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

 

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.

Jody's story on "Storytellers"

This story about "Intimacy and the iPhone" was posted yesterday on the iPhoneography blog iPhoneogenic. Thank you Edi Caves for giving me the opportunity to share Jody Frost's story.
Below is the transcript of it.

Intimacy and the iPhone

Photographs have always been a marker in time for me. I remember taking my first photo when I was five years old sitting on my father’s shoulders in Yosemite. Capturing what’s in front of me and recording my life with a camera is in my DNA. People who are close to me become a life long subject. Looking at these photos take me back to places in my memories of the moment. Using the iPhone to capture markers in time has become more convenient. The iPhone is always in my pocket. It’s unobtrusive. It’s ubiquitous. Because of that I can sometimes become more intimate with my subject. This small device is so accepted in our culture that most pretences fall by the wayside. People tend to be more themselves when the iPhone comes out of my pocket.

This brings me to my very dear friend Jody Frost. We became friends because of our mutual love for art, photography and images captured with the iPhone. Jody is very use to being in front of the camera. Being a beautiful woman she had been photographed all her life. With those experiences comes a certain preset list of expressions, poses, and self-awareness. The more I got to know her, the more I was able to capture authentic photos of her being. Soon an intimacy would come. A time of trusts and total acceptance. A photo capture at that time becomes an authentic moment. We were able to capture these genuine photos before she was diagnosed with cancer. With the onset of her fight we never discussed if I should document her journey. It just happens, because she is a part of my life and I take photographs. It’s just acceptance among friends.

Most of the photos are shot with a DSLR because of the fantastic technical capabilities of the Nikon d3s. This is important to know as how I roll. I love a good crafted piece of art. Be it photographs, painting. Architecture or music, I appreciate the skilled hand of the artist. I love results of a thoughtful and practiced hand. From this comes beauty. This goes for people as well. Jody represents beauty in its purest form. Her beauty goes way deeper than skin deep. It goes down to an understanding of life and appreciation of what is around her. Of course she has her demons and fears. This is what makes her human. What make our photos together so compelling is her trust in herself and in me. Because of that trust there can be an intimacy with the moment and captured with the camera.

While Jody was in the hospital coping with the heinous side effects of chemo and radiation I would shoot a few images from time to time with my iPhone. This was very challenging for me because I am in the trenches with her as well as trying to document her journey. It’s a hard place to straddle, emotionally and technically, but it’s also the most precious of places as for intimacy of the moment. Using the iPhone to capture the marker in time was the perfect tool at that moment.

As for post-production on these types of photos I take, I tend to do minimal processing of the image. That is because these photos I shoot with my eye and heart are the evidence of how I felt at that moment of capture. Sometimes these photos may not be pretty, but there are always truthful to how I see things.

This single photo of Jody was shot during one of her most trying of times with pain. She tries to cope with meditation and relaxation, along with some very powerful pain medications pumped into her body. What moves me the most about this photo is that there is still evidence of an inner strength and magnificence in her soul, even in the midst of so much abuse on her body, there is grace and beauty.

Days Like This - Jody Frost Big Shave

Jody Frost is fighting colon cancer with chemo & radiation treatments. When her hair started to fall out she decided to be proactive and just shave it all off. She wanted to be surrounded by people who love and support her and to give her comfort and joy. It helped her in the transition from full head of hair to beautiful bald woman.

This slide show on Vimeo is about the testament of the human spirit and facing head on the challenges before us with a life-affirming attitude. Please take a moment to watch, I think it will lift your spirits.

https://vimeo.com/37039942

My Friend Jody

My dear friend Jody is in the middle of chemo and radiation therapy, yet stills finds the strength and love to care for others around her. She won't let her illness define her. She will come though this chapter and the world will be a better place because of it.

I posted this photo because this is the truest testament to who I am as a photographer. No matter what the circumstances are, it is possible to make people feel comfortable being themselves and capturing an authentic moment.

This is a photo of Jody comforting her nephew. He has to make some very serious life decisions and he needed some time to think things through. This was just a moment of love and support he needed.

