Christian Photographers Community

So I'm writing this post to reintroduce myself to all the newbies and find out more about you....

My name is Gregg and I live in Lakewood, Colorado (I just moved here 2 weeks ago)... I have studied photo and work at a fine art and fashion photographer that focuses on portraiture. With this new change in scenery I'm going to have to rebuild my clientelle and others that I work with (hairstylists, makeup artists, fashion designers, models... although I don't cater to the societal view on models... Most of the time I use regular everyday people that just wanna work with me).

As far as my work with photography I belive that God has given me this talent to use for him but to also explain different ideas in the church that need to be talked about. I am working on a few series of photos for galleries (and have recently finished a few) that will explain my views on how the church needs to change.

I also do fashion... and yes I said fashion... most people would see this as a way that I would fall, but I have a group of people that advise me and pray with me about each shoot I do. And if my beliefs or feelings come into play where I don't feel comfortable, I don't do the shoot. I think that as I work in the industry I need people to come around me to advise me, pray for me, and help me in my witness... and that's what I have done.

I'm just wondering... For you younger photographers (I'm thinkin the like 18-35 set)... How do you see God leading you with your photography? And how are you using that to the advantage to share your faith?

Well I hope to hear from some of you....


--- Gregg

Well, I'm just about in your age group. Still have two years to go  .

I've been thinking about photography and am beginning to be more certain that this is a gift from God. I'm looking forward to going into either journalism or multimedia stuff and believe that I will be able to use my talents for God!

Great!!

What I am wondering is if you have any plans as to how you want to move on with those talents and use them for God. I am working very hard on some projects that definitely change views on Christians and their view of art. Right now I am also working towards securing a medium format camera which will be integral in my upcoming projects. Do you have any plans as to how you want to continue forward in your endeavors in photo and design?

If I was going to live anywhere, Lakewood might be the place I'd choose. Consider yourself lucky, lol. Do you live near Colorado Christian College/University?

I would fall in the 18-35 range almost. I'll be 18 in a week. But I'm just now learning about photography. I have not found many ways to share my faith through photography yet, but I'm sure I will soon enough.

Are there any companies that you do photography for that I might have heard of?

Photography as work is getting more difficult these days. Most companies, newspapers, or other groups requiring photos are turning to regular amateur photographers for pictures for free instead of going to professionals who will charge for the time and photographs. Freelancing and self-employment is probably the most difficult as most of the time is spent looking for work and less of it is actually taking photos. Working for a newspaper has its advantages except that they own the rights to the photos a photographer takes. Then, they can sell the photo to other magazines or as posters, prints. Then the newspapers get all the profits and the actual photographer gets nothing. Thus said, I am planning to go with graphic design. I enjoy doing graphic work on the computer. I also figure that graphic design will be in high demand as new graphic programs are coming out for computers and someone will have to know how to use them. Also, new companies are sprouting up all the time and old companies are looking for new identities or media (i.e. flyers, booklets, logo designs etc.). But, I'd also like to shoot as a profession . I'm hoping to purchase a new, faster camera so I can begin shooting sports. Even though there isn't much of a concentration of the following sports in my area, I think I'd really enjoy shooting them. Some of them include, skiing, snowboarding, sailing, and some Olympic style sports. I'm also interested in perhaps going on a photo mission. ABWE (American Baptist World Evangelism) published an article about photographers heading off on trips to follow missionaries around the world for two weeks and shoot their activities. I think currently however, I'm looking to perhaps get a job over the summer either freelancing for my local newspaper, working as a photographer at a local Christian camp, or being an assistant to a pro. Meanwhile, I'm still trying to learn as much as possible about photography as I can. I've been taught by my dad and I have also self taught myself some of the digital stuff. My dad still shoots film (has been for nearly 30 years, still using a Nikon Ftn). With that being said, I'm hoping that God will lead me in a direction where I can use my talents. If indeed, it is God's will for me to have a career in media, it will be a dream come true.

So Ryan and I are the only ones??? C'mon I know there's gotta be more of you out there!!

Ok, I'll put my .02 cents in...
I'm a little on the other side of the age span (40) and I work (part time) in corporate, headshot, fashion, and glamour photography. LOL, like Gregg said, regarding his fashion work, it's not what standard glamour photography in the world is about. I do love to make women feel good about themselves, and photography is brave for them to try, as so many struggle with self image issues. It's not the "pout with feather boa" image that blesses most women. I like sensual images - but not sexual images. The difference is that sensual images reveal the person's spirit, not their, um, physical  attributes. This way I can do glamour sessions with women in their 50's up, and the photos still bless them - and still looks like them! It's taken many years to develop my boundaries in this area. Yes, with the mostly welcome helpful guidance from my wife..! LOL

I have a calling to bless identity. This involves speaking the Father heart of God to clients, and seeing them 'blossom' in a way, when receiving affirmation, especially when they're in a vulnerable situation.

I'm amazed how deeply women are affected by this undefinable standard of beauty. I feel the enemy has really done his work in this, as so many women feel they're 'failing' and they really don't know how to 'win'. Don't get me going on this! So my photography stands against this, by blessing people as they are now.

