July 12th – My Story In Photos: I Heart My Country

 Before I can tell you about the country that I love, I must first tell you my story.  You see, before I really got into photography, I was into food.  I’m talking in a “big” way.  You see, at one time, I weighed in at 385 pounds.  That’s right, I was one big boy.

   Well, at the point the photos were taken, it was all I could do to get out of bed.  I mean I worked, heck, I worked all the time, but it was hard. 

In February of 2007, my work went on a retreat to Big South Fork, a great area for hiking and such.  Well, let’s just say at one point I thought my 9 year was going to have to drag my fat bottom out of the woods.  During a short little walk in the woods, I almost passed out.  I got dizzy, couldn’t breath, and honestly thought this was it, it’s the big one and I’m out of here!  It was the turning point in my life.  I researched and starting working on the thought of having gastric bypass surgery.  I have to add this in though, my wife had the same surgery in June of that year, and I had mine in December.

Since that time, we have lost a total of 415 pounds!  That’s right, you heard me 415 pounds! 

And one of the biggest things to help…photography! 

Since surgery, just having that camera in my hand has forced me to get out and walk.  I carry my camera with me everywhere, and jump at the opportunity to shoot something.

I’m not a world traveler, but have had the chance to capture a few different cities.  Last year I was the event photographer for the Lead Women's Pastor Project with the United Methodist Church, which gave me to chance to head to West Palm Beach, FLA.

Then another op presented itself and I got to travel to Dallas, TX. for a vacation.  What a state Texas is, really loved that trip.

But I think Feb. of this year things really changed.  I stepped out of my comfort zone and did something by myself.  You see, being out of weight and over shaped for so many years, I was the shy, fat guy who hid in the shadows.  I didn't date much, heck, I did not get married until I was 35! When I did do things, I surrounded myself with people I knew.  During last years Scott Kelby Photo walk, I talked 6 of my weight loss buddies into going with me so I would not be alone.  How pitiful is that?

  

Anyway, back to Feb. of this year.  I ♥ Faces came to Nashville for Blissdom.  Soon as I saw they were having a photo walk, on my birthday, I knew I had to be involved!  What fun to meet so many new and exciting people.  Especially one's who share a love of photography!  From that one photo walk I have changed my whole outlook on life, or my country if you will!  Shoot, I even drove to Louisville to be part of the I ♥ Faces Photo Walk across America!

     

But here’s what I truly love about my country, it’s the beauty that is all around us!

The beauty that is the eyes of a child.

 

The beauty that nature provides us.

 

Or the beauty that’s at the end of a perfect day.

 

Or how about the beauty that your own city holds.

Life has changed drastically for me, and it’s still changing everyday.  But you know what?  I’m ♥ing each and every minute of it!

That’s it, that’s me, and that’s why I ♥ my country!

  (Taken by Jana at the I ♥ Faces Photo Walk in Nashville)