Jody at the SFMOMA

Jody and I did a day at the museum. We went to see the Francisca Woodman exhibit. A very thought provoking exhibition of self portraits by a young woman exploring and questioning her identity. How can one not be moved and inspired by what is hanging on the walls.

I needed to produce something beautiful

I needed to produce something beautiful. Life was getting a little too intense with all the upsetting news. Images of dead dictators, angry protestors on both sides. murdered zoo animals and a terrible economy, I needed to go back into my files and pull out some beauty from within me.

Last year I photographed the lovely and talented ballet dancer Sarah Bukowski dancing with a torch. The shoot was part of my match light series. During the shoot I experimented a little with motion and flame. Here is a two-minute clip with a few stills added. Something I put together last night, to help take the edge off.

Click in this link to view the movie in Vimeo.
http://vimeo.com/30880692

Click on screen grab to view
the movie in Vimeo

Erich Loading Film

Yes. It still happens! Every now and then.

Tuareg Jeweler

For some crazy reason I did not have a direct posting to my documentary of Elhadji Koumama. Elhadji is the man who inspires me to be true to myself. He often says "For which we do" meaning his tribe of silver artisans who have been making silver jewelry for over a thousand years.

So here is an easy link to the video. Click on the image to view the video.

Thanks,
Christian

May 10th. Speaking Engagement

Shoot What You Love and Good Things will Follow.

Another reminder about my up coming speaking engagement sponsored by the Northern California Professional Photographers group.

-------

I will be speaking May 10th before the NCPP
Northern California Professional Photographers group

at the Marriott Hotel
2355 North Main Street
Walnut Creek, CA in the Sacramento Room lower level.

6:15-7:00 Social Hour
7:00-9:00 Speaking Event

Below is the upcoming announcement by the NCPP. I look forward to seeing everyone there.

Do What You Love and The Money Will Follow

Our speaker for May 2011 is Christian Peacock, a commercial photographer and renowned lecturer on the subject of photography and how it influences our lives as professionals. Christian will explain to us why he takes photographs, and how his love of photography projects onto his clients. His enthusiasm and energy translates into sales.

“This is which we do”. Christian adopted this expression to explain to people why he takes photographs. “It’s something I have to do - It’s in my DNA.” He captures the human spirit using his camera. His lifelong relationship with photography is compelled by his curiosity to observe and participate.

From his very first photograph at the age of five to a very prolific creative burst of energy today, Christian will talk about the influence photography has on everyone. Using examples of his lifework, he will share commonalities we all have with this medium. Showing examples of his commissioned work from worldwide branding campaigns, as well as personal images, he will explain how the images all have some connection to our lives. He uses all forms of image capture ranging from 4”x5” cameras to iPhones and multi-media to video to achieve his vision and tell the story.

Christian will inspire us with his positive message of “Do what you love and the money will follow.” The enthusiasm in which we approach our photographic endeavors will carry over to our clients, resulting in more income.

Don’t miss this engaging speaker on May 10!

Do What You Love and The Money Will Follow

I will be speaking May 10th before the NCPP
Northern California Professional Photographers group

at the Marriott Hotel
2355 North Main Street
Walnut Creek, CA in the Sacramento Room lower level.

6:15-7:00 Social Hour
7:00-9:00 Speaking Event

Below is the upcoming announcement by the NCPP. I look forward to seeing everyone there.

Do What You Love and The Money Will Follow

Our speaker for May 2011 is Christian Peacock, a commercial photographer and renowned lecturer on the subject of photography and how it influences our lives as professionals. Christian will explain to us why he takes photographs, and how his love of photography projects onto his clients. His enthusiasm and energy translates into sales.

“This is which we do”. Christian adopted this expression to explain to people why he takes photographs. “It’s something I have to do - It’s in my DNA.” He captures the human spirit using his camera. His lifelong relationship with photography is compelled by his curiosity to observe and participate.

From his very first photograph at the age of five to a very prolific creative burst of energy today, Christian will talk about the influence photography has on everyone. Using examples of his lifework, he will share commonalities we all have with this medium. Showing examples of his commissioned work from worldwide branding campaigns, as well as personal images, he will explain how the images all have some connection to our lives. He uses all forms of image capture ranging from 4”x5” cameras to iPhones and multi-media to video to achieve his vision and tell the story.

