I had the privilege of photographing Bob Lepine yesterday. In the process of arranging this session, I ran across many roadblocks. I first had this scheduled to take place in October, but due to some unfulfilled promises by some other than the two of us, it didn't happen. After some more setbacks, my persistence paid off. We arranged this session to take place at Cross Mountain Church. Danny was very gracious to allow me to use their facility. One of the reasons Bob Lepine is one of my men of influence is his steadfast, consistent, and transparent faith. He is the co-host of Family Life Today, with Dennis Rainey, as well as the host of Truth for Life. Both of these are national radio broadcast shows that have been on the air for a long time. I began listening to Bob on the radio in the late 1990s. His consistent, steadfast, and respectful approach to educating, and helping others is simply remarkable. Earlier this year, he produced a movie in theaters called Like Arrows (very good by the way, you should rent it when it comes out). His stance on truth is ever growing in grace. He used to live in San Antonio, so he has a particular interest in the San Antonio Spurs (even though he now lives in Arkansas). While I was photographing him, he shared with me the turning point in his life. It was when a man sat him down and questioned his knowledge of sin. He realized what he thought and what the Bible says were two different things. It was at that point that the Gospel changed him, his desire to know God's word was ignited, and he's never looked back since. He also told a funny story about his son, when he was about 1 1/2 years old. He was driving in the car and someone came close to cut him off, so he honked the horn. Right then, his 18 month old son yelled out, "Jerk". Bob's wife looked at him, and he admitted that he had said "it" once. His honesty, and willingness to share life experiences are what makes him so influential. He's not afraid to talk about his failings, which tends to lower the walls of resistance when it comes to communicating and forming relationships with people. He has a rapport that puts people at ease, and yet speaks the truth in the process, something lacking in today's society. Bob is a great guy, but he's so much more than that. If I were to be in a heavily sparked conversation about a controversial issues, I'd like Bob's presence, because he can handle the heat, but do it with gentleness and respect. This is something I still need to work on. Bob's consistent example in living out his faith has been more than influential to me (as reason to be in my Men of Influence Project), but I'm sure to millions of other listeners over the years as well. When it comes to the Christian faith, he gets it. And he's willing to share and give of himself, so that others "get it" too.
Texas High School Football Hall of Fame 2019 Stadium Sessions BTS
I just returned from a 1200 mile journey across the state of Texas shooting for the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame. I had to shoot 6 stadiums (I have the other two already done from previous years) for 6 of the inductees this year. My trip was highlighted by the greatest McDonald’s worker I’ve ever met. A DPS officer in Menard who thought I was a drug runner. And a Facebook Message from Adrian Peterson, that caused my to miss my Coahoma exit. Snow flurries started in Sealy and continued up to Palestine. The temperature didn’t really change at all during the day. The wind was mighty in Sealy and let up as I drove north. I arrived at Daingerfield HS just when practice was getting underway. I talked with their coach, and decided to work around them (that way I wouldn’t have to come back in the morning). I then drove to Mt. Pleasant to spend the night. Got up at 4 am (again) and drove to Waxahachie. I avoided the Dallas morning traffic by leaving so early. Waxahachie Lumpkin Stadium was really nice. I’ve never seen as large of UnderArmour shoes on a 20 foot tall Indian mascot before. On the way to Stephenville, I noticed that the highway I was driving on was dedicated to Chris Kyle, of American Sniper movie fame. Arrived in Stephenville right about lunch time. Half of the stadium was under construction, so I had to photograph from one side. Drove to Coahoma, and arrived as the team was practicing for their first playoff game. Luckily for me, there was a 30 minute difference in time from when the sun set in Coahoma, as to Daingerfield the day before. So I got to shoot it, and got great shots with clear skies and a beautiful setting sun. My drive home was uneventful, except for the DPS officer mentioned above. I didn’t get a ticket or even a warning (lucky me). He told me that I pulled into the cross walk area when I stopped at a light on the highway. At least, I know he’s doing his job (not eating donuts, hanging out at the donut shop) ;). Arrived home about 2 pm, and was exhausted. Can’t wait to photograph the people to go into these stadium images. Here’s a 7 minute video of the BTS of the stadium sessions.
