The Last Place Finisher - Girls On The Run

“Go becca, you got this… Go Maddy… woo!! Go Jesse!”  The constant whistles and cheers rise from the crowds lined up motivating these elementary girls of all shapes, sizes and colors.  The noise is more than heartwarming on this crisp November morning.  

I woke early to gather my equipment and drive the 50 minutes to Millersville University as many other volunteers did coming from all over the county.  Leaving in the dark and witnessing a vibrant sunrise of orange red and purple over the Lancaster country farmland. I resisted the urge to stop and take photos, but the beautiful sight promised good weather for the Girls On The Run 5k race.  

As I reached the city, the sun was just cresting the horizon and I couldn’t resist a quick flight to capture a moment of this quiet city in the early yellow light.  My drone rose above the row homes on W Chestnut Street and pointed toward the two skyscrapers in downtown, catching the light leaking out between them.

I’m the UAS (drone) pilot working with filmmaker Mark Till to try to capture the soul and magnitude of this amazing event that happens twice a year.  He roped me into helping years ago and of course I agreed because wherever Mark is, there is heart. Girls On The Run helps third to fifth grade girls realize their potential through a program of coaching, interactive lessons and weekly meetings leading up to today’s big event. 

So many parents, friends, coaches and encouraging partners have joined together to make this place sparkle with energy and the enthusiasm is contagious.  Some girls run fast, racing to the finish line, which I capture from the air. Cheers go up celebrating the accomplishment, hard work and good genes that make it look easy.  Hundreds more come in one after another, accompanied by race buddies some huffing and puffing... And as I gather my equipment I hear a few more cheers for the last place finisher as she comes down the final stretch.  A young girl walking with some level of frustration but nonetheless cheered on by caring adults who know how important it is to be there for this one. Yes, someone has to come in last in every race, but she isn’t a quitter and one has to admire that.  And one has to admire the ones who make a point of being there for those who struggle, who are frustrated and sometimes finding it hard to put one foot in front of another.  That girl has a story to tell, and I hope it’s one of determination.

I applaud the amazing people involved with this organization and count it a privilege to volunteer my time to make a small difference in the world!  I encourage you to do the same.  https://www.gotrlancaster.org/

Montage of aerial footage from the fall 2019 Girls On the Run of Lancaster 5k race on the campus of Millersville University.

"Machines" an important film

I saw this film “Machines” back in 2017 when it was released and was blown away. Tonight I watched it again and wanted to share it here in case you haven’’t seen it.

This film is so unique, it is an experience. It takes time and consideration to watch and to appreciate its true beauty in visual storytelling. You’ll find yourself mesmerized at moments. Take the time to watch this, it will move you. Feel the stark reality that these workers face every day after ever day... Listen and watch and observe in the silence and the noise... hear the sounds of the factory... hear the stories, soak them in... You'll be a better human for watching this.

Earlier today I listened to a local podcast that discussed the importance of ethically sourced fashion. While I know very little about fashion or where my clothes from, as humans we should all do what we can to be aware of the impact that our choices could have. https://candyissweet.com/do-ers-006-an-ethical-approach-to-fashion-with-timbrel-chyatee/ Heres a link to the podcast called Do.ers and a shout out to Jason Mundok who I met briefly just last night, and who did an excellent job of interviewing Ms Chyatee about her Lancaster based fashion company.

Machines is a film that will surprise you. If you have amazon Prime, this is where you can find it to watch for free. https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B076B93ZRL

Friendship

There are certain people who even if you haven’t been together in a while as soon as you meet up, you click right back in. I had a great time a few weeks ago on a photo walk with old friend Scott Beckett. This man is a creative in so many senses of the word. Photography is a side gig for him but he’s a problem solver at heart and I challenge you to find someone more generous. We spent the afternoon talking about gear, sharing photography techniques, and catching up on our personal lives. We walked around the city shooting abandoned spaces and people on the street. After viewing all the images, there are a few great shots but none better than capturing my good friend and fellow creative in the above photo. Getting out into the sunshine with an old friend was exactly what I needed and I’m grateful for the beautiful mess of a life I get to enjoy. We left with “we’ve got to do this again soons” full stomachs and full hearts. I couldn’t be richer.

Music Works 2019 by Freiman Stoltzfus

This short film highlights the work of Freiman Stoltzfus and the talk he gave at his gallery opening this past saturday. I’ve been impressed by Freimans work for years and in particular his musical pieces resonate with me. There is something that happens in my brain when I have the chance to view aesthetically pleasing art that communicates to me as well. It inspires me to want to create. Freimans work does this for me. There is a musical quality to his work that is much like an orchestra with a myriad of colors and shapes and notes. These notes played together blend and shape the piece into a thing of beauty. I enjoyed his talk immensely learning more about individual pieces and his creative process. Time to get out some paints.