Christian will inspire us with his positive message of “Do what you love and the money will follow.” The enthusiasm in which we approach our photographic endeavors will carry over to our clients, resulting in more income.

Don’t miss this engaging speaker on May 10!

Serenity

This was shot before the sun broke the horizon down in Big Sur.
This is a most excellent way to start the day of shooting.

Work That Make a Difference

Last year I did a multi-media video on a Tuareg silversmith named Elhadji Koumama. The video was made for two reasons, I have been involve with Elhadji and his community of artisans and wanted to help tell his story to a wider audience, second I wanted to try my hand at producing multimedia.

I felt if I am going to put the effort into producing a video, it better have a purpose! The results from this project have been fantastic. Canoe magazine from Africa picked up the story and ran a feature and National Geographic just launched a page on its retail store site, with a link to view the movie.

This just helps reconfirm my belief that if one feels strongly about an idea then the commitment of time and resources into a project will eventfully be worth it. For Elhadji and his fellow artisans, it is the support from people from all around the world. For me is the knowledge of knowing that my work matters and can make a difference.

Link to Canoe Africa
http://www.canoeafrica.com/

Kinetic Sculpture

Check out this link featuring a very cool kinetic sculpture. I love how in real life you can have an almost black & white environment that moves.

http://www.artcom.de/kinetik/

Remembering Jim Marshall's Photography

http://www.marshallphoto.com/

I first became aware of Jim Marshall's photographs when I was an impressionable young lad growing up in San Francisco. I did not know of his rock & roll exploits or any other of the soon to be made legendary stories. I only knew of his work and his photography was one of the most influential and inspiring body of work that had a lasting impression. His photography captured something deeper and more personal than some of the other work being published at the time. Plus his final prints were so rich and lush. His images of Miles Davis, Ray Charles and Big Mama Thorton showed what it was like to print rich toned dark skin. A gray scale that just runs so deep into the silver of the print. The true definition of "Black Pearl". But not just considering technique, his empathy to capture Johnny Cash's relationship with June Carter was so spot on. His iconic shot of Janis Joplin sitting alone backstage with a bottle of Southern Comfort in her hand. While at the peak of her creative powers she looks slouched and despondent., That one shot packs a more emotional punch, than a hundred Jim Marshall "F" bombs.

One of his most remarkable photographs is of Miles Davis sitting on a stool in the corner in a boxing ring. Shirtless and his arms are outstretched, Miles has totally surrendered himself to Jim. What a accomplishment! If you know the personality of Mile Davis, you would know that this image it truly unique in capturing Miles Davis. Normally taciturn and defensive, Miles trusted Jim so much as to let him into this small moment inside the proverbial boxing match of a photo shoot. Go ahead and search the internet and look for a more accessible photo of Miles Davis! I haven't found one yet. That was the genius of Jim Marshall.

Jim's photography was the total package. Great content backed up by excellent technique.

Erich Loading Film

Yes. It still happens! Every now and then.

Homage to Avedon & Frank

I went to the Richard Avedon opening last night at the San Francisco MOMA. Along with the Robert Frank "America's" exhibition I walked away with my creative juices flowing. I try to recall some earlier images I shot that had direct influence from those two photographers.

Here are two shots from some years ago that I positively knew Avedon and Frank had a part in. In the beginning of any artist career they always experiment in other influential artist styles to see how they fit. Evolving from there to hopefully discovering a true personal voice.

What Inspires Us.

This image of a six-year-old orphan boy from Austria was just handed a pair of shoes by a Red Cross worker. Gerald Walker shot the image. I first saw this photograph in a “Best of Life” publication when I was very young. This image moved me because the little boy’s feelings felt so pure and genuine. His expression of joy on his face showed me the power in the pleasure in the simplest of things. To be handed something so utilitarian as a pair of shoes that it could move someone to joy had a profound effect on me. Still to this day I keep in my memory-bank this photo, to inspire me to shoot something similar.

What has inspired you?