A friend sent me a link to a photographer traveling the country, capturing images with a twin-lens reflex camera on film. It got me thinking about why photographers choose specific tools and how those choices shape their approach to storytelling.

I respect anyone who finds balance and peace in their craft, even if I don’t fully relate to their method. For many, shooting film—especially with older formats like 4×5 or 8×10—forces them to slow down. It demands patience and deliberation, making them ask, Is this moment worth my time?

I’ve shot film, but I never gravitated toward twin-lens reflex cameras. I preferred using a Hasselblad or even a Mamiya RZ67 because I liked seeing precisely what the lens was seeing. With a twin-lens reflex, you’re looking through a separate viewing lens, which means what you see isn’t always perfectly aligned with what the camera captures. That disconnect never worked for me. I wanted complete control of my framing and composition, and those single-lens medium format cameras gave me that clarity.

The Importance of Intentionality

The lesson here isn’t about film versus digital—it’s about why we take photos in the first place. Before clicking the shutter, we should ask ourselves:

1. Is this moment worth preserving?
2. Why do I want to preserve it?

For some, the answer is personal. They capture moments simply for their enjoyment. However, the process requires more profound thought for those who create visuals to communicate stories and messages. It’s not just about what’s in front of the lens—it’s about crafting an image that conveys meaning.

Vanessa Van Edwards, who teaches body language and human connection, emphasizes how small details—tone, expression, and word choice—shape interactions. As visual storytellers, we communicate similarly through:

• Body language – Capturing authentic emotion and gestures
• Light – Setting the tone and mood of the story
• Lens choice, depth-of-field, and composition – shaping the way an image is perceived

For me, slowing down doesn’t require switching cameras or returning to film. Digital photography offers greater dynamic range and the flexibility to choose between color and black and white in post-processing. The key is not the tool itself but the mindset behind it.

Finding Purpose in Storytelling

When I teach, I encourage discussions on how different cameras and formats influence storytelling. But I’ve also noticed that some people become more attached to the experience of photography than to its impact. The same can be said for missions—too many people engage for personal fulfillment rather than actual service.

Jesus’s life reminds us that purpose isn’t about self-gratification. It’s about sacrifice, about giving of ourselves for the sake of others. When we embrace that, we experience the kind of love that only God can fully give.

So whether we shoot film or digital, the real question remains: Are we simply capturing moments or telling stories that inspire and serve others?

Let’s approach photography with that purpose in mind.

In today’s digital world, making connections quickly and efficiently is essential—especially for photographers and creatives like me. I recently invested in a Dot business card, specifically the metal version. While I still carry a few traditional business cards for those who prefer them, I’m finding that the Dot card is a game-changer.

What is the Dot Business Card?

The Dot business card is a smart business card embedded with NFC (Near Field Communication) technology. Instead of handing someone a paper card that might get lost or tossed, I tap the Dot card against their phone, and my contact information, portfolio, website, and social media links instantly appear on their screen. No app is required—just a seamless digital experience.

My Profile People See

Why the Dot Card is a Must-Have for Photographers

As a professional photographer and storyteller, I need to make it easy for people to see my work, contact me, and even book a session. The Dot card allows me to:

• Share My Portfolio Instantly – Instead of telling someone to visit my website later (which they might forget), they can access my portfolio immediately.
• Connect on Social Media in Seconds – Rather than hoping someone remembers my Instagram handle, they can follow me with a single click.
• Provide Multiple Contact Options—All my contact info is in one place: email, phone, or a scheduling link.
• Update My Info Anytime – Unlike traditional business cards, where a phone number change means a reprint, the Dot card lets me update my details on the fly.
• Save Money & Reduce Waste – No more constant reordering of paper cards. Plus, it’s an eco-friendly alternative.

How I Use It

I keep my metal Dot card in my wallet, ready to tap when I meet potential clients or collaborators. But I also carry a few traditional cards for those who prefer a physical option. This hybrid approach ensures I’m always prepared, no matter the situation.

Should You Get One?

The Dot business card is a wise investment if you frequently network, work in a creative field, or want a modern, tech-savvy way to share your information. It’s fast, professional, and practical—making all the difference in today’s world.

Interested in checking it out? Visit Dot’s website and see how it can upgrade your networking game!

The last presentation was the tables being turned. Billy Weeks was interviewed by Alexis McMurtry, a senior Communication major at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, with minors in Psychology and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality studies.

Colleges play a vital role in their communities, not just through education but also by fostering public engagement. One excellent example is the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s (UTC) Photo Night, spearheaded by Billy Weeks. This event brings together students, professionals, and the broader community to celebrate photography, storytelling, and visual media’s impact on society.

