blog - jordan nielsen • child & youth humanitarian photography

Thursday

11Mar2010

What Children Teach Us

children,

inspiration,

learning | |

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In a previous post, I linked to an article from UNICEF on the writings and words of Archbishop Desmond Tutu. In a nutshell, he talked briefly about how the world needs to begin learning from and listening to children.

I began to reflect on his words and began to make a list of things that I have learned from the children that I have photographed and interacted with over the years:

Friendship is the act of humility
Exploration is not a means to an end
Energy is to be used, not contained
Enjoy the art of play
Trying and failing means trying again
Creativity does not mean perfection
Be passionate towards life

I am sure I could go on, but I would love to see what others feel about what children teach us.

So what does your list consist of?

Wednesday

10Mar2010

Listening to the Children

children,

ngo | |

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UNICEF - Child protection from violence, exploitation and abuse - Archbishop Desmond Tutu says world has failed children, calls for change:

"Children’s involvement can change our understanding of war and peace, and inform decisions about the future."

Monday

08Mar2010

Advice on Comparison

quotes | |

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Texas: Don’t ever compare yourself! – Gary S. Chapman, A Photography Blog for NGO's and Non-profits:

"Here is a hint for long-term survival in this field: Do not compare yourselves to others"

Monday

08Mar2010

The Why

vision | |

Why, out of all the things on this earth, would I focus on children and youth?

My passion of children and youth began almost ten years ago when I started working with my Church youth group. Back then, it was more about being a big brother or good role model for the younger ones to look up to. Since those years, I have worked with children and youth in a variety of situations, from youth group, summer camps, missions projects, visitations, etc.

When I began photographing children and youth, I was working at a summer camp on Vancouver Island. That was where my transition from youth worker to photographer happened. Things began to click, this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I worked as their photographer for another two years. It was in those two years that my passion and vision began to take root in my heart.

It is the stories of these children and youth that have ultimately affected and changed my heart. That is why I focus on these stories. There are too many that are going unheard. Their voices are getting lost in the chatter. I determine to bring those stories to the surface; putting a face to the voice and ultimately perpetuating a change for good.

I seek to be a benefactor of good for children and youth around the world.

Thursday

04Mar2010

The Luma Loop

gear | |

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Lets face it, camera straps are one of those things that either work or they don't. In recent years, there has been some really nifty ideas as to how a modernized camera strap should work. What comes to mind most these days is the R-strap; that sling like strap that keeps your camera so stylishly at your side.

What the R-strap did for the camera strap was revolutionary. Allowing the photographer comfortably carry not just one camera but two. What it did poorly, was its execution of how it attaches to the camera body.

Enter the Luma Loop from Luma Labs. This is a camera sling that looks like the R-strap in almost every way except how it connects to the camera body. Instead of a clunky piece of metal being attached to your cameras tripod mount, the Luma Loop uses a paracord that can attach to any of the available camera strap attachments already on your camera body. Simple, elegant and effective — the way I like it.

More to come...

Thursday

04Mar2010

Showcase: An African Panorama

inspiration,

photos | |

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Showcase: An African Panorama

"Take fresh art. Season with food. That's the Slideluck Potshow formula. Kerri MacDonald describes what happened when it was tried in Kenya."

Wednesday

03Mar2010

Not Alone

introspective,

the creative | |

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It is amazing when things just click, when you suddenly realize that walking around the wall is easier than continuously running into it. In my previous post about The Creative, I talked about going into a non-creative negative space. I seemed to have leaped through another hurdle in my creative ventures, leaving me with the feeling that I am not alone.

Today, I sent off a few emails to some old friends. Little did I know, the result was an overwhelming understanding that I am not in this alone. In fact, I am surrounded by a lot of people who really want me to succeed.

An encouraging thought.

Tuesday

02Mar2010

5 Things

gear | |

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I saw this post on David duChemin’s blog and I wanted to post my own things that I love to use and depend on daily.

5 Photography Things

Canon 5D: by far the best and most amazing piece of equipment I have ever used. I know it’s not about the gear but seriously, when I hold this camera I just want to be creative.
17-40MM F4.0 L: Some people hate wide angel lenses, I love them. It has the flexibility to be a decent portrait lens and excels at documentary and landscapes. It is crazy sharp and solid as a rock.
The Monopod: I’ve had one for a few years, I’ve used it lots! If you have a long lens, a monopod is almost a must have. My biggest reason for a monopod, it is cheaper then an IS lens.
Visible Dust Arctic Butterfly SD800 Professionals Kit: I purchased this kit a couple of years ago and it has been rock solid for me.
ThinkTank Pixel Pocket Rocket: It has velcro, it works, it’s solid.

5 Other Things

MEC Fleece: Most people in the world have no idea what they are missing, Mountain Equipment Co-Op is the best place for outdoor gear since sliced bread.
Cargo Pants: Even though my wife is insisting that I look better in jeans my love for the cargo is still as strong as ever. You can pack em full; notebook, 50mm, wallet, glasses, etc.
Keen Shoes: I have been religiously wearing them since 2005. The most comfortable, stylish and durable shoe I have ever worn, love that cork sole.
Great Coffee: If you give me a great strong cup of coffee, whether it be french press or espresso based I will be in heaven.
17” MacBook Pro: I’ve travelled with a 12” iBook, 15” MacBook Pro and now this 17” MacBook Pro. The screen real-estate, resolution and battery life are HUGE by far the best out of any laptop I have owned. Though it is a larger computer to lug around I still have no regrets.

Tuesday

02Mar2010