Missions Photography.
People ask me where I am heading after school, what field I am interested in, and etc. etc. I tell everyone, “Missions Photography”. If you do not know what that is, it is basically documenting missionaries, their work, and the people group they are trying to reach, while I myself am apart of ministering in whatever way I can. I love photography, but I love people more. I don’t think a job is worth more than a human life. I believe a human life is what makes a job worth doing and doing well. I have always believed that whatever job you do, you should do it for something more than self-ambition. I’m not the most selfless person, that’s for sure, but I try every day to break that selfish part of my heart. I was on a mission trip to Tijuana, Mexico after my 1oth grade year and was already into photography, I just had no real idea where I was going to take it. After Christ broke my heart for the people of Mexico through my experiences and photos, I knew this was it for me. Every day since then has only confirmed that capturing lives changing and building in Truth was my future. I love every part of photography, that is why I try my best to be good at every part, I know I still have so much to learn, but this is where my heart beats strongest. I am so stoked for the future. The top photo was taken in Tijuana, Mexico: Summer of 2005 and the bottom photo was taken in Kingston, Jamaica: Summer of 2007.
these are amazing!
Brian..You need to talk to my Amanda. She has a good friend involved in this and is planning something related to this. This person she knows is well involved already.
Brother – I totally love you!
Haha, man, ya’ll are great.
Peggy, Hit me up.
Kevin, back at ya.
this is awesome! The photos are amazing and I know the Lord had a plan for you!
Brian, I was reading this entry to my wife and she asked me if I wrote. I am also interested in becoming a missions photographer. I see that this post is nearly a year old. Can you post an update regarding your work towards becoming a missionary photographer?
I will now be receiving your RSS feeds and I look forward to reading more about your photography adventures.
I searched all over for a way to contact you, so I'll ask here and now. as far as missions photography, how have you traveled? by yourself? with a missions organization? are there any you know who take on photographers for that sole purpose? I want very much to pursue this further but have such a hard time finding such opportunities. thanks in advance for your wisdom!
Man, you inspire me! As a pastor and photographer of 25+ years, I am finding myself called to use my talents in new ways. Maybe He wants to use my photographer gifts to help tell the story of people or missions that need support. So many times images have driven me to my knees in prayer.
God Bless! Stay focused.
Just found these comments! So I want to answer back to you all.
Chris- I will update on Missions as soon as I can. Right now, everything has been in a transitional stage with graduating college, setting up this business, and working on getting this new blog and website going. I am talking with one Missions organization right now and hopefully will be traveling with them soon. I will definitely keep you posted when the trips and dates are finalized. Thanks so much for looking into my work! I really appreciate it. Sorry for the really late reply!
Naskren- Again apologies for the late reply. But, I traveled with my old church a few times and have traveled a little by myself around locally to work with local groups and organizations. There really is no title as “Missions Photographer” but with the way our society has gone, being Media Driven, almost all Missions Organizations have a media staff, that including, usually, a staff photographer or they hire freelance photographers. It’s still a growing job in the Missions world. The way to get your feet in the door is contact organizations about a possible internship or helping churches or organizations by offering to raise your own support to help them with documenting their trips. Email me if you have any more questions.
Scott- That’s so encouraging to hear, truly! Thank you so much for the kind words. It’s true that images move people to do courageous things, it’s one of the greatest things about photography if not the greatest. Thanks again!
Hello, I’m a photographer in usa but i was born in oaxaca mexico i live in oregon i wish i can be part of a mission ministry my church is a small group we don’t have mission but if any of you know anything about how to be a mission photographer please let me know i would like to be involved in that. Thank you and God bless you all.
Hey Ismael!
Thanks so much for your comment. You might have noticed that this Blog Post was posted in November of 2008… I honestly can’t believe it’s been that long! I’ll echo what I commented back to a few other people. If you have a heart for missions work and want to share the love of Jesus, start by helping your church and other local churches. There are so many needs that need to be met right down the street and images of those needs being met speak so much to this nation and the world. If you want to head across the border or overseas and your church isn’t able to provide that opportunity, research organizations like the International Missions Board, that are always looking for volunteers and take your camera wherever you go. Email me if you have anymore questions. I hope all is well!