Out of the Comfort Zone

On Sunday, attended the ordination service of my sister as an Evangelist. I had the honor of being asked by the Pastor preside over the order of the service.

“I’m coming out of my comfort zone; God is calling me (to walk into my destiny); God is challenging me (to go where I’ve not been); God is proving me (and for the rest of my life, I’ll say yes).“

I am sooooo proud of her and how God is using her life. Sometimes God calls us to a task or ministry and we don’t answer. It takes faith in God and strength of spirit. Her quote above reminds me of a book, “Wild Goose Chase” by Mark Batterson, I started reading some months ago but haven’t gotten very far reading. Over the past year work has been far from challenging. Last year we started attending a new church but I haven’t gotten involved in a specific ministry there yet. The other day I was post-processing some wedding photos a friend and I had take, when my daughter says to me “Seriously, you should quit the job that you do and be a photographer.” For some time now I have felt a need to come out of my comfort zone. But to be honest I haven’t spent much time seeking direction about it either. In the comfort zone I guess.

“Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing.”

-Helen Keller

Pitmasters

One of my favorite TV programs to watch is BBQ Pitmasters on TLC. It’s all about competition BBQ. I have learned from the show and improved in quality and technique. While attending this year’s  Big Apple BBQ in NYC, I got to meet Chris Lilly, Chief Cook of Big Bob Gibson‘s BBQ Team. He has appeared on the show a few times. Jeffrey Steingarten, judge from Iron Chef America on Food Network and Food Critic at Vogue magazine, had just stopped by to taste Chris’ pulled pork. I just missed getting a photo with Chris and Jeffrey together. Myron Mixon’s Jack’s Old South booth was closed when I got there. He is one of the featured pitmasters on the show. It would have been great to meat that gruff character.

Me and Chris Lilly

Chris Lilly working on the pulled pork

Myron Mixon - Jack's Old South

Capturing Memories

Today is here (isn’t it always). A few months ago, a young man I know contacted me about photography for his wedding. He had heard from some mutual friends of some work I did for them. “Wow – A wedding”, I thought. No pressure there right?

It is probably the one set of photos that are taken of you that you REALLY care about the results – especially the bride! There is so much that happens in those hours you, the bride and groom, can’t even remember when it is done. So the photos chronicle the event for you.

A wedding is an event that is hard of just one photographer to cover. So, I enlisted the assistance of my fellow photographer Carly.

I’ve been considering changing camera for some months now. The Olympus E-500 has worked good for me, but there are as many options for renting lens and accessories as there is for Canon and Nikon. The navigation of the menu and settings aren’t as user-friendly either but that is less of a concern. So I decide to pull the trigger and purchase a Canon EOS Rebel T1i kit (not significantly different that the new T2i). After shooting the wedding I am going to sell the Olympus camera body and lens.

I found a place online that rents lens and camera bodies. So I ordered a Canon EOS Rebel T2i, for Carly, and (2) EF 50mm f/1.4 , (2) 17-55mm f/2.8 x2 and a Tonkia 11-16mm f/2.8 from Aperturent.com.

As I lay here in bed getting mentally preparing for the wedding, the sun is rising – the start of a beautiful day.

Shipment from Aperturent

Inside Aperturent Shipment Container