When a HERO takes on a new challenge

by Paul Mobley on May 8, 2013

in Interesting Photo Subject, On the Road, Photography Resources

Dr. Vanderpool and his son's in Haiti

I photographed many amazing people across the U.S. Everyday Heroes that are changing the world.  I heard their stories.  Each one had a reason why they took on their project or cause. Whether through a tragedy or because of a need they’d noticed.  They seemed to have a heart for people, a genuine concern for what is happening in the world.

One of those Heroes has taken on yet another project….well, it’s more of a life altering change.  Dr. David Vanderpool and his wife, Laurie are selling everything and moving to Haiti to serve the people there.  This isn’t a part time gig for him, this time its different.  They are giving away and selling everything including his medical practice.  They have a need to go further with the medical mission they started in Haiti just after the January 2010 earthquake.

Their plans are ambitious but the need to help, to give the Haitian people health care, clean water and food has evolved into this life changing move.  They are committed to serving other’s needs. You can find their whole story here.  Read it for yourself and see how one or two people can make significant change in the world.

My EVERYDAY HEROES book

This past week I recieved an email, letting me know that my Everyday Heroes book, has just won TWO big awards.  The GOLD Nautilus Book Award (Better Books for a Better World), and the GOLD IPPY award. The Nautilus award recognizes books that promote spiritual growth, conscious living and positive social change. The “IPPY” award also recognizes many outstanding books. Everyday Heroes was chosen as the book “most likely to save the planet” and was complimented for ‘having the courage and creative necessary to take chances, break new ground, and bring about change”. It was chosen over 5,000 other books submitted. I can’t think of a better way to honor these Everyday Heroes.  This is one of those times when a project exceeds the potential of it’s original vision.  The people I met and photographed changed my perspective on life and the way that I live it. The individuals and organizations they represent are changing the world.  These awards tells me that people are paying attention, they are compassionate and moved by these Heroes who have given their lives to serve others. So thank you to Nautilus & IPPY for “getting it,” for paying attention and honoring these amazing people.

Here’s a few more of my favorite Hero images.

I  hope it inspires you to try something new, be open to new ideas, or most importantly…………………help your fellow man.

Mark Goldsmith

Captain Charlie Plumb

Cynthia Grace

Rochelle "Rocky" Jones

Earl Shorris

Taryn Davis

Mike Utley

{ 0 comments }

What came first, the CAMERA or the LENS?

by Paul Mobley on April 18, 2013

in Interesting Photo Subject, On the Road, Photography Resources

The Camera..........or the Lens?

Many people struggle with the question of what kind of equipment they should have.  Will “XYZ” suit their needs or shooting style? What if they don’t have a shooting style yet or know what their prefered subject matter might be? These may be relevent questions, especially for beginners who don’t want to spend a lot of money on the wrong camera body or lens. Here’s the truth, and you may have heard this before, it’s the photographers that make good pictures, not camera’s.

I’ve talked before about “seeing” your subject…..what is it that moves us to some sort of emotion.  You need to begin with using your imagination and making an image with good compostion.  Sometimes the equipment needs to get out of the way so you can dig into what you are seeing, capture the essence of your subject.  For those of you who may be technically minded, you may have to do some retraining.  Shake it up. Shoot in program mode for an afternoon.  Pick up your old polaroid camera or the toy Holga you’ve had sitting on your shelf (the one you don’t even remeber how you got) or take your phone and for a few hours, just play.  Use the light in a new way, walk around your object and take a different point of view. Get close then move back and get the bigger picture.  Be a kid again. I cannot tell you how important this is!

Once you find that freedom, you may find yourself less concerned about what you shoot with.  We may need to have the conversation about what you might want to upgrade your camera body to or what might be the best lens for taking pictures of high action, low light, pets, portraits etc, but lets save that for another day.  Be inspired by your surrounds and light and expressions, then we’ll talk.

Always remember, the camera is just a “device” that records what comes out of your heart.

"Street Photographer" by Irving Penn

{ 0 comments }

Visit a Gallery…..you’ll be glad you did!

March 26, 2013

Very early in my career a good friend said “to be a great photographer you need to look at lot’s of pictures”. Look at as many magazines as you can. Old ones, new ones, fashion, travel, political….look, look and keep looking.  At the time, I didn’t really see the point. But now I realize the [...]

Read the full article →

Being “just” a photographer is not enough

February 27, 2013

If the world was perfect, I’d wake up each morning, walk my dog, drink my coffee, and just take pictures. But in the world we live,  so much competition, the evolution of digital, we need to do more. MUCH MORE!  Photographers litter our streets like paper confetti, with the use of digital camera’s and smart [...]

Read the full article →

Everyday Heroes………My Second Book!

November 6, 2012

Well, it’s been another long journey. Another 3 years criss-crossing the country. All in the hope of “finding the next great face”. In this case, Everyday Heroes. Ordinary people, like all of us, trying to make the world a better place. I must say, what an experience it was. One I will never forget. I’ve [...]

Read the full article →

The “Color” of Black & White

September 5, 2012

I miss the darkroom…………………
For many years I stood over the chemicals and I watched (and agonized) trying to make the perfect print. I would wait in amazement wondering what the image would look like. It was a lot of work mixing up chemicals, cleaning up, sitting in a dimly lit room waiting.
In a weird way, [...]

Read the full article →

Adios Santa Fe—Part III

August 14, 2012

Well, another year has come and gone…………………
Last week we finished another glorious week at the Santa Fe Workshops. I’ve learned to love Santa Fe in so many ways. More than I can count. All I can say is that “if you haven’t been there, you should go”. There’s just something in the air! We had [...]

Read the full article →

How much equipment do you really need?

July 18, 2012

I get asked this very question almost daily……………………
The answer is, not very much.
With today’s technology, the manufacturers are making it very easy to get by MINIMALLY. Of course they don’t want you to know that. They would love for you to buy everything they sell. But, in today competitive world of photography, you  really need [...]

Read the full article →

My 2012 Santa Fe Workshop….Last Chance!

June 18, 2012

Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters

Santa Fe, New Mexico might be my favorite place in the world. I travel a lot with my work and get asked quite often….”where’s your favorite place”?  I have so many favorites, especially in Europe, but there’s something about Santa Fe. The obvious things are the stunning beauty, the clean [...]

Read the full article →

When Should You Stop Shooting?

April 24, 2012

More than anything, the #1 question I am asked goes a little something like this:
“How should I know when I’ve got the shot?”

As a photographer, your job is to orchestrate and take control of the situation. It should then come as no surprise that along with everything else, knowing when you’ve gotten the shot is [...]

Read the full article →

← Previous Entries