Photographing Miraculous Children

Metastatic nearoblastoma, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, acute myelogenous leukemia, twin to twin transfusion syndrome, lymphocytic leukemia, pulmonary hypertension, scoliosis, these are very big words associated with these very small children. Words a parent should never have to hear.

Another difficult set of words to hear is:

“You must get to the hospital right away.”

These are all words that entered the lives of these families who needed pioneering care for kids at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital. The Hive Advertising of San Francisco called upon me to photograph a number of children and their families for this heartfelt marketing campaign. All these children are miraculous survivors because of some very amazing medical treatments and care from the people at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital. Meeting these children, one would not expect they have had a life with so much hardship at such an early age, but that is what makes these photos so special to me -- they look like typical ordinary children.

I guess that is what they wanted from me, simple, honest photos that get to the heart of the matter.

A Prom for Everyone

 
Here is a letter I wrote to the George Mark Children's House.

Dear George Mark Children's House,

I want to thank you so much for thinking of me as your photographer for the GMCH Prom portraits. It was truly a remarkable experience and privilege to photograph the attendees of the prom.

The opportunity you offer these young people is a blessing and a gift to live life experiences that other children may have. I had a gut feeling something special would occur that night, because I see with my soul and capture with my heart. The uninitiated may not understand the full meaning of these photographs, but the parents and children themselves understand that they live in a different world – a world with limits and physical boundaries, but not a world without love and compassion.

Here are just a few of the shots I captured that evening. I feel there is a nice collection of photos that should serve as a poignant reminder of the grace and beauty that is possessed in everybody.

Sincerely,

Christian Peacock

 

Forbes Magazine Cover Shoot

I was fortunate to be asked by Forbes magazine to shoot the August cover story on Kevin Systrom, founder of Instagram. This was a particularly fun assignment because I was able to use the Hasselblad h4d with an Imacon back that produces 180mb files when processed, plus my trusty Nikon d3s and my iPhone. Getting to use what is the appropriate camera system for the shot is something I have championed for some time.

Kevin helped me app some of the Instagram photos. Who else would know how the final look would be on a shot but the man who wrote the code. The most important thing I came away with from this shoot was hearing Kevin say that Instagram was designed to be a social networking tool and that the photography aspect came afterwards and all the filters are a byproduct of something he love to do. He loves that old fashion retro look that one can get from toy cameras. He basically designed something he liked and everybody followed suit.

 Inside spread working the Instagram thang.

 Kevin Systrom, me and cofounder Mike Krieger posing for an Instagram shot

A nice write up

My friend Connie Wood wrote up a nice piece on the SFMOMA Artist Gallery Opening "Sin and Redemption" on her blog. check, double check.
check, double check
 Here is a color photo that Connie took of me at the opening.

SFMOMA Artist Gallery exhibition with my photography

SFMOMA Artist Gallery recently selected eight of my photographs for consignment. My print titled “Berkeley City Club Moving Waters.” has been specially selected to be included in their upcoming group exhibition “Sin and Redemption”. Please visit the gallery at Fort Mason in San Francisco. Viewing my photo will be a good way to redeem yourself.

To learn more about the show please visit their blog.

 http://sfmomaag.blogspot.com/2012/06/sin-and-redemption.html

July 14^th- August 23, 2012 

Opening reception July 14^th. 1:00-3:00

Fort Mason, San Francisco

Here's a shot of mua when I was delivering the prints.

My photographs on display at SFMOMA

SFMOMA Artist Gallery selected eight of my photographs for consignment. They represent northern California artist. One can rent the art with the intent to purchase. Please drop by their gallery at Fort Mason in San Francisco to view some wonderful art.

This series of photography represents my black & white city scape work. It mostly consist of architectural elements with strong line and form.

It's All Related presents photographer Mark Estes May 9th.

Mark Estes; photographer and future chaplain will be sharing his journey on how his photography has enlightened his understanding of the spiritual world around him. Plus how he will use creativity as tool to help people get a better understanding of life events.

Date May 9th.
6:30-7:30
Apple Store, San Francisco
One Stockton Street
San Francisco, CA. 94108
Upstairs - This is a free event. Seating is first come first serve.



Mark approaches his art/photography with the same “Beginners Mind” that he applies to chaplaincy studies, infant bereavement photography, cycling and marriage to his wife, Susan. The gift of a plastic Thunderbird camera at age 7 led him to study art at the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in his hometown of Houston, TX., and later earn a B.F.A. at the K. C. Art Institute. His creative inspiration comes from a love of illustration, music, Bizarro comics and artists Duane Michaels, Robert and Shauna Parke-Harrison, Jackson Pollack and Mark Rothko.

Mark attends seminary at The Chaplaincy Institute for Arts and Interfaith Ministries and will be ordained in March of 2013. In June he begins as a spiritual care intern at Kaiser Hospital and a 1-yr. residency in Sept. He is an active cyclist, Area Coordinator/photographer for Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep, Pathways Hospice volunteer, has served as the SF APA Success Team Coach, Sec. of Graphic Artists Guild and photographer for The Forgotten International.

To view Mark's photography please visit http://www.estesphoto.com/