Why Change Acceptance Matters More Than You Think
Caption: At the close of our storytelling workshop in Tanzania, the community gathered to watch the premiere of the films created that week. For many, it was the first time they had seen their story…
When Holding On Holds You Back
One of the biggest challenges for businesspeople — and honestly for anyone — is knowing when to let go of what’s always worked. It’s not just hard because change is uncomfortable. It’s hard because what…
The “Why” Behind the Photograph: Lessons from Historic Images
This is my favorite photograph by my mentor, Don Rutledge. I love it because the family’s eyes are not on Don’s camera, but on the missionary— their friend—standing just behind him. That simple detail speaks…
Finding Rhythm in Life: How Playing an Instrument Can Keep You Positive
Sometimes life throws you into a rut. The kind where your mind starts circling the same thoughts repeatedly, and you feel stuck. This year’s latest season of Professor T unexpectedly hit me. The brilliant but…
The Wealth of Pursuing Your Calling
Caption: Dave LaBelle, renowned photojournalist and storyteller, speaks to students at the Grady College of Journalism at the University of Georgia, alongside Mark Johnson. I’ve known a lot of photographers who chased assignments that paid…
Don’t Just Show Up: Why Preplanning Makes or Breaks Your Next Shoot
Before filming began, the team gathered with missionary Judy Bown in Togo, West Africa, to discuss her story and clarify the purpose behind the video. As coaches and producers, we took time to listen, ask…
More Than BBQ: The Story Behind the Slopes Video
This 30-second video for Slopes BBQ may have been designed to play during high school games on the jumbotrons around Roswell, Georgia, but it’s more than just a quick commercial. Angel, the owner of Slopes…
“Do You Feel Lost?” — Why Knowing Your True North as a Creative Matters More Than Ever
A young Fulani shepherd watches over his cattle under the scorching sun in Burkina Faso. Known for their rich nomadic heritage, the Fulani are expert cattle herders, moving with the rhythm of the land and…
From Horse-Drawn to High-Tech: A Roswell Firefighting Tradition Lives On
Today, I photographed two meaningful ceremonies here in Roswell, Georgia—the Push-In Ceremonies for the new fire engines at Stations 22 and 26. This isn’t just a photo op. It’s a tradition deeply rooted in the…
Why I Stick with Nikon—and What It Has to Do with Asperger’s and Mastery
When I first picked up a camera, it wasn’t by brand choice; it was a gift. I started with a Pentax, equipped with just two lenses: a 50mm and a 135mm. It was enough to…
How to Build Trust in an Age of Misinformation (Through Storytelling)
A moment of awe and inspiration — a young family watches in wonder as Roswell Fire Station 25 lights up and prepares to roll out. For this child, it might be the first spark of…
If I Were 20 Again—In 2025
Sometimes I think, “What if I were 20 years old today, just starting as a photographer and storyteller in 2025?” In 1982, when I was 20, I was at East Carolina University. I spent more…