Capturing the Moment by Ross Oscar Knight

It might only happen once...





- KNIGHT

Ross Oscar Knight Photography Destination and Fusion Wedding Photographers

Capturing the Moment by Ross Oscar Knight

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Ross Oscar Knight published in "Dream Weavers" Atlanta Weddings

Make sure you pick up a copy of the Fall/Winter issue of Atlanta Weddings to see a bride I captured this past January at the Ellis Hotel in downtown Atlanta. John and Kara won the $70,000 Studiowed/CBS Atlanta wedding giveaway. The article features a dress by Erica Angeline, an amazing designer that I have worked with on multiple projects.

Click on the following link to view Kara and John's Wedding original blog entry.

-KNIGHT

Ross Oscar Knight Photography Destination and Fusion Wedding Photographers

Ross Oscar Knight published in "Dream Weavers" Atlanta Weddings

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Ross Oscar Knight Published in Athletes Quarterly Magazine

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This month my photographs are featured in Athletes Quarterly Magazine - a magazine dedicated to helping current and former athletes get the most out of life. Last Spring I photographed Tia Robbins and her husband Fred on Pensacola Beach. The full engagement session can be viewed by clicking here. In 2009 Tia started a new company called "Off The Market" (OTM). OTM is Tia Robbins, Jasmine Silva, and Jerika Johnstone, a unique collection of women who joyously love their relationships with their men. They are on a mission to share and expand this joy with couples who honor one another and who want to take their relationship to the next level. OTM seeks to enrich the lives of high-profile couples by offering unique services, environments, and exclusive access to valuable resources for the ultimate benefit and honoring of relationships.

- KNIGHT

Ross Oscar Knight Photography Destination and Fusion Wedding Photographers

Ross Oscar Knight Published in Athletes Quarterly Magazine

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From Your Namesake by Ross Oscar Knight | An Open Letter

Bishop Ross Oscar Knight, Sr.
January 22, 1921 - August 7, 2010

Approximately 58 years and four months after my grandfather - Bishop Ross Oscar Knight Sr. - was born in Coy, Alabama, I made my entrance into this world at a hospital in Richmond, VA. I was named after he and my father (Apostle Ross Oscar Knight Jr.). My grandfather used to refer to me as "Third."

To tell you the truth, I didn't like my name growing up. The last name (KNIGHT) was cool but I thought my full name sounded like a name for a preacher or someone that was way more important than me. And then there was Oscar the Grouch on Sesame Street. I wasn't a grouch. As for my surname (III), I used to think to myself, "Am I part of a dynasty or something?" I was teased that using my full name sounded like an old man.

Being a preacher's kid (PK) during the 80's and 90's in Pensacola, it seemed as if everyone had a GPS on my whereabouts at all times. Thanks to my father and grandfather, traveling was no exception because I was most definitely accompanied by someone from the church. There were fleeting moments when I wished that I was part of another family.

With all of that background info, I will be the first to admit that when I was young I didn't know a lot about my grandfather outside of church. We did not spend a great deal of one-on-one time together. I have fading memories of him preaching at his church and having dinner in the fellowship hall after service. Once, I did a history project in middle school on my family and I needed to get some facts about his life. Most of the facts came from my grandmother. I do remember he was an excellent gardener and kept his yard in pristine condition. My dad would remind me that his father was a hard worker and had a kind heart because he helped to raise his younger brothers and sisters when his parents passed.

Luckily, seven years ago I had a "come to Jesus" moment about my life and knowing more about my relatives. I was collecting information and pictures because I wanted to make sure that my children would one day know their lineage and be able to pass on our history. One evening I spent time with my grandparents and it was the first time that I got my questions answered directly by my grandfather. He told me stories of war, growing up in Alabama, dating, meeting my grandmother, buying houses, and how he became a minister. I was in awe! The photos that I received copies of were priceless. I left with a wealth of information that blew my mind. I began to admire my grandfather more than ever and on subsequent trips home I returned to his antique sofa thirsty for more stories. I didn't want to hear about Ross Sr. the Bishop, I wanted to hear about Ross Sr. the man. Learning more about his journey and spirituality helped me to find myself and define my future goals.

While I was in Haiti this past week, I called home nightly to check on my grandfather's declining medical condition. Every day I would hear, "Today is the last day." This past Saturday my grandfather went home to his Creator. Although I was not shocked at the news, I did take time to myself to pray and to thank God for his life.


