"Be inspired." — Heavy D

 I spent a little bit of time with Autumn Hampton during my last month in Midland. Beyond making pictures, it was fun to get to know her and her pretty incredible story. A good reminder of why I love telling stories.

Pentecostal Temple Part Deux

After photographing the Sunday services at the Pentecostal Temple, I was invited to attend their 75th anniversary barbecue the following Saturday. Also, after talking to Neil for about five minutes (it didn't require much thought at all), I decided I would pursue the Pentecostal Temple as a project. Cool story, brah. Anyway, I went to the barbecue on Saturday, mostly to show my face, but maybe to also find a moment outside of the church building. I was warmly welcomed by everyone, and hustled into the food line where I chatted with some of the people, eventually sitting down to eat lunch with them. I heard some interesting stories and learned a bit, so I didn't bother looking for a feature there.

As I went to leave, one of the people I had lunch with informed me that there was a group of men outside praying over someone, and that I should check it out. And so I did. The light wasn't in my favor, but I took the time to shoot a similar situation from the previous assignment in a different setting and in different ways. They prayed over him for about 20 minutes, and then they asked if he wanted to be baptized, he excitedly said yes. Hearing this, and knowing the access, I immediately found the pastor and asked if I could come along. He also excitedly said yes. As I was walking to my car, the three men who were praying over Art asked if I was coming. I said "definitely."

It was pretty interesting to be right next to the baptismal pool surrounded by others who were praying over Art as he was submerged into the water. I grew up in church, I'm a PK (pastor's kid), so I was baptized too, but to be there with a camera, shooting without them being at all awkward about it? Incredible. Also, Art totally had a spring in his step after being baptized -- I had seen him earlier in the day as he hobbled out of the bathroom. It was an incredible experience.

His House - Crave

A collection of photos I shot for CM-Life during the weekend long His House bible study, "Crave." Jake wanted me to shoot details, so I shot details. Yup.

A Break From Working

Rosebush resident Laura Swarey, 30, takes a break from cooking dinner to talk to her sister, while twins Emily and Amanda, 4, play on Oct. 31. Laura and her husband Tim, a dairy farmer, used to be members of the Amish church in their community, but left when some members of the church wanted to go in a different direction. Although they left the church, they still follow the basic ways of life they grew up with. The Swarey's do use some modern technology, such as cell phones and modern farming equipment, but only because it is more economically and financially sound.

Shot for JRN 320, published in CM-Life on Wednesday, November 4th. Libby also had a single from her photo story published as photo of the week. Check it out.