I love being a part of the Foundation family, which is an organization of some of the greatest wedding photographers in the world, and was so excited to work as a mentor to the students at the Foundation First, a smaller group of less experienced wedding photographers.  Their assignment was the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, which can be intimidating for a lot of photographers, especially if you’ve rarely shot photojournalism assignments.  The event was an eye opening experience for everyone, even the staff.

The relationship between animals and their owners truly stood out in a sea of straw and manure.  I’ve never seen a group of teenagers hanging out in dirty straw while propped against their cows, who were part of the family.  How about spooning with a cow?  You got it, cows spoon.  So do pigs and goats.  These animals aren’t only lovable, they love.

Back home in Chicago, I still have manure on my shoes, but I am proud to have been a part of this experience.  As a photojournalism educator for 14 years, I still get a jolt of energy when I see a student have a lightbulb moment, when all the pieces have come together and they learn something new.

I learned something new, too.  And I didn’t need to spoon a cow to do it.  🙂

I wish to thank our Fearless leader, and my friend, Huy Nguyen, for brainstorming this event, putting this workshop together year after year, and asking me to be a part.  I’m honored!

Please enjoy some photographs I made of these brave photojournalism students with my Olympus OMD-EM1, my favorite travel camera!

And, if you are interested in attending my Chicago Moment-Driven Workshop in April or September, unfortunately, there won’t be any cows, but Fearless Photographers receive a 10% discount!