Where There is a Challenge There is an Opportunity...

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

It rained in Naples, it rained in Destin, and it rained in Chicago. My last three trips have been laden with precipitation. Its like I'm transporting water with me in my suitcase everywhere I travel. On Thursday morning of last week (Chicago) the rain subsided just before I was to shoot Kumi and Bisi's engagement session. They are coming to Atlanta at the end of the month so I can shoot their traditional Nigerian wedding in Buckhead.

I met the couple early in the lobby of my hotel and I will have to admit that I was skeptical about the weather. The grounds were soggy, the air was humid, and the clouds looked heavy. We drove a short distance and then set out on foot to shoot in several locations around town. I was in the pursuit of inspiration. A word, a color, a story, a thought, a building...I often search for something to elicit my creative juices. After shooting in close proximity to a park we walked past the Chicago Stock Exchange. On the way I saw a cluster of chained bikes that I used to frame my subjects in two or three compositions.

Suddenly, my shoe grazed a puddle of water as I was back pedaling to continue firing exposures. "Crap" I thought, holding my camera tightly. When I looked down I saw my reflection instantly disappear beneath me. I had agitated the small standing pool. At first I wanted to keep walking, dry my shoes, and move on to the next locale. But I couldn't advance, all I thought about was the puddle and my vanishing reflection.

I asked the couple to stop and maneuver into position perpendicular to myself and the puddle. We were all patient as the reflectivity returned to the surface atop the concrete. At last, the shot and the spark I was anticipating. Now I was ready for the rest of the shoot.

When I started to edit this session I gravitated to this image first. Looking at the photo above there is a path from the legs of my subjects to the clear reflection. The sidewalk is dirty and the concrete is broken. Very similar to many of our lives. I thought about how sometimes I can become confused and disoriented by my circumstances. I considered how one misstep can cause me to lose sight of my true self and intended direction. However, with prayer and patience God always helps to reset my vision.

My challenge was to take pleasing photographs in Chicago even at the risk of morning showers. I was patient and seized the opportunity to capture a meaningful balance of beauty, romance, body language and form. Some may contend, 'It's just not that deep.' For me, it is.

Where there is a challenge there is an opportunity for your growth and further definition of what God has in store for your life. Agitate your puddle and wait to see the reflection that appears. The key is to love what you see...and to act once given divine direction.

- KNIGHT

Ross Oscar Knight Photography Destination Wedding Photographers

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25 comments:

Laika said...

Unbelievable! That takes true talent...I think I would have gotten frustrated!!

Laika said...

awesome, awesome, and awesome!!! Love it!

Monique said...

I love this!!!

Nikki said...

That pic is breathtaking!

Anonymous said...

Love the photo and the message of this blog entry.
~Lady T

PR said...

Wow, those words were so beautiful! So inspirational too!

Love the shot. Way to be patient

Keda said...

Perfection. Inspiration. Love it.

Monica (ille_yo) said...

This has got to be one of the most creative shots I've ever seen, Ross! Simply amazing! You ROK!!

Troy said...

Once again, bruh, you KILLED it!

Strollin said...

True brilliance. Thank you for sharing this. I so needed to hear it today.

God Bless.


Strollin

MissAudrey0275 said...

Three words: Nobody but God. He's awesome isn't He? He had everything planned out for your session and knew the challenges you'd have to use or overcome in order to create your images. Your heart was in the right place which is probably what made that experience even greater. Keep following Him in all that you do.

clo said...

Dang Ross!!!!!!! Nothin else to say!

Bo said...

Like the Dew in the morning.... "Where there is a challenge there is an opportunity for your growth......to act once given divine direction." With God's plan, sometimes we really don't see it coming.... but if we continue to seek, we find. Beautiful story and pic. - Bo

Darcita said...

thank you for your sermon and encouragement in one sentence. It's amazing to see how the Lord will use something so reflective:) to bless others and especially me today! Thanks Brother Ross

Kim said...

I'm listening.

Anonymous said...

thank you ross. God is good and your reminder is so on point. it's a needed reminder that it's all in His hands, works for the good, and happens in His time. so glad you took the moment to type this.

keep makin' it happen and keep it comin'. we're behind you and He's got you covered.

kp

Aleshia Lamelle said...

Ross this is an amazing shot...You never stop raising the bar!! ROK on!!

CAILA K said...

I love this. So inspirational!

Tiffany said...

After seeing this photo and reading the message behind it, I am almost in tears just thinking about the giftings, desires, and passions God has placed inside all of us. The first thing that came to my mind as I looked at the picture was, "God did that." Thank you... you don't know how much this means to me. It's reaffirmed that the passion and desire I have will become a reality very SOON. I win because God says I win.

Dawn said...

I believe God speaks to us when we least expect it but He's always right on time. This time He chose you to deliver the message. I so appreciate your words this day.

Anonymous said...

Ross, your artistry is simply amazing above that of any other photographer I've ever seen and I know its nothing but God blessing you and working through you. Great shot and great message!!!

Lady A said...

Bruah, that was profound! Alright, alright, I see your spiritual gifts too...well that ministered to me and others! Can't wait for your book to come out! Hey Brandi!

Randi said...

You better doggone preach, Ross!! Very well said and it's amazing the direction you go when your ears are open and sensitive to God's words!

Chandra said...

Of course you made me cry, again! I just lost my grandaddy and it definitely agitated my puddle...but you are right waiting to see the reflection that appears can be a very powerful thing. I think we all learn something more about ourselves everytime we see a new reflection. Thanks for putting it all into words! You rock, ross!

Unknown said...

It is indeed that deep, and that simple. It's all about perceptions. You are brilliant!