African Children's Choir

Yesterday I went and saw a concert put on by the African Children's Choir   (www.africanchildrenschoir.com) as they came through Austin.  WOW! What a great show!  Many of you know that I spent 2 weeks in Kenya in July of 2007.  Since then I have had a higher level of awareness and compassion for that place.  When I heard the choir was coming through town there was very little that would have stood in my way of seeing the performance.

All I knew when I showed up was that kids, from Africa, would be giving a choir concert.  Makes sense yes?  I learned from being there that the choir is so much more than  music.  While music is a huge part of what they do, they are really about changing lives (to read more about their mission see their webpage).  Of course I took photos.  I'm talking with the organization now about where to send a disk with all of the images to.  I hope that my images can in some way be used to further their ministry.

I used to get frustrated at the television commercials for "feed the children" and other organizations like that which depicted African children as all shoeless orphans huddled into a run down shack.  I wondered to myself how long the film crew had to search to find those sorts of kids.  Well, from my time in Kenya, I can assure you it is much more difficult to avoid those types of kids than to find them.  That is truly how the majority lives and goes to schools (for those that have schools).  Many do not have shoes.  They walk through fields that have thorns you could use to build a house (I know, I had one go through my shoe!!)  Street orphans are real.  Just outside of our hotel in Isiolo there were 3 kids, probably around the age of 12 addicted to sniffing glue, trying to "cook" food found in the garbage,  in a soup can from the garbage, using sticks and matches.  This is how they survived.  They had no one to look out for them.  Their hopes lie in finding scraps to eat and the next glue bottle to sniff.  Our prayers were for God to get through to them, somehow, some way, in such a way only God can.  Largely because of the glue, human attempts to communicate with them were pointless.

Many of the kids that are selected to the choir are in similar situations or are at high risk for being there.  Parents are either dead or just simply gone.  To see innocent children being so brave to embark on a journey and bring blessings half a world away was truly moving.  Despite their hardships, each child in the choir had a smile that I only wish I could keep for a few days at a time.

So what does any of this matter and how does it apply to you?  Well, if you have a couple of minutes check out the choir's website (www.africanchildrenschoir.com) see what they are about, and if it is something you lead to do anything with.

I can assure you however, if you do choose to something, you won't regret it.

Be Blessed.

-Ryan

A really New Year!

I hope everyone has had a very successful New Year!

I have been somewhat purposely putting off this update.  So much has happened since the last post.  Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years just to name a few.

The last wedding was Paul and Soo at the Omni in Austin.  The post production is almost done and all of the photos turned out great!  It was a nice treat to see many of Soo's family dressed in traditional Korean attire.  I haven't experienced that before.  Soo's brother was flying out for a Army deployment early the next morning so I was honored to capture the family photos since it will be a long time before they are able to be back together.  I should have the proofs posted online this week.

Also, I just returned from a 2 week photography school in Virginia on Friday.  It was a great experience.  Thanks to Tom our instructor and all of my fellow classmates for making the 2 weeks so enjoyable.

On our layover weekend we went from Stafford, VA into D.C. on a Saturday and Sunday.  We walked alllll over the place.  I took some great photos at the National Botanical Garden and of some of the DC landscapes and memorials that I look forward to sharing soon.  There were some great photos of our group skipping all around town too.  The weather was COLD but tolerable.  The one thing that they DC area seems to lack is real Mexican food.  It was good to get back and have fajitas directly from the Airport!

Big changes are in store for me and Amanda.  We recently found out that Amanda is as they say, with child.  We are really excited about that!  This will be our first child.  Even though we have 2 dogs and a cat to take care of, I suspect the human will be a completely different experience (yes, that is said in jest).

We have also put a contract on a new house.  We will soon be putting the house we are in  on the market and prayerfully it will sell.  If this home doesn't sell then we won't be able to get into the new home.  Ultimately we know that God is in control so whether we are able to move or not, that is ok.  We still have a lot of work to do just to get it on the market.

Because of all of the changes that are rapidly approaching I have decided not to take on any more wedding clients this year.  I am still taking on portraits however.  Thank you to my clients who are already booked and I look forward to your weddings!  I will begin booking for 2010 in the late part of this year.

So, I ask for prayers from those who are reading this my wife and our developing child and all the other changes that are on the way.

Until next time. God Bless.

Turkey Day! Albums! Football!!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!  I hope all of you are having a quiet Sunday spending it however you like!  Thanksgiving is just a few days away.  With that, for those who follow college football, you know what that means...the Longhorn vs. Aggie game!  I have my favorite but mostly, I am looking forward to a close game!  That way it will at least be exciting until halftime.

Well, my last post had me ready to go to Kristina and Daryl's wedding.  What a wedding it was!  The pictures turned our great!  A beautiful hill country sunset also added a nice spice to them.  The Terrace Club in Dripping Springs was an excellent choice for the outdoor ceremony and indoor reception.  Texas in November always leaves a question mark as to what the weather will be.  For their wedding, it could not have been better.

I also have met with Brent and Sande for the wedding album consultation.  The photos they chose for their album were good choices!  I of course have seen all of their wedding photos and spent several hours looking at them after the wedding. The photos they chose however, reminded me of how elegant and fun their wedding was!

I pause for just a moment to do something I normally do not do, and that is to really highlight one of my services (I'm feeling inspired). With Brent and Sande's album and with each one I have prepared for my clients before I am reminded of the huge value that an investment into an album is.  Brent and Sande's wedding is only a couple of months old yet it is amazing how moments from the wedding  slip just beneath our consciousness so quickly.  Even for me who is concentrating on every minute and attempting to capture so many of them, the moments eventually fade.  When I was going through the photos that Brent and Sande chose for their album there were several photos that had me laughing again.  Imagine for a moment opening your wedding album 5,10,15,20,25 years from now and having so many special moments come to life again on the pages of your album.  If cared for properly your wedding album will outlive your grandchildren and pass down your legacy for generations to come.

