Alyssa & Nick Wedding Preview

Two weeks ago, Amy and I were in California for the wedding of our dear friends Alyssa & Nick. Here is a preview of the film I just got back from the day. I cannot wait to edit through the rest of their wedding!

Katie & Crisp Engagement

I don't typically post much professional work on this blog, saving most posts for personal work and thought, but today I wanted to share some polaroids from a shoot last weekend. I am shooting Katie & Crisp's wedding next April in Americus, GA. This past weekend Amy and I drove down to Americus to hang out with the couple, scout the location of the wedding day, and take some engagement shots. The shoot took place in two locations: 1) a family members house from the 19th century, and 2) Crisp's family's hunting farm. In short, the location and the couple were equally incredible! I shot a pack of polaroids throughout the day with the Mamiya RZ67. Here are a few of my favorites. I can't wait to get back the film next week!

This is a shot we grabbed at the end of the day (f2.8 1/30 sec )when we joined up with the quail hunting camp. The family has approximately 30 dogs that they use for hunting. These are Katie & Crisp's personal dogs.

This is the location of the wedding in April. The house in the back is the lodge at the hunting farm. The ceremony will be at the end of this row of trees.

Clean or Unclean? ...

I have recently been working through the book of Leviticus. It can be challenging at times as a Christian to reflect deeply on the Levitical laws. However, I think that in the midst of the density and/or jejune nature of the material, one must take care to truly dig in. Of particular interest to me this past week were clean and unclean animals. Leviticus 11 explains in great detail the animals which are good for food and permissible for eating (clean animals), and those which are not meant to be eaten (unclean animals). As a Christian, one might be tempted to be dismissive of such a chapter with the rationale that "I eat ham for Easter." I too enjoy pork (I am having bacon with breakfast this morning) and eat it guilt free even in light of Lev. 11:7-8 identifying pork as unclean. Personally, my theology of what is clean vs. unclean as a Christian (esp. a Gentile) is rooted in Acts 15:28-29. All of this being said, food laws are not the message that has been stirring in my brain this week ... there is something else that has caught my attention.

As one reads through the list of clean and unclean animals the question arises, "Why is this animal considered unclean, and this one not?" At first glance the list may seem arbitrary. There is a system for determining clean vs. unclean (e.g. if it chews a cud or does not part the hoof it is clean), however one might just as easily see this as an arbitrary system. "Why not eat an animal that parts the hoof?" "Why shouldn't I eat lobster? It is a delicacy!" Some have sought to identify health concerns that could be an impetus for such laws.

All of this brings me to the point that I see most relevant in this text: there are some things that God prescribes that we as believers obey simply because he is God. This is not to say that we are bound to such laws as the Levitical dietary guidelines. However, the principle is the same. Too often, we act as little children who argue and question every prescription their parents give them. "Don't touch the stove!" ... "but why?!?" Just as a parent answers "because I said so!" God answers, "Thus saith the Lord!" (Archaic language for emphasis). In fact, in this passage God concludes his prescribed dietary regulations with the short sentence, "For I am the LORD your God." As evangelicals, our confession is that the Bible is the Word of God. From this confession we hold that the Bible has authority over us. As such, there are things that we submit to because God is the "LORD our God."

Leviticus 11 concludes with the well known charge, "Be holy, for I am holy." It is in the Bible that we learn of God's character, as well as what he desires for his people. It is permissible to question why a law may have been given and what the benefits of keeping it might be. But at the end of the day, there must be obedience; this is a part of faith. We submit ourselves to God, trusting him to lead us. He is supreme and he is ultimately the One to whom we will give an account for our lives. May he be glorified in our trusting obedience.

Travis

Last Sunday, Amy and I had the awesome privilege of seeing Fran Healy and Andy Dunlop (from Travis) perform in Birmingham. They have been touring the USA performing, "A chronological acoustic journey through the Travis back catalogue." The format of the show was very unique in that it really was for the fans. They had a mixture of storytelling of the bands history (often accompanied by a slideshow), jokes, and a musical performances of their hit songs chronologically. The way they advertised the occasion was "laugh out loud stories, Scottish accents, handsome Scottish men, and naked torsos." It is rare that such an incredible band does something like this for their fans. My friend Bryan saw Travis in London with no fewer than 20,000 people. Here in this setting, we saw them with 100 people. Best of all, they stuck around after the show to hang out. They proved themselves to be really quality people as they were very kind and engaging. Hats off to Travis. Here are a few pictures from the show, as well as a photo of Amy and I with them.

Here is a video of them playing "Writing to Reach You." Hope you enjoy it as much as we did. (Shot on 5d MkII; f2.2 ISO1600)

Travis - Writing to Reach You from Chase Kuhn on Vimeo.

U2 & Muse

Last night I went to Atlanta to see Muse and U2. I have to admit that this was the best musical experience I have been privileged to be a part of. Muse melted my face off. Their energy and shear musical talent was very impressive. Then ... U2. A band that is heralded as the greatest rock band of our day and known to have an incredible stage presence, did not disappoint. Simply put, it was a wonderful performance. Here are a few shots from my iPhone. I was fortunate to have a floor seat and ended up with an incredible view (thanks for the tickets Cory!). If you have a chance to get to this tour, do so! The experience of witnessing the stage in person is worth the price of the ticket!

Sunny Day Real Estate

SDRE was by far one of my favorite shows I have been to ... It could simply be the opportunity to see a band that I have enjoyed for such a long time. The venue was fantastic (Center Stage, Atlanta) as it had both standing room and seating. Amy and I sat the entire night, center stage, looking over the crowd. It was really a pleasant experience. Here a picture from the show as well as a video. The video is from the first encore. The song is "In Circles" from the album Diary. I hope you enjoy!

Sunny Day Real Estate - In Circles from Chase Kuhn on Vimeo.

The next two months...

I am entering into a busy season the next two months. There will be a lot of travel (6 of the next 8 weekends) with weddings, etc. as well as graduation(!). I can't think of a better way to kick off the week than by seeing amazing live music. Tonight Amy and I are heading to Atlanta to see Sunny Day Real Estate, one of my all time favorite bands. Then, Tuesday ... Muse and U2. It is going to be a great week. While this season will be hectic, I think it is going to be great fun. Awesome couples to photograph, great places to travel, and good company (a lot of time with Amy!). Posts about the musical experiences to follow.

New Website is Live!

I have been reluctant to mix professional work with my personal blog, but I think it is time for a little overlap. I have been working with Bryan Johnson for the past couple of years and for a while I have been shooting for his second company, 509 photo. 509 has taken off and we have just reworked the website this past weekend. Check it out! www.509photo.com

I have included here an image from each of the four galleries on the site. I would love some feedback on the site. I hope you enjoy.

Wedding

(Rolleiflex TLR, Kodak 160NC)

Lifestyle

(Rolleiflex TLR, Ilford 3200)

Travel

(Nikon 35mm, Kodak 160NC)

Amy

(Canon 5D MKII)

iPhone

A few pics I captured recently on the new iPhone. The first looks like the church is on fire. I took it while driving (not recommended!). The second was taken outside of my favorite coffee shop. Notice the trident looking radio tower. Cheers.

Chez Crow - New Creations From Amy

My wife Amy has started a new online store to sell some of her awesome crochet creations. The store is on Etsy and can be found HERE. The name of her marvelous store is Chez Crow, or "the house of crochet." Amy learned to crochet from her grandmother Marge earlier this year and has been making amazing creations ever since. I am impressed by what she has been whipping up! Be sure to check out her work!

Here are a few samples:

A Clutch Purse

An iPod Case: