit back and not use your gifts and talents to the betterment of others in irresponsible.

Candace + Steven = Awesomeness

2007-11-22T22:15:00.000-08:00

I was so looking forward to this wedding. Candace has been so much fun to work with as we have prepared for her wedding and talked about her plans over countless cups of coffee. Steven was so easy going and supportive of everything his fiance wanted to do, it was just great to see. Though the wedding started late and there wasn't any time to take pictures before the sun set, they just went with everything. Then...the toasts. I hereby announce that Candace and Steven's wedding party are the most hilarious toasters....EVER. I don't think I have ever laughed at a wedding as much as I did at theirs.

Before the night was over, all of the guests set the standard for all weddings to come with their rendition of YMCA. Thanks Gina and Tony K DJ for keeping the music going all night and being so great to work with.

Thanks guys for an awesome wedding Candace and Steven! I'm over at my aunt's ranch in Santa Ynez, so here are a few rough drafts of their wedding

Candace and Steven 7-19-07

2007-07-23T13:12:00.000-07:00

Wow, what an awesome couple! I had the pleasure to take Candace and Steven's engagement pictures on Friday. Engagement pictures are such an important time for me as a photographer to really get to know a couple before the big day. Candace and Steven are so easy going, easy to get a long with, and are natural models (Thanks for making it easy guys)! I cannot wait to be a part of their wedding day!

Photodocumentary - Ethiopia Part 1

2007-07-15T10:03:00.000-07:00

Since we have come back from Ethiopia, I have truly been blessed that my images have encouraged and motivated others to give and help in Zeway, Ethiopia. Many people have asked me to give the stories behind the images I have posted. Though I truly believe that these images speak for themselves, this is my chance as a photographer to talk about the emotions I was feeling, what went into the picture, and to give further insight into the people that have touched our lives in a way that does not allow us to ever be the same.

Village Girl

This was the first village that we came to in our trip to Ethiopia. Worja Woshgula is a small community of a few hundred farmers, poor, stricken with poverty and inadequate food supplies, and needing medical attention for the children and elderly.

My first reaction to seeing the living conditions was of discomfort out of my abundance and overwhelming comfort as an American. Yes, I did have to repress my feelings of guilt and questions of unfairness. However, what I soon realized was that beyond their impoverished physical nature, they had a great abundance of wealth in their character. I believe the best way to describe the children of Worja Woshgula is "filled with joy." Crying and complaining was not of their disposition. They demonstrated no feelings of unfairness, loss, or inadequacy. They did not want nor need our pity, but desired our attention, love, and affection. In return, they gave us their hearts.

And then became the "photo frenzy." I would take pictures of the children, and once their image popped up on my LCD, I would show them their picture. For many children, this was the first time they had seen their face or a photograph. And what started as a cautious child having a very large camera pointed at them, soon turned into the largest smile and greatest laughter one could ever imagine. It was amazing using a gift of mine to bring joy to these children.

Children were jumping in front of my camera at almost every shot, making it difficult at times to document the projects we were trying to accomplish. However, after an hour, we were about to board this bus while a small village girl, matty hair, tattered clothes, and bare-footed tugged on my sleeve. The village children knew very little english, but there were a few words she put together that made me have to take her picture. "You....You...please....photo." This young girl, in all of her poverty and worldly iniquity, knew she was beautiful. Furthermore, I had a sense she knew she was helping her people.

As I raised my camera to take her picture, she stepped back towards an aged fence, valiant in its struggle against time and gravity, and she began to pose herself . The sun, in perfect timing as if meeting some divine appointment, broke through the clouds and illuminated the side of her face. It was as if God himself was reaching out and touching her face

For what was a few seconds of time in a divine appointment in our lives will always stay with me. As I lowered my camera, she gave me the most precious smile of thanks. Soon, we were boarding the bus and leaving the children of Worja Woshgula for the day. However, I cannot wait to meet these children again.

The children of Ethiopia will probably never see these photos printed or put to use. But I think in their minds, something much more important was going on in the photographs. In a land that has been forgotten by the world; a land filled with orphans that, because of the loss of their father, legally do not exist; withina land of famine, death, and disease, these children know they will never be forgotten. They know that people understand who they are, and that they have a sense of purpose. With every photograph, they had a both a cry of "do not forget me," and a shout of triumph "I will be remembered."

I will never forget these children.

Ethiopia Part 2

2007-07-06T15:28:00.001-07:00

I have been back for almost a week, and yet I feel as far away from home as I have ever been. Everyone I have ever talked to who has been to Africa spends their life trying to get back there. Recent geneticists have traced the human lineage back to a specific part of Africa, hence the term "We are all African." I believe all of us are just trying to get back home.

Here are more images of our trip. I just finished talking to a few owners of Starbucks, and they may be willing to help out
Hanging out with the children at Zwai medical clinic. I have never seen a better group of well behaved children. In 2 weeks, we never saw a single child cry.

An older sister turns on the water so her younger sister can drink

A young man d etermined to come to America. He followed us for 4 straight days.