All that being said, our albums are still completely optional and you can choose to invest in one at any time.

Back to Thanksgiving for a moment....as this short work week comes and goes, I challenge each of you pause for 5 minutes.  Go somewhere without any distractions, close your eyes if you need to (this would rule out doing this while driving) and reflect on the things that you are deeply thankful for.  If you are having trouble coming up with anything, try appealing to a higher power to reveal some things to you.  If you are sincere, I think you may be surprised at what comes to mind.

Have a safe week, God Bless, and GO Horns (oops, that last one just slipped out)!

-Ryan 

Happy Halloween!

I hope everyone had a great and safe Halloween!  Mine was ok.  I was on 6th St people watching.  It seems there were 10's of thousands of people walking around.  Some of the costumes were pretty creative.  Some were barely costumes at all.  Either way it appeared most people had a good time.

Last week was Jamie and Leslie's engagement session at the Capitol.  Jamie and I have been close friends for about 20 years so this was more than just a photo session.  It was a lot of fun and perfect weather!  The photos turned out really nice as well.  After the photo session we went for some good Mexican food at Iron Cactus on 6th St. It was the day before the Texas OSU game so it was really busy!  After that we went and kicked up our heels a bit at Club 21 just southeast of Austin.  If you have never been as I had not, it is a cool joint!  Old, no frills dancehall.  That was long overdue.

Also last week was Erica's Sweet 16 birthday party.  We started at her house and then went to the church in her uncle's very nice motorhome. It definitely was better than a limo!  There were 5 young ladies being honored at the church that day and then going off to their separate parties.  For Erica, what a big party it was!  There were at least 200 people at the reception!  Everyone had a great time.  All of the kids looked great and showed off a lot of their dancin' skills.  Erica's parents, Brenda and Cid pulled off a really nice party!  I was even kidnapped by Erica's grandmother when the song Neon Moon came on.  I was wrapping my job and about to leave when she told me that was her favorite song and asked me if I danced.  Of course I said.  So, we went out on the dance floor and cut a rug for the song. 

Today I am preparing head out to  Dripping Springs for Kristina and Daryl's wedding at the Terrance Club.  I am looking forward to a fun evening!

Hope everyone has  a safe Saturday and Go Horns!!

God Bless.

-Ryan

Art Line Premiere

Many of you may have gotten emails debuting our Fine Art Line.  This weekend marks the official launch of our line.  Our feature is Espana Exquisita.  These are prints from our recent trip across Spain and Germany.  We have marked this event by offering a 30% discount with the promotional code of " premiere".   This discount is only good through October 31st.

Also, if you refer a friend who makes a purchase please ask them to let me know in the service notes field of their order.

You can get to the photos by following the view and order tab of our website or by visiting our Fine Art Line Store directly: www.providencephotography.photoreflect.com 

Time flies...

So again it has been too long since my last post.  It has been a busy month.  Among the notable events:

I was thrilled to photograph Rolf and Iris' wedding at chapel dulcinea.  They were here on vacation from Germany and planned to get married in our great State while here.  They asked me not only to photograph their wedding but, to arrange the minister, pick the venue for the wedding and the reception!  Not sure I'll be going into the wedding coordinator business anytime soon.  Amanda would be great at it but, for me, I'll stick to photographing them.  The day for Rolf and Iris was great! Sunshine and just a little warmth in the afternoon made the chapel and its hill country appeal shine well.  Congratulations und danke Rolf and Iris.

Also, I did Kristina's bridal portrait at the Capitol.  Kristina and have known each other for a while and have mutual friends.  She brought Heather with her to assist and to heckle me a bit.  I am so happy Kristina decided to have her bridal portraits done.  They were included in the package so certainly nothing was lost. I don't twist anyone's arm to  have the sessions done but, this is most likely the only chance a bride will have to get them done.  At first she was reluctant but after my suggestion and some pressure from her friends, she went through with it.  And...they came out beautiful!  She was very happy with them.  We had a lot of fun during the session as well.

Most recently I photographed Tammy and David's wedding in Round Rock.  What a neat little church it was.  the ceremony took place in the center of the sanctuary with seating arranged 360 degrees around it.  The church was evenly lit from every angle.  The lighting and my freedom of movement made for some nice shoots.  One in particular of the groom turning off his cellphone which rang only moments after the minister reminded the guests to turn theirs off. It was funny!

Lastly, everyone is very worried about how deep in the canyons our economy is going to go.  It certainly isn't good.  I am not a financial advisor but only offer this...make intelligent, thought out decisions prior to selling off any of your assets.  Panic will only breed more problems.  Stay focused and wise.  Perhaps the biggest comfort in all of this... God is still God and will be through all of this.

Many blessings,

-Ryan

Sweet Art

Our most recent session was with Erica for her Sweet 16. We had a good time at the Texas History Museum and the Capitol.  What a great change in the weather!  Nice and cool!  The photos will be ready shortly!

Also, I was told about an article about our art show in New York City earlier in the year. The article appeared in Art Business News:

New York
The Quattro Gallery of Austin hosted an exhibition of world photography at the Audi Forum New York City. Austin residents in attendance at the reception are shown in back from left: Ryan Herring, David Sackmary, Dean Buschick, Greg Davis and Steve Moakley; (in front from left) Gray Hawn and Rama Tiru.

God Bless!

-Ryan