confessions of an everyday girl

"Tell us how you love, serve or inspire
other people in your life, and what
attending the workshop might
mean for your photography journey..."

My photography journey began just under
3 years ago as I returned from teaching at
Faith Academy in Manila, Philippines.
I took a position on the Communications Team
of the Beulah Beach Camp summer staff and
I found myself tossed into a DSLR camera training session.
At the time I thought I wouldn't have time to really use that training but by
the end of the summer I was fully immersed and loving every moment of the
time I spent behind a camera. By Fall I just had to purchase a DSLR because
I knew, that for me, taking photographs would never be the same. Through the
guidance of my wonderful friend Benjamin, blogs, books and collaboration
with others I've learned so much in a very short amount of time and I continue
to learn every day.

I believe that any talent I have is God-given and that I am called
to use it to the best of my ability and for His glory. As a student at
Cedarville University I understood what it meant to serve others,
taking multiple short term missions trips and involvement in other
work projects, but it was amongst friends and faculty of the theatre
department that I learned that I could serve others with my artistic
abilities. As a senior I directed my first play, The Shadowbox. I will
never forget those moments, sitting amongst the audience, when I
knew that there was nothing better than being able to spread the love
of Jesus, the hope and power He gives, by doing what I love.

I had no idea where God would lead, only that he would use me if I
let Him. It was with that faith that I had a grand adventure as a
missionary in the Philippines then returned to the camp where I
grew up as a camper. So, with the summer of 2007 in full swing,
I learned how to use a Canon Rebel, but what's more is that I learned
how to use a camera to invest in the lives of children. I learned that
my camera was not something to hide behind but that it was a tool
to be used in reaching souls for the kingdom.

Three years later, I am blessed to lead the Communications Team.
As a team, our purpose is to capture the campers' experience through
photography and video and combine that footage on DVD to make
it possible to for them to remember the fun they’ve had and lessons
they've learned. For me, there is no greater fulfillment than observing
the kids as they watch the video for the first time. Their excitement
fills my heart with joy as they watch themselves get crazy, pray,
worship and speak of how Christ has changed their lives. As they
disappear with their parents at the end of the week, poster-sized
photos of their counseling group clutched in hand, I can’t help but
think, I have the BEST job ever.

Beyond Summer, I serve as Multi-Media Manager taking care of
publications, website, and other random acts of media at the camp.
Recently, I’ve begun to do freelance photography as my love for it
has grown. I've been following and learning from Amy’s blog for
some time now (thanks to her sister-in-law, Heather). I continually
relate to and am inspired by Amy and her beautiful work as I
photograph the kids and senior portraits. Every time I see a work-
shop come up I get excited and think someday I WILL find a way
to attend because there is nothing like learning from those who inspire you.