Precious Moments Chapel: The Assignment That Wasn't

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Following images ©Justin L. Stewart. Do not use without proper licensing.

Sometimes things don't pan out. That's what happened with this assignment. That being said, I got to go to a place I'd never otherwise go.

On that note, never visit the Precious Moments Chapel during the early spring before there's signs of life — child angel statues + leafless trees is unbelievably creepy.

I also took this strange assignment as an opportunity to test out my iPhone6s' camera capabilities, seems as that was the major reason I switched over to the iPhone after holding out for so long. There's a few of those shots mixed in this edit. It performed well, and it was nice feeling as if I had a second camera without all the additional weight of another body. Thanks for looking.

Sorry for the nightmares.

J

Three Days of State Wrestling

My Instagram feed @justnlstewart
Following images ©Justin L. Stewart. Do not use without proper licensing.

I was lucky enough to shoot my first state wrestling championship here in Columbia a few weeks ago. While I'm not an avid sports fan, or a big fan of shooting sports all the time, I think it's an easy thing to shoot and you can make some really fun pictures while doing it.

I've never shot a state tournament of any sort, but I knew how emotional any state championship could be. I was excited to shoot something where emotions would be running high. I was also interested in shooting a sport I participated in for seven years of my childhood (I say participated because I was awful), a sport that was my high school's pride and joy.

There were certain matches I was supposed to shoot, but I kept my eyes open for anything that I found interesting - I followed my curiosity and eye. It was fun. I was shooting for myself and for a paper. Half the photos in this post weren't published, but I love 'em. Tears, frustration, celebration, and cool lighting. What more can you ask for?

So glad to have had so much fun with a professional opportunity. I'm looking forward to doing the same this week as I shoot state basketball.

Hope you enjoy the pictures. Thanks for giving me the time to read and look!