Since I travel to different countries it has been impossible to ignore the foreign traditions that I witness and hear about. I have incorporated a few in my life. There is an Indian tradition of male sons shaving their heads as a sign of respect when a male father figure or close relative dies. It has been over 25 years since I have completely had a bald head. Tuesday I was informed by my family that it would be my grandfather's last night. On Wednesday, I went to a barber shop (powered by a car battery shown in lower right corner of pic) in Haiti with security and a translator to have my hair cut. Shaving my head felt like a religious experience and freeing of the mind. I fought back tears by telling jokes and teaching my translator how to operate my camera. I didn't share the true reason that I shaved my head with my comrades at the Mission (sorry to those reading this). But now they will know.

To my grandfather - I respect you and I love you. I know you are in a better place. I rejoice knowing that your pain and suffering is over and you have reunited with grandma. Thank you for allowing me to bear your name. I am humbled and doing all I can to live up to God's plan for my life. I want to make you proud. It has been my honor to be your grandson and I will cherish our memories and your stories forever.

From Your Namesake,

Third

- KNIGHT

Ross Oscar Knight Photography Destination and Fusion Wedding Photographers

From Your Namesake by Ross Oscar Knight | An Open Letter

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Beauty in The Face of Destruction by Ross Oscar Knight | SE and NW Haiti

While I was in Haiti I was documenting a team from the Courageous Church digging the foundation for a new building to house children with disabilities and the elderly. One day at the dig site I noticed a young girl named Anika standing with flowers in her hand that she had just picked. She was staring in my direction and the opportunity to shoot slapped me in the face. The beauty of her skin, the contrast of the yellow flowers, the complimentary color of blue, the juxtaposition of the sand, the delicate curvature of her fingers, the strength of her eyes, the frozen expression on her face, and the sun peeking through the trees (I could go on). This is a true example of God's work at His finest. As I looked through my images today my eyes came to rest on two other photos. All I could think about was "Beauty in The Face of Destruction."

- KNIGHT

Ross Oscar Knight Photography Destination and Fusion Wedding Photography

The image above is a view from my tent one night atop a three-story concrete building at the Mission.

U.N. troops riding through an unpaved road in Port au Prince.

Beauty in The Face of Destruction by Ross Oscar Knight | SE and NW Haiti

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First Three Images From Haiti by Ross Oscar Knight

Visiting Haiti has been a life-changing experience for me. Truly, the people and the energy blessed me far more than my small impact. The beauty of this country was like fresh air to my soul and creativity. Sure, there is destruction and downtrodden spirits everywhere you turn but I wanted to highlight the hope and love for the future. I won't be back in the office until Monday so that I can recover from travel and spend time with family but I had to give you at least three images to enjoy.

- KNIGHT

Ross Oscar Knight Photography Destination and Fusion Wedding Photographers

First Three Images From Haiti by Ross Oscar Knight

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I Love Thai Food by Ross Oscar Knight

I love Thai food but the only thing is it makes me gain weight. I just can't resist the flavors though. This love affair began back in 2002 when I graduated from Georgia Tech and Morehouse. On a recent trip to New York I met with a jewelry designer (Amy Lehman) that I ran into while we were both in St. John. Her creations are FAB to say the least. We met for lunch at this little place called Land Thai and shared ideas about our businesses. Loved Land Thai! Not as much as Thai Thai near China Town but it still holds its own. Check them out if you are in the area and make sure to have a 2 mile jog planned later in the day.

- Knight

Ross Oscar Knight Photography Destination and Fusion Wedding Photographers

I Love Thai Food by Ross Oscar Knight

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Running to the Haiti Mission with a Mission by Ross Oscar Knight

I totally feel like I am running a race. Right now I'm headed to Haiti as soon as I finish this Memphis wedding. So many of you helped me to get to my goal and I am grateful. I feel like you will be there with me. I've read so much but I know that I am still not prepared for what I will see and experience. I had to jump through several hoops to make this a reality. And thanks to God, I am fulfilling the vision. Keep me in your prayers and I'll blog about the trip when I return.

- KNIGHT

Ross Oscar Knight Photography Destination and Fusion Wedding Photographers

Running to the Haiti Mission with a Mission by Ross Oscar Knight

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