Bless you,
Gordo

And it all starts with a barbie.

I would love to see some of your work, Gordo.  I will take a look at your website.

I can't seem to get past the front page of your website. hmm..

I only have a front page so far on my website...

I'm working on it...

I'll be putting some photos in my album here (when I figure out how to do that)..!

Thanks,

Gordo

Well Luke, I actually just work in Lakewood, right now I'm working a full time job until I get new clientele... I've mostly done shoots for photo students and then done my own fine art work... I'm doing this as mostly my own artistic stuff... but every once in a while I may get contract or freelance work (mostly just smaller companies...)

I'm actually workin a couple of blocks from Colorado Christian University... Do you go there?

Come on... There's no way that Luke, Ryan, and I are the only ones here... anyone else out there?

I am the New Newbie,  God gave me the love for photography about 4 years ago.  My dream is to be in Kauffman Stadium shooting the KC Royals   I know, I know what you all are thinking.  "Why the KC Royals?"  I have been a royals fan since I was in pampers.  My dad  used to take me to the ball games.  When I got into high school my family fell apart, my twin bro, my sister and I  got on drugs pretty heavy.  My dad went through a cricis and dumped my mom after 27 yrs of being togetherand 5 childeren.  There was easily a year where I hardly spoke to my dad.  On June 30, 1997 I met Jesus in a parking lot of a hollywood video.  Since then God has given me a deeper love for my dad,  I canstantly saw the sorrow in his heart.  He needed forgivness.  When I was on drugs I fell away from any interest in sports but  I began to follow baseball again to have a communication point with my dad.  That is how I fell in love for the game of baseball. weird huh?.
The awsome thing about that is that my dad now has forgiveness in his heart now and I Love my dad more today then ever.  The weird thing is, my dad does not have to much interest in baseball.  Oh well God moves in weird ways and I love that.  My twin bro and my sister now are deeply in love with Jesus as well.  Don't ever stop praying for your loved ones.
I also have a love for digital work,  I would love to make posters and promotional items for Christian bands of all genras.
I would love to get to know all you' young ones'  so write as much as you can.     

Hey Matt... Nice to hear from you.... Amazing testimony.

So what kind of stuff do you shoot? I'm mostly doing portraiture and fashion stuff, but since I have moved to Colorado recently, I have taken a little to landscapes...

Hope to hear more from you....

Gregg

Hey Gregg
For business I shoot, weddings, engagements, seniors, families, babies, and pretty much anything that pays.  For fun I shoot all the above and sports, landscape and abstract stuff. 
Where did you live before Colorado? 

Hey Matt... That's cool... I'm tryin to go into the more artistic side of things with my photos and if I works out that I get paid to do it then great...

Before Colorado I lived in California (moved because of finances... just got too expensive to live there!!!)

Well all you young ones
Here is a new topic for you.
Outside of photography and Forums, what are your hobbies and what kind of music do you lissten to.
I will start off by saying I, for fun, play disc golf.  Disc golf is a poor version of regular golf.  most disc golf coursed do not charge a thing to play because they are in public courses.  An average length of a hole is about 250- 300 feet.  The longest hole in Lincoln is 666 feet,  I supose the people who run the course did that for a purpose.  You do not play with a regular frisbee (you can but it is not as fun) you can buy disk golf disc at most major sporting good stores.  In a pro tournament, no matter how long or short the hole is, is par 3.  Most advid Disc golfers play par 3 outside of tournaments.  Sometimes an amateur par is posted at the launch pad in some parks.  The object is to get your disc in a basket by throwing it any form you want, underarm overhand, any way you can get it there.
Music
I am a huge fan of a band called Waterdeep
They are a pit of everything in the genre of rock and roll,  They are very annointed worship leaders as well.  I supose I have always liked switchfoot.   There is a worship band out of North Carolina called Morning star  they are a very coltured style of worship using every kind of instrument including everything that has breath.  I like Jars of clay quite a bit.  Passion, Matt Redman, David Crowder just ot name a few more. 

Matt,

I've played disk golf, it is a pretty interesting game.  It's been awhile since I had played it, so it brought up alot of memories.

I'm very different from you in that I like the old fashioned hymn's!!

K4J

Hey Matt --- Gald to see you getting involved... Ok, onto your questions...

Hobbies: Snowboarding and Skateboarding.... I started skating at the age of 7 and my feet have never left the board... Snowboarded for about 11 years now.... I also love to draw, paint, play music (I play drums, bass, and guitar), and I also write slam poetry....

Music: I am very eclectic in my musical tastes... being a musician (also starting at a young age) I have played a lot of different genres of music and enjoy so many.... I love everything from jazz to hip hop, metal to classical... But here are some of my favorite groups. I'll give you some URLs to check them out too....

