Two Epic Costa Rica Xpeditions

In 2012 the lives of my family were impacted for the better.  We were contacted by the most amazing non-profit, Ocean Healing Group.  They are actively "Carving the 'Dis' out of Disability," one child at a time!  Our son Christian was born "differently abled."  He has a neuromuscular disease, CMT, that is classed with Muscular Dystrophy.  This in turn caused him to have a joint disorder, AMC, or Arthro-Gryposis, which roughly means "stiff joints."  He was born with severe club feet, his right hip out of socket...missing a ball & socket all together actually,  and various other troublesome issues that evolve out of having fused joints.  The doctors at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children were so unsure what his abilities would be that when I asked "Will he walk?" they danced right around it with the most vague of answers: "He may walk, he may not walk, he may walk, and then not walk!"  ??? Well, walk he did.  After many surgeries, and countless hours of physical therapy, he got up and went.  He used a wheel chair to go any significant distance, but he could walk!  I was absolutely struck with the realization that nothing would hold this kid back.  Nothing.     In 2012 Christian was in middle school, experiencing all the awkwardness that that right of passage has to offer, and perhaps more.  In spite of his tremendously positive attitude, there is no doubt that it is challenging to be an adolescent who is seemingly a little different than his peers.  When Ocean Healing Group reached out to us, and said they would like to take the family to Costa Rica and teach Christian how to Surf, it sounded unbelievable.  Too good to be true, even.  Although it took a sizable leap of faith, our family decided it was a once in a lifetime opportunity that we would be foolish to pass up.  The long and short of it, is that that boy stood up and surfed!  Here are a few of my favorite images from our Epic Xpedition:  

Not a dry eye in the ocean.  One of the most spectacular moments of my life.  Bar none.  At a time when it would be   easy to feel sorry for yourself, or bemoan the unfairness of life, Christian demonstrated a perseverance that would make anyone take notice.  I can't begin to thank Ocean Healing Group enough for being the vessel to put the wind in his sails at maybe the most opportune moment in Christian's life.  They are a group of the most servant minded wonderful human beings a person could be blessed enough to stumble across.  We immediately felt a kinship, and knew we wanted to continue to be a part of their efforts and their lives.  This past summer, 2015, we were granted just such an opportunity.  The Elmore family traveled back to Costa Rica as volunteers this time.  Again, life changing for the better.  It was empowering for Christian to be in the position to be of service to someone else, instead of the one getting all of the attention.  It was joyous to be back at home with our Ocean Healing Family again.  The Camp is called Shaka, located on the southern Nicoya Peninsula; and when OHG is there, the adventures are called JAWS.  (Just Add Water Surfing)  The adventure branch of my company, jenXpeditions, was able to volunteer photo and video services for the week.    Here is my attempt  to capture what great things Ocean Healing Group is doing for families during the JAWS 24 camp:

International Vacation Photographer

Two weeks ago, I had the good fortune to be shooting a corporate vacation for The Delta Companies on Providenciales, one of the Turks and Caicos Islands.  It was delightful to get a little closer to the equator, and warm up during this unseasonably long and cold Texas winter.  

We took a couple of boat excursions.  One to go snorkeling, and visit Iguana Island, and one spectacular sunset cruise.  These first images are off of the snorkeling jaunt.  

I think the greatest thing about Turks and Caicos is the warm turquoise water.  It is absolutely exquisite.  I found myself completely mesmerized by it.  What a great blessing to get to witness such beauty in this world.  

Fabulous Sunsets every night we were there.  Too many favorite images to choose from.

17 top producers from The Delta Companies, and their plus one's, earned the 5 day trip to the tropics.  It can safely be said that this group knows how to work hard and play hard alike!  Two of my favorite ethics to find in people.  

One of the most enjoyable parts about being a photographer is capturing people's happiest moments.  Happy moments were happening in abundance this week!

The outrageous color of the water is complemented by an almost white powder textured beach.  It was a work out to run or walk in, but it was lovely to look at.  I certainly got my fair share of exercise marching around in the hot sun, in that soft sand, with all of my gear on my back.

Yes, warmth and happiness were in abundance here.  So much warmth, that I was almost ready to get out of the sun when it was all said and done.  There was lot's of sunburning going on.  Apply, apply, apply sunblock, and it still couldn't cut it.  

I love how the water and the sky almost mirror each other in this image.  True blue.  It definitely evokes the urge to walk down the pier.

And now, on to the magnificent Sunset Cruise.  I LOVE SUNSETS.  It's made evident by all of the silhouette work that I do during evening photography sessions.  (click the silhouette link to the right to view blogs containing a few of my favorite silhouettes.)

Sunsets put me in touch with gratitude.  I love the sunset anywhere, but let's face it, some are better than others.  This one was handily in my top 5 sunsets of my life so far!  Okay, top 3:  In no particular order;  Blenheim Palace, Oxford England, in the middle of the most spectacular wedding of all times.  Puerto Vallarta, while a local woman sang "How Great Thou Art" in Spanish.  And this one.  Standing on a boat, offshore, Turks and Caicos.  Simply awe inspiring.