A young child carrying an Ethiopian hoe in the middle of the city

A 114 year old woman in Wojula

Orphans at such a young age, she is now responsible for her younger sister. The eyes of hope in a small child at Genet church.

Back from Ethiopia

2007-07-03T19:02:00.000-07:00

Well we're back from Ethiopia. Every one I talk to has asked the same, very valid question..."What was it like?" I am still trying to find words to describe the people, places, and experiences we encountered, but I cannot find a way to talk about my emotions of the trip. There is so much poverty, starvation, and uneeded death because of an accident of longitude and lattitude and an uncaring government. I cannot help but think it could be me over there, and one of them over here living the "high life."

Though I cannot find a way to get people to understand my experiences in Ethiopia, I can communicate the need through pictures. The people are majestic, royal, and the most polite group of people I have ever met. Out of their poverty, they gave me everything.

I write this sleep deprived, with a terrible stomach bug that has me 20 pounds lighter than when I left, and contemplating what my role is in helping these people.

Our last night in Zeway, they threw a party for us.
Out of their great poverty, they gave us everything. They slaughtered a goat for us, and made an incredible dinner (it made us sick, but so did everything we ate). Afterwards, we all sang and danced around the campfire. Truly a generous people.
School children sitting in desks we just donated. Before this, they sat on a dirt floor.
A muslim girl at one of the village schools.
There are school with children but a lack of teachers. All the children desire to go to school, but many have to drop out to feed their families or they have become orphans to AIDS.
The feet of a 4 year old school boy. Many children walk over 4 miles a day to school - school without text books, black boards, or pencils.
Building a house for a crippled woman.
A high school student at one of the local schools.
A Dutch nursery came in and built a greenhouse on an ethiopian cemetary. They promised to build a hospital if the town would move their dead. They built their greenhouse but refuse to build a hospital. Meanwhile, they are making millions while the town lacks medical care.
A church member playing a new keyboard we bought them.
A young girl during Worship.
Children have nothing except their faith - which sustains them.
A small girl walks her family's fields. This field is green just because they an irrigation pump. Many farmers rely on the rain, which will bring food or starvation.
A young farmer girl.

A small village boy. The spots on his head are Tinea, a form of fungus that most small boys have. It clears up by the age of 14.
A small girl walks miles a day just to fetch water that will not make her family sick.

A candy bar and soccer ball are his only posessions as he waits for medical care.
A broken down ambulance at the low medical clinic in Zeway.
Sick child waiting for medical care.
A newborn baby getting wrapped.
Above: A mother for a second time and her baby.

A starving village boy.
An AIDS mother spends time at the clinic each week educating women about AIDS, motherhood, and how to live with the virus.
A young girl at the clinic.

Bonnie Part 2

2007-05-10T21:37:00.000-07:00

Bonnie and Nathan

2007-05-10T21:09:00.000-07:00

Hope for the Valley

2007-02-23T19:42:00.000-08:00

It should not be this difficult to escape this city. Since moving here in July, I have been desperate to find good hiking around the area. Looking back, I'm kinda embarassed that it was only a google search away, but I found some incredible hiking in the San Jose Area. In fact, some just a few miles from where I work.

I woke up at 7 am so I could get great light. Decided the light could wait, hit my snooze, and slept till 11 (I love vacation). It was the most beautiful winding road, passing fields of wild-flowers, deer and cattle grazing, streams, a few bikers who thought they owned the road, and some narrow roads with uncompromising drivers.

However, I finally got there and absolutely knew it was worth the drive. I had a few scary moments of almost falling into the river and ruining my new camera, slipped on a bridge, and came very close to some poison oak. I decided to take the Uvas Canyon waterfall loop. We've had a lot of rainfall lately (and some snow), so I knew the streams would have quite a bit of water in them. It definately was not the best work I have ever done, but man I am so thankful I found some places to hike and photograph.

Looking Back on the SHow

2007-02-20T15:39:00.000-08:00

I must say, working as a photojournalist before sunrise to past sundown is definately exhausting. However, it is always an amazing experience as everything you see has a chance at becoming history.

With 30 minutes to go untill Giulliani showed up, I was rumaging through my Jeep untill I found out what exactly I had done. I left my Photo side-bag at my house. I was in such a hurry that I left it right by the side of the door (I am sure my roomates were angry). So, all I was left with was my rather large travel back-pack. Oh well, I looked like a ninja turtle and was humbled just a bit.

I was rather hesitant about Giulliani before. I must say I know absolutely nothing about his political views or agenda, but he appeared to be a genuine and very energetic man. In front of cameras and away from them, he always kept a sincere demeanor about him.

Though the shoot with Giulliani was more of a boxing match between news crews, photogrpahers, security, and staff members, we were able to get through the crowds here and there to take a few pictures.

However, perhaps the best part of the entire shoot was my helicopter ride. Though maybe not the brightest idea, we were able to convince the pilot to remove the doors and windows to allow for better aerial photography. Looking back, I probably wanted to tape over my seat belt release, but I'm still alive so it worked just fine.