--- mewithoutYou (www.mewithoutyou.com)
--- Norma Jean (www.normajeannoise.com)
--- Mutemath (www.mutemath)
--- Muse (www.muse.mu)
--- Lightheaded (www.wearelightheaded.com)
--- Pigeon John (www.pigeonjohn.com)
--- Bradley Hathaway (www.thebradley.net) *** awesome slam poet ***

I also like Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, BB King, Johnny Cash, and many others....


--- Gregg

well, for me God uses my photography a whole lot! I shoot how I feel, so I shoot a lot out of an act of praise. I also shoot a lot of our youth members in my backyard shed studio and make prints for their familys. I don't make any money yet, but I feel that God is soon going to grant that to me and then I can also use that money to minister to others.
all in all, I feel my photography is all God's and He uses it daily as he pleases

Hey Gregg!

I fit right in the middle of your age range (I'm 25 - although I feel like I'm 80 after a crazy summer of weddings!) :-) I think you asked a great question that we all should be thinking about everyday! I feel that God has given me with the gift of photography not so that I can make $$$ but so that I can grow his kingdom!  He's blessed me with work and a business that can go many different directions, but for now I feel like I need to be faithful and work hard day in and day out and this alone will bring glory and honor to him.  Through this he has given me amazing opportunities to share my faith with more and more people and it seems that the bigger the business gets the more people I can influence. Just the other day I was thinking to myself how amazing it would be to lead someone to Christ who I had met and developed a relationship with purely because of photography...and I'm sure it'll happen - and hopefully more than once!

God bless you brother!
DJ

Hey David... Nice to have you here!!!

Do you do any other photography other than weddings? Personally I don't think I could ever shoot a wedding again. Done 2 weddings before and I just didn't like doing them.... I'm more on the art side of it and wanting to get my stuff in galleries and such.

Glad to have you here... I'd love to see more of your stuff (of the non wedding related variety) and also talk about how we can protect ourselves being in the business of photography.

Hope to hear more form you soon!

David I Checked out your website.  Every bit of is really cool.  The photos, quotes, intro and Music.  I see weddings keep you pretty busy.  I just got started in portrait photography this summer and I have got to say that your work is an inspirition to me.  Keep up the good work.  It is good to have you here in CP.  Keep in touch.   

Welcome, Matt - Thats an amazing testimony!  How right you are...never give up praying for unsaved family and friends!  My own husband was saved just four short years ago.  We have been married for forty-six years; my parents prayed faithfully for both of us for many years!

I am a wanna be younger person again.  Does that count.  I am wanting to start wedding photography.  I already take portraits, but not really a big business yet.  Hoping to get that rolling sometime in March.  I have about 8 photoshoots a month right now. 

Sonja
I am not sure where the line between young and old is.  I heard it is a state of mind.  If that is the case I will never grow up haha.

I have 3 weddings coming up real soon and it will be my 3,4 and 5th weddings overall.  To me it is a working science everytime I shoot I learn more.  I followed a wedding photographer and helped him with one wedding for free, just so he could show me a few things.  That helped alot.  I bet you have a few tricks up your sleve. 
I am going to start a post titled "Tricks",   I think everyone has a few tricks up their sleve to share. 

That is a great idea.  It is just finding someone here who will let me do that.

I'm 28 and I am about to start working on one or two 'Christian photography' projects (hopefully fulltime) here in Australia.

Gregg - I would be interested to see/hear about the photos you're working on.

Hi Gregg...  You ok?

Well I will respond to this too even though I just found my way to this forum. I am 23 so I fall in your younger generation.

I find this is an excellent question that I am continuely asking myself as I grow my business.

I predominately shoot newborns, children, teens, Engagements and the occasional wedding. I LOVE the family dynamic. I enjoy the fact that they are allowing me to be the one to help them preserve those family memories.

I guess I always look at it as giving them a constant reminder of the love the Lord has given them in their lives. If I give them an image that shows them a glimmer of what they hope for there family to be, then its more to strive for. I don't know how sappy that sounds. I don't mean it that way. But trully, thats my thought. I also offer my clients scripture prints to hang in there home with a shot and a scripture. Something new and modern, not the same old same old. Something the young generation would like. We shouldn't have to have something old and outdated in our home that doesn't reflect our current clean cut style to show that our home loves the Lord.

Personally, I am also doing a worship series for my own project. Getting images of communion and prayer and baptism slowly as the year goes on and other things that are worship without being so obvious. This is just my own personal project, that I have a vision for, and would love to offer to my local churches as some more modern updated shots for their backgrounds to songs. 

Hmm was that long enough.. hahaha Also be true to your style and your calling in your images if your following the holy spirit in your integrity of your shots, you will surely find a style and a niche all your own and that will be your selling point. I can't imagine how difficult that would be in fashion.

Great topic, thanks for making me think, this morning!

I'm definitly in this age group...  I graduated with a BFA in photography... Currently a cubical monkey running statistical research and analysis for DFS (Discover Financial Services) and I do weddings on the side for fun.

I went into photography knowing that my calling is in missions photojournalism and that's still where I"m going!!!  But first, must become financially independent...  I believe that since I was giving the gift and ability to support myself I should do so even when I head off to do missions pj.