Nick Fantasia, a Photographer for Marketing and Communications at Tennessee Tech University, shared insights on the reality of professional photography. He emphasized to students that 90-95% of his photos never see the light of day. Instead, they are stored in a photo database where their usage is unpredictable. However, the images that do get consistent use are his environmental portraits, which thrive on social media.

Angela Foster, a photojournalist for over 30 years who now serves as the University Photographer at UTC, highlighted the purpose behind her work during her workshop. She stated, “My job is to make [UTC] the most fun place to go to school.” She captures student life, classes, and events, creating imagery that defines the university’s public identity and outreach.

Rich Glickstein, a former photojournalist-turned-psychotherapist, provided an essential perspective on the emotional toll of photography. His workshop addressed the importance of mental health for visual storytellers. He encouraged photographers to find ways to process their emotions so that photography remains a sustainable career and passion. He stressed that balancing emotionally taxing assignments with activities that fully engage one’s attention is critical.

This idea of balance resonated with me as I recently rediscovered my love for music by picking up the flugelhorn. Learning a new skill requires focus, which contributes to long-lasting mental well-being. Music, like photography, is a powerful tool for processing emotions, reducing stress, and engaging in bilateral stimulation, which is linked to therapeutic benefits in EMDR therapy. A 2020 study by Spotify found that 89% of participants felt playing an instrument positively impacted their mental health, and 75% used music to de-stress and unwind.

Photo Night itself was an inspiring event. Student projects were showcased, highlighting exceptional talent. Billy Weeks then led short interviews with professional photographers, allowing them to share select images and discuss the stories behind them. Instead of lengthy presentations, this format ensured a concise yet engaging experience, followed by a brief slideshow and an open Q&A session.

Having organized and participated in workshops for over 30 years—from the Southwestern Photojournalism Seminar to the CIP Atlanta meetings and my FOCUS group—I’ve found that creatives benefit most when asked the right questions. Many speakers struggle to gauge what an audience truly wants to know, and structured interviews like those conducted by Weeks create meaningful and engaging discussions.

What Billy Weeks has cultivated at UTC should be replicated at photography programs worldwide. These events extend student work beyond the classroom, fostering connections with professionals and inviting the public to engage with the power of storytelling. At its core, photography is about informing and connecting communities, and UTC’s Photo Night exemplifies this mission beautifully.

Two Assignments, One Mission

As a visual storyteller, every assignment presents an opportunity to connect people to the stories behind the moments. This past week, I photographed two unique events: the Investiture Ceremony of the Honorable Tiffany R. Johnson for the U.S. District Court and the Roswell Fire Department’s Ole Timer’s Dinner. Each event is rich in tradition and meaning.

Planning for the Story

Before I pick up a camera, I ask myself: What’s the story?

For both events, the answer lay in honoring legacies—whether Judge Johnson’s groundbreaking journey or the decades of service represented by the retired firefighters.

Technical Challenges & Solutions

Every assignment comes with its technical considerations.

• Lighting the Legacy: At the Ole Timer’s Dinner, the traditional group portrait outside in front of the ladder truck required two studio strobes. Photographing a large group at night means balancing ambient light with the strobes to ensure everyone is evenly lit while keeping the background crisp. My Nikon Z9’s GPS sync also helped document the exact location—a slight touch that adds historical value to the image.
• Candid Moments with Dignity: During the Investiture Ceremony, the challenge was capturing natural expressions without intruding. I stayed aware of the ceremony’s flow, anticipating moments of connection between Judge Johnson and her speakers—Ryan K. Buchanan, Chris Huber, Trish Treadwell, Rebeccah Bower, and Senator Raphael Warnock.

The Art of Anticipation

No matter the subject, the best storytelling photos come from watching—not just through the viewfinder but with your whole self. I look for small interactions: a hand on the shoulder, a shared laugh, or how light falls on a face during a quiet moment.

Takeaway Tips for Photographers

1. Scout Your Environment Early: Knowing where light sources are and how the space will be used helps you plan your shots without interrupting the event.
2. Pack for the Unexpected: Studio strobes aren’t always needed, but they can elevate a portrait into something timeless when they are.
3. Be Present, Not Just Observer. Engage with your subjects when appropriate. This helps put people at ease and often leads to more authentic images.

Conclusion

Whether documenting history in the making or preserving community traditions, every assignment is an opportunity to craft stories that change lives. What made this week so special was not just the moments I captured but also the people whose stories I had the privilege to tell.