From the Show

2007-02-13T06:24:00.000-08:00

Camera Gear? Check. Batteries charged? Check. Compact Flash Cards formatted, numbered, and packed? Check. Three hours of sleep and a whole lot of coffee? Got that too.

This BLOG is brought to you via the incredible staff who are taking care of the Media Center at the WOrld Ag Expo. They have truly gone out of their way to make everyone feel welcome.

After I received my shot list for the day, which did include Rudy Gulliani, my plans are set and I am ready to go. Check back regularly for updates.

From the Expo,
Scott

A New Season

2007-01-20T11:03:00.000-08:00

I must say that I am incredibly excited for the next 8 months. I am truly amazed how God continues to bless everything that I just do not deserve.

The World Ag Exposition is just under a month away. For those of you who are not familiar with this, it is hundreds of acres of farming equipment, vendors, and activities - the largest in the world. I will have the chance to photograph industry leaders, possibly the Governor of our state, and the Secretary of Food and Agriculture. Yes, it is a different venue than most weddings, but I absolutely love to be back in my agriculture roots that I grew up in and look forward to seeing old friends while working. However, this will be an incredibly stressful time for me since it is such a "make or break" event.

Then, Bonnie's Wedding. I can't say how excited I am to work with Bonnie and Nathan, two people that I have come to love since I moved to the Bay Area. Truly genuine, kind, and caring people. I can't wait to document their day and give them photos that they will cherrish throughout their lives.

Then, Ethiopia. All of these have made it possible for me to upgrade this year's camera equipment to offer the very best in professional photography.

On a side note. The students I coach won their sectional debate competition, and now we are on to regionals. I think the greatest joy available right now is to help guide children towards a successful future. Seeing the smiles on their faces when they see the result of their hard work payed off is priceless. Now, onto coaching the kids who are competing in speaking competitions.

God's grace is truly amazing in what he allows us to do.

What We Can Learn From MLK

2007-01-15T11:30:00.000-08:00

There are a few reasons I love MLK. The first and least of these is a day off. The most of which is his unyielding dedication to stand up for what is right even though he knew it would eventually cost him his life.

We were talking yesterday about how revolutionary King's non-violent protests were during the Civil Rights Movement of the 60's. Before that time, the two common methods for dealing with conflict and abusive behavior were to 1. take the punishment, and 2. retaliate. Taking it "on the cheek" only breeds bitterness and heightens the gap between the two factions. Retalaliation only breeds more violence and will eventually sway the neutrals to believe a stereotype that you are trying to correct. Learning from Christ's teachings, MLK showed that by our actions and heart, we must sometimes stand up in such a way as to force someone to think about their actions and reevaluate their viewpoints. The heroics of the protestors at the Selma riots showed the world needed a change in its viewpoint. On his last speech recorded before he died, he spoke of the mountaintop he had been to. He had seen the Glory of God, and though he said he doubts he will enter this time with his brothers, that he saw it coming. How amazing. Even if you don't get to see your dream come true, to know that it will. He was a man that was comfortable with dying, knowing he contributed all that he could to his cause - heart, mind, body and soul.

So I have to ask myself what my cause is. Am I committed heart, mind, body and soul? I must allow my dream of reaching the world to put my actions that hinder it into submission. For when it is my time to go just like his, I want my faith to be unyielding, my dreams fulfilled, and the world better off.

On a side note, I finally received a few sample albums from Candids2000. I love the quality of the prints, the finishing that they use, and the leather for the covers. All seem to be very high quality. I am excited to be apart of this company, and I cannot wait to see the Destiny and Legend albums.

A great Vacation

2007-01-13T14:02:00.000-08:00

Since leaving college, a day off has become so much sweeter. I believe that is because, at this point in life, I have never been this busy as any other time in my life. In addition, it allowed me to follow my dreams, think, read philosophy, and meet with old friends.

The best thing (besides sleep) was celebrating Dan and Megan's engagement with a very brief engagement shoot (though the only alloted time was the worst time of day to photograph). Seth (Nathan and Jordan's son) turned 18 months and was also a dream to photograph.

Exciting News

2007-01-13T13:54:00.000-08:00

My dream has come true, and I did not do anything to deserve it. For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to go to Africa, photograph that amazing country, and help the people living there.

20 other members of my church will be headed to Ethiopia on a support mission to establish initial contact with the country, bring much needed medical supplies and food, and hopefully help with the children in the schools. My role will be just like that of the other members, but I am also going to be photographing the entire mission from the people we encounter, the work that God does, and the tragedies facing a country that is one of the most impoverished in the world. I hope that God can use a talent He is building in me to reach America's heart and drive support for this nation.

I am incredibly excited, but also very nervous. I have never taken a leap of faith like this before - financially and in faith. I am missing a very, very important meeting in my profession, but this is worth it.

We need prayer as a group - both for our safety since there have been bombings and confusion with terrorist activity in this region, and for financial support. We must raise over $2800 to go to this mission. Many of us can afford to pay this on our own, but we are trusting God that He will bless others in their hope to bless us.

I pray that my pictures will move the Silicon Valley, an area of rich resources, to share just 1% of their wealth for this amazing country and their nationals.