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On one of my many trips down to Charles house in Atlanta, someone shot this image of us together in his Darkroom/equipment room. It now proudly hangs on the wall of my home office. I learned so much from Charles in our many conversations, from his sermons and his books.  I wanted to share a few of those lessons that have been life changing for me, I pray they will be for you too!

 

1.  Focus on what God has blessed you with instead of desiring more.  This lesson came on an occasion when I was frustrated about the  financial success of another photographer who was not a Christian.  I fell into the place of feeling God was not blessing me enough.  I’m very ashamed to admit that I was thinking that way, but truth is I was.

I went to Charles and shared my frustration and asked him what I should do.  He said he understood what I was feeling but he had a prayer that would solve my issue.  I foolishly said tell me what it is,  he said it’s very simple, ask God to give you what you deserve.  I immediately knew I was sure I didn’t want to pray for that!  Charles then said may I ask you a few questions, i said of course;

He asked me if I was married and if I loved my wife?  I said yes very much (and he knew the answer to all these questions!}

Do you’ve children, are they healthy?

Let’s see if I remember this right he said, what you do for a living is go to all the most beautiful places and the best times to be there and photograph, right?

Now Bill, how many times have you gone bankrupt?  After a half dozen more questions that pointed out just how blessed I was,  he said let me ask you this, what more do you want God to do for you than he has already done?

 

I said, I’m sorry I bothered you with this question.

 

2.  Give all your cares, concerns and desire to God and then trust Him with the results.  Charles was adament that God desired the best for you, and we can leave it all in His hands.

 

3.  Instead of telling God your plans, as Him what His plans are for you and then follow them.  He once told me if you want to make God smile, tell Him your plans!

 

4.  Seek your Joy in the Lord, you will not find it any place else.  We are to be in this world, but not of it!

 

5.  Know that you are a sinner and undeserving of God’s Grace. love and forgiveness!  We cannot earn His Grace, it is a gift freely given, but we must accept it and Him.

 

6.  Seek first Kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you, even the desires of your heart.  Don’t seek your desires, seek God and he will change your desires to match His for you and only then can He bless you with those desires he knows will bring you the greatest blessings!

 

7.  Forgiveness is the key to freedom.  Until we can forgive we can never have the peace of God!

 

8.  This is how to live:  Make it your goal and desire to leave others better off than before they met you.

 

9.  Always keep your motives pure!  Some years ago while visiting Charles sitting at his big round kitchen table he pushed legal pad and a pen across the table to me.  He said. “go down to my equipment room and list all the gear of mine that you want me to leave to you someday.” Charles had a vast collection of cameras and lenses from several different manufacturers.  I pushed the legal pad back to him and said, I don’t want anything.  He persisted to say he really wanted to do this more me.  I said Charles, “I have only wanted your friendship, and I will never do anything that would allow you to ever think that my friendship had anything to do with what I could gain from it, materially.”  That kept our relationship clean and clear of that!

 

Charles taught me through the example of his life that what we say we believe only has God’s power if we really believe it and live it.  I have tried to follow that principle.  I’m thankful for all I learned from him.

 

Blessings,

 

the pilgrim

 

 

 

While covering the Reno Air Races for Nikon we had the chance to photograph the Navy’s Blue Angels.  One morning a group of us were out at sunrise to photograph the planes on the tarmac and the Blue Angles F18 Hornets were all lined up and perfect for a portrait!

 

On another morning while out on dawn patrol great pre-sunrise light provided great background for a silouetted Glacier Girl – P38 Lightening.  The Glacier Girl was built about 50 miles from where I live so I got to follow the process of the rebuild. She was so named because she was extracted from deep under the ice in Greenland.

 

On another early morning, this time at Sun  n’ Fun Air Show in Lakeland Florida, I had the chance to capture a Harrier at sunrise. This McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier was performing at the air show.

 

This beautiful example of the Ryan open cockpit airplane was at the Sun N’ Fun antique aircraft section, graced by early morning light!  Nikon D800 with 24-70 lens.

 

One again early morning pre-sunrise light was what this Canadian Trainer needed to show off it’s silver skin!  Reno Air Races.

 

While working for Nikon I was blessed to photograph 6 shuttle launches.  This one was captured from the VIP site at our compound with a D300 and a 500mm lens with a 1.4 converter The launch pad was 2.5 miles away and this set-up was equivalent of 1,125mm lens!  Even that far away the rumble from the rocket engines is pounding!

 

This only a few of my thousands of aviation shots, I hope you enjoyed them!

 

Blessings,

 

 

the pilgrim

 

Bonus shot!

While working the Reno Air Show I got a ride in one of the T-6 Texan Racing planes to go and photograph Lake Tahoe for my second America From 500 Feet Book, while coming back we got close to another Texan and I as able to photograph it air to air  This is me below in the one I was flying in.

 

 

 

One area of photography that I have never mastered is Bird Photography!  Chris Klapeke certainly has!  I think shooting birds takes patience and a great since of study and timing.  Chris has developed all of those skills and knowledge needed to bring home the images!  I really enjoy looking at the images Chris has “crafted”!  You may know Chris as the owner of Outdoor Photo Gear, I know him as dear friend, and  yes, I’m bragging!  Enjoy some of his wonderful  images!

 

 

 

 

It is a honor  to know and be friends with such talented artists, Chris is a joy to spend time with!

 

Blessings,

 

 

the pilgrim

 

When I think of who of my favorite photographers are the most “Pure Artists” only one name comes to mind, Guy Tal.  While I love the work of many photographers and they all  have their own special charm, the most peaceful moments come when I look through a gallery of Guy’s work.  The way he handles color and compositions are just breathtaking!  See if you don’t agree in this small sampling!

 

See more at: https://guytal.com/

 

 

Enough said!

 

 

the pilgrim