My sister is in Ghana working with a NGO over there for six weeks. Today is her birthday and since she cant be here to Celebrate her big 21, I wanted to send a song out to her. We are going to Dave Matthews soon after she gets home, and I am stoked be be able to spend some time with her, and watch a great concert.

So here is to you Ellie, you will make it through, and i cant wait to see you.

So here is DMB’s “Everyday” video

I have one of the greatest jobs in the world. As a wedding photographer I get to photograph couples on the most exciting day of their life. As a documentary photographer, I get to take a look at problems that plague our world.

In both instances, I get to spend my time doing what I love. creating images that last a lifetime and cause an emotional reaction.

The fact that both types of photography are so emotional for me, is just one of the perks, and one of the downsides to the job. At the end of the day, I am so greatful for the people around me, and for the ability that God has given me.

It is the excitement that I feel when photographing a wedding or a social condition that drives me to continue to do what i love. As much as I love what i do, it doesnt keep me from getting mentally and physically exhausted. That was why I took a few days to myself this week to play golf and read. While my computer was always near by, I took the opportunity to relax and prepare for the upcomming weeks.

While I was home my little sister was sick. She was feeling so bad that the camp she works at sent her home. Here she was outside reading.

The song today is Chan Chan by the Buena Vista Social Club

So yesterday i was really excited about the possability of going to Pelee Island for a few days of relaxing on the Beach, reading, devotion time and editing. I decided not to go because I would have had a 4.5 hour drive then I would have had to take a ferry across to the island. I decided that It wouldnt have been as relaxing as I would have liked it to be.

Since quiet time is so important in my life, I decided that I would go to my parents house (up in the mountains) and take some time to read, play golf, and edit. It turned out to be a much wiser choice, because there was no stress involved in figuring how to get there or how long it would take, or missing the boat if i got stuck in traffic.

I am heading up there with my family in August anyway, so till then I will use my time to get ready for that trip.

The reason that I love going up to Pelee is vast. It is a beautiful island with nature reserves, old foundations of a vinyard, a new vinyard, and no tv or internet in our cottage. So when you go up there, you take a few good books, and a camera. This year I am going to take our boat all the way around the island, which is something that I have never done. It is only 9 miles long and 4 miles across, but there are some places that I want to shoot that take longer to get to on foot than they would in a boat.

Todays song is “Summertime” by Kenny Chesney

I have a question though.

Do you guys like the videos, or should I quit doing that and focus more on photography?
Leave a comment and let me know. or email me at “dan@danspeicherphoto.com”