Personal Stories That Move People to Action
Personal stories are the most powerful tool an organization has — but only when they’re told well.
Over the past 40+ years working as a visual storyteller, consultant, and instructor, I’ve learned that most organizations don’t struggle because they lack good work. They struggle because they don’t know how to uncover and shape the stories already inside their mission.
This collection of articles explores what makes a personal story resonate — whether you’re a nonprofit leader, missionary, business owner, or creative trying to communicate impact. You’ll find lessons from the field, reflections from real assignments, and practical insights on how to move from documenting activity to revealing meaning.
If you’re here because you want your communication to connect more deeply — not just inform but inspire — you’re in the right place.
And if you’d like help identifying and shaping the strongest stories inside your organization, let’s talk. The right story, told well, can change everything.
Last night, I photographed the ISB Atlanta Gala — an inspiring evening that brought together more than 500 leaders from Atlanta’s faith, business, civic, and nonprofit communities. Today, I’m excited to share a gallery of…
This weekend, I photographed the 2nd Annual Heroes, Hummers & Hops, hosted by the Roswell First Responders Foundation at From the Earth Brewing Company. The afternoon was filled with incredible food, craft beer, live music,…
Just yesterday, our country faced another act of violence—this time in the tragic shooting and death of Charlie Kirk. It’s a harsh reminder that our world feels more polarized than ever, and the threats to…
I recently had the privilege of photographing the Edward Jones office team in Forest City, NC. We created an outdoor team photo and indoor headshots, giving them a consistent and polished look for their website,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
As professional photographers, many spent decades chasing light, meeting deadlines, and crafting images for clients. But we may have set down our cameras somewhere once the assignments stopped coming. I’ve noticed a trend among many…