Catching these next images in the sunset made me so happy that A.) I'm experienced, and B.) I'm in good shape.  This was no easy feat.  Difficult Photography Trifecta!  Low light, back lit, and lots of movement.

Let me just tell you, I felt rather masterful (and a little lucky) for being able to put the sun where I wanted it.  Not only is it a serious lighting challenge to light your subject without washing out the sunset, but the movement on the boat was intense to say the least.  

It may look easy, but getting all of the subjects in the frame, and getting the sun in the right spot in the shot, while the boat is violently rocking back and forth was a major accomplishment.  Occasionally, working out comes in handy.  I'm surprised my abs and thighs were not sore the next day, but I did rub off the bottom of my feet, like kids do in the swimming pool at the beginning of summer.  Anything for the shot.

Congratulations to this amazing group of people.  You set a good example that hard work is worthwhile.  It was an honor and a joy to be a part of your celebration.

Frisco Event Photographer

Jessica Sterling had her Sweet 16 Masquerade Ball this past weekend, and I had the pleasure of shooting the event.  Her mom, Tammy, taught my oldest son 4 years ago, and I fell in love with their family.  If Tammy wasn't one of the best teachers on the planet, I would say she needed to consider a career in party planning.  This Event was better planned than many of the weddings that I have shot during my career.  

This is the amazing cake by Frosted Art Bakery and Studio in Dallas.  Believe it or not, it tasted as good as it looked.  I thought it looked like something out of a Tim Burton film.  Not only was it genius and delicious, but the company seemed like amazing people too.  When they delivered the cake, there was a problem with it, and they drove all the way back to Dallas and back.  They were only a few minutes late, and their attitudes were quite gracious.

The Event was truly a Masquerade Ball...fantastic!

Jessica had a dance with her Dad, Sam, to kick off the evening.

Had to catch a photo op of the happy family in front of the tree...tis the season.  

This is a small sample of what Jessica's Candy Bar looked like.  More edible Art!

Candids from inside the Photo Booth.

Back of the cake overlooking the dance floor.

I don't think Jessica thought it was very cool when they started to take apart her beautiful cake to cut it for her guests.

Beauty.

Spectacular center pieces!

More Photo Booth fun.

So many kids participating and having a good time, it looks like Prom!! 

Happiest of happy Sweet 16th birthday to you Jessica!  Thanks for letting me be part of such a fun time in your life.  I was thrilled to get to be there to celebrate you.

National Event Photographer

 I had the distinguished pleasure of flying out to Los Angeles last weekend to capture a multi media art extravaganza produced by the beautiful and talented Jamie Sims Coakley.  It was a massive project called Intersecting(LA) that she has been slaving over for the past three years.  

Jamie studied the different subcultures that have developed in L.A. by  picking different intersections and observing life as it happens there.  The exhibit was a collision of Fine Art, Video, and Music.

The project was three years in the making, but the last 6 weeks leading up to the event were not stop i(LA) work.  Breath deep Jamie, you're almost there.

This is the beautiful venue during set up, kindly provided by SESO/HUX, whose company occupies the space.

Jamie's nephew Stan flew in from Arkansas to play the Banjo with the band.  

Rock n Roll Banjo!  Go Stan!

Sound check the day before the show.

The amazing Miss Dena Joy. <3

Jamie and Dena and I all celebrated our birthdays within 3 days of each other right before the Event, so there was a little Leo Love fest happening.

Jamie's assistant and friend Michelle, undoubtedly reminding Jamie that this is Fun.

Believe it or not the Razor played an important part in comic relief before the show, and as a dolly after!

The dynamic duo...The Coakley's, playing the first of two sets during the Show.

Danny Walker

Stan Soultaire

There was an Air Stream (pictured in the shadows on the left) dividing the room between most of the art and the Band.

Here is the side of the Venue where most of the art work was displayed.  All shot and oil painted by Jamie Sims Coakley.  Printed on Gallery Wrapped Canvases.  For sale at Intersectingla.com starting in mid September.

Crazy diversity on display from intersection to intersection in Los Angeles.  It is a real anthropological-artistic display of humanity.

Mrs. Coakley

Mr. Brian Coakley

The whole amazing band, withholding a few cameo appearances.  The entire set list written specifically for each unique intersection.  from Left: Mike Derricotti, Brian Coakley, James Grissom, Jamie Coakley, Marcus Irvin, Danny Walker.

This is the video segment of the exhibit where guests could view projected footage of each individual intersection.

The footage was very "colorful,"  as in lots of distinct personality.

Jamie with her nephew, Stan Soultaire, featured on Banjo, and also the talented graphic artist who designed the Intersecting(LA) logo.

And finish line.  Utterly exhausted by the culmination of three hard years of work, and yet still a beauty.  My thanks to the Coakley's for allowing me to be a part of such a monumental creation.  I think you should pitch the plan to NatGeo, and recreate it all over the world.  (too soon?)