Good Bye 2009!

As I look back on 2009, I can't help but reflect upon the experiences I have shared and more importantly, appreciate the people with which I have been blessed to share 2009. I am so grateful for you all!

Christmas

(above) My daughter, Ellie

I hope you are celebrating this Christmas season with the ones you love!

Some 'behind-the-scenes' photos to accompany yesterday's post

My mom snapped these photos of me in action during the village family photo shoot

A few days later distributing some prints

I know I've already shared quite a few photos, but here's a sampling of some more images...

"Best Friends" and a Story

Before sharing today's images, let me briefly share the impetus for my recent trip to Alb*nia.

It starts with a story that took place last winter. My dad was walking through the village of Vl*sh when he was stopped on the road by an elderly gentleman. The fellow said to my father, "Sir! We know you are the man with the camera!"
[editorial note: my dad is where I learned a love for photography, and this gentleman was right to know that Dad never goes anywhere without his camera]!
He continued, "Can you come to my home and take a photo of my wife? She is dying and I have no photos to remember her by!" (be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom to read the rest of dad's story)

I was touched that this man wanted a tangible reminder of his wife, and saddened that he most likely didn't have many, if any, photos of her during happier times in life. It clicked (pardon the pun) that I could easily bring my camera and photograph anyone in the village who would want to have their photo taken. Dad and I decided to plan my trip around Thanksgiving. Given that November weather could be incredibly unpredictable with limited daylight hours, and that we had no idea how many would respond to the offer of a free family portrait, I decided early on to bring my portable studio and set up in the ministry's building centrally located in the heart of the community.

In spite of spreading the word ahead of time about "picture day", the response was a bit slow. Early in the day, the bulk of our 'takers' were the kids who hang around the center playing soccer. Eventually some mothers came with their children, and even a few dads showed up. We shouldn't have been too surprised though because it's just not something that many families do -- go to a professional photographer to have a family portrait made, much less display family photos around the home. Nevertheless, I knew that once they had a photo in hand, it would be received well and treasured because I had visited enough homes and seen my father's photographs prominently displayed (usually the only photographs in the home).

We went to the city and had prints made from the studio session. Upon returning to the village and distributing the first few prints, word spread like wildfire and person after person appeared at the center and were requesting to get their picture. That was even more fun than taking the photos! While I had hoped to get more family photos, I started to fall in love with these photos of the younger generation with their friends. Here are a few of my favorites:

(Above) These girls are so close, they even blink in sync!

(Above) Cousins!

(above and below) Siblings!

Now, to finish my dad's story from last winter... When he reached the elderly gentleman's home, my dad was surprised to find his 'dying' wife was not really on her deathbed, instead, she was hoe-ing a patch of potatoes! I don't know if there was a loss in translation or an exaggeration of circumstances, but regardless, as they say, "the rest is history."

The "K" Family

In the last ten or so years of their time in Albania, my parents have invested the bulk of their energies in a particular community located between the capital city and the Adriatic. The fruit from that time has been relationships with some really great people. The "K" family is an example of one of those. One of my favorite memories from my last visit was an incredible supper at their home - an opportunity to experience their generosity and hospitality. I know I sound like a broken record, but again, these kids (Anselmo and Anseda) have grown UP! When I first met them, they were grade-school age, and now they're preparing for university! It's been a pleasure to get to know their parents a little better now too. Mr. K gave one of my father's favorite quotes from an Albanian. In response to the question, "What is the best place in your country?", Mr. K responded without skipping a beat, "The village in which my wife was born." Isn't that sweet?

The "Z" family

Here is set number 2 from my collection of family portraits in Albania. This family is particularly special to me! I've known this family since I was a college student and the twins were infants. I couldn't get over how GROWN UP the kids have become, while their parents haven't changed a bit (wink!). Darla (the youngest) apparently just lost her front teeth and didn't feel comfortable giving me a full smile, but did everything else I asked! Sarah (named after my mom, isn't that cool?) is such a pretty young woman. And yes, Kelly, that is an Univ. of ILLINOIS t-shirt that Kadje is wearing under his sweater!

The "P" family

While in Albania last month I had the pleasure of photographing the 'P' family. The parents, Genti and Shpresa, have worked with my parents in village ministry for almost four years. This was my second opportunity to meet them and get to know them better, a very nice and gracious family!

My mom had the idea to shoot here, at the offices of VUSH, which occupy a former embassy building in the heart of Tirana. I wish she lived closer by to serve as my permanent location scouter! Given that the sun sets SO early, our biggest challenge was finding light at 3 in the afternoon after the kids were out of school!

The goal of the session was to make a photo to send in their church Christmas letter. I think we were able to get more than a few options to choose from!

European Gowns

Over Thanksgiving week last month I had the privilege of traveling to the country of Albania. I embarked upon a long-anticipated photography project and have lots of images to share in the coming weeks here on this blog! While in country, I stayed at my parents' downtown Tirana apartment, but took many trips out into surrounding communities and up into the mountains. Gazing out the van window on those many trips is always interesting because over the course of the past 15 years (since my first of eight visits to this small country) I've seen quite a few changes as this land, people, and economy has transitioned from communism. I like to see what kinds of businesses are flourishing and which new products finding their way to market; essentially see capitalism at work (little known fact: I studied economics at the graduate level).

My parents' neighborhood is now just a few blocks from some of the nicest shopping in the country. One night as we drove home we rolled past a stunning window display unlike anything I had seen there before. Because of the high cost of storefront space, most vendors cram as much merchandise into their displays as possible, because after all, you never know what that pedestrian might be shopping for. This particular display was eye catching in its simplicity: three white wedding gowns in a black room.

Realizing I had found some rich blog content, I added it to my mental list of places to return. A few nights later I came back and snapped thse photos. Apparently I lingered too long because I was shoo-ed away and scolded. I understand some Albanian, but even if I hadn't, the shopkeeper's message was still clear -- my photos were not welcome! If you are interested in any of these Spanish-designed beauties, they can be yours for a mere $5-6K!

(above) my favorite

The first window display on the main street was an advertisement for this little shop (above), which was tucked away down a dark alley. This was taken right before my scolding!

Amber & Kaleb's "save-the-dates"

I thought I might share here Amber and Kaleb's save-the-dates for their upcoming summer wedding... These were ordered as large magnets, a convenient reminder piece for their friends and family!

Kami's Nashville Headshots

Early in October, as I drove down to Memphis for Jessica and John David's wedding, I stopped in Nashville for a fun little photo shoot with college roommate, Kami. Kami is a free-lance writer, occasional nomad, coffee officianado, thinker, and good friend. She suggested a couple of great places to capture some headshots and brought some props that reflected her lifestyle and interests! These images have been sitting on my computer way too long not to share! Enjoy!