DCOY

Most of my photo "expeditions" are with my former student and good friend Dustin Coy. It seems like yesterday when I first met Dustin. It was at a camp hosted by the church I know work for. Somewhat of an interviewing process with both feet in the water... It was shortly after that I had both feet in the water with Dustin as he committed his life to Christ and was baptized. Dustin is one of those "natural" artist. You know those who never had to really study for that final exam and still passed with an A+? Well, Dustin has a natural artistic style. His eye sees it like many never do. It's innovating and original. Both he and I can take pictures of the same thing and his, most of the time, looks better than mine. Jerk! Not really. Not only can Dustin capture photography he is an natural painter and sculpture. It's incredible to see fresh talent like his. One year ago Dustin made a vow to his sweetheart, Samantha, and they celebrate their one year anniversary today, of which I was honored to perform the ceremony. To add to this celebration, Dustin and Samantha's first child is due the first of July. It's been a great journey and I know we will have many more. I feel as if Dustin is a part of my family. I trust him. His heart is pure and I'm glad he serves God with me. It means a lot to have someone who can offer as much as Dustin can on your team. I only hope I can encourage him as much as he has encouraged me. Happy Anniversary my friend. peace. johno~

Best kept secret

I do love photography. It is a wonderful outlet for me. It stops the rushing world around me and makes me stand still. Details. To be able to share lives in this forum is a great blessing for me. Old lives and new ones, old friends and new ones. Landon Michaelson presented a lighting class at our photography association class a few months ago and it was wonderful. I knew there was something different about him. Not only does he tower over the masses in his physical height his smile and joy overflowed. Overflowed... that's something that doesn't come with many. It is a sign of the Spirit. I gathered knowledge from the class, got a business card and went on my way with a promise to connect sometime. Time. Time. Shopping time at Costco, I ran into Landon and his family, again, the smile and I felt the "overflow." I met his wife and two children and recommitied to "hook up" again. In a follow up email, Landon wrote, "Good to see you again. Contact me anytime about anything. Always good to meet up with another photographer, family man, and man of faith!" I KNEW IT! ANOTHER MAN OF FAITH! When the Spirit of God lives in lives, it's different. My time in knowing Landon has not been long, however, it is a relationship which will live into eternity. I love that. I look forward to the many adventures we will have... the rest of our eternity. peace. johno~

Photojournalist

(Sorry this is late... I have been very ill) I'm not sure if I have found my "inner-photographer-self" since I don't really have one subject I stick to. I like to shoot life. How do you narrow that down? I'm not sure. However, I have always admired the "photojournalist" and their ability to capture life that tells a story. Don is that man. Don works for the Wenatchee World news paper as the head supervisor of photography. He sends out a crew and sometimes himself to capture the going ons of this little town. I first met Don at my daughter’s piano recital... His daughter also plays piano. It's funny, I didn't notice him at first, I noticed his lens... Canon 70-200 2.8 L series lens which was attached to his Pro body EOS-1Ds II. Drool. At that time I clinched my Fuji Pix 5100 point and shoot, which looked like a tricycle next to a formula one race car when stacked next to the canon. I knew then why they were called CANON. I knew this was someone to learn from. I ask my daughters piano instructor who he was and she told me he worked for the news paper as a photographer. I MUST MEET THIS MAN. He can teach me. As awkward as a junior high dance, I crossed the "dance" floor to introduce myself. Voice pitched both high and low I managed to say my name followed by, "I take pictures too." STUPID! I managed to somehow work in a request to have him look at my photos to give me some pointers. He agreed and I've yet to take the next step. I guess I feel like a junior high kid not wanting rejection. I'm an idiot sometimes. Never-the-less, Don is a strong family man and Christian. He has offered much to the community here in Wenatchee through the eye of his lens. peace. Johnathan~