Life

Afternoon Golf /  by Londen Wheeler

Today was first time in 15 years that I have been to a golf course and it was pretty nostalgic getting to spend that time with my dad.  The only difference is that this time I was actually allowed to drive the golf cart.  Imagine that.  About 15 years ago were living in Fluvanna County, Virginia and we went to the golf course at Lake Monticello..... Like what?  Thinking about that being so long ago just confirms that I'm getting old, y'all.  I remember Dad giving me a club to let me take a swing and it was by far the most epic fail you could ever have.  The first time I ever swung a golf club would result in me smacking the ball into a pond.  Ahhh, the good ol' days.  Now, I'm grown up, working full time and showing up to the golf course with jeans on and some Vans after an exhausting day of work.

I didn't play any golf this go round but I did take some photos of my Dad, Pastor Perry and this random golfer named Jet who ended up tagging along with us to play a few holes.  Jet was a pretty cool guy and shared laughs with us like he has known us for years.

I have to say, this was one of the most relaxing and fun afternoons that I've in a while so I'm very thankful for that!

I also wanted to pitch my personal twitter page, @dragonflyjnes because I am doing a short photo series of my life here in Texas and the things that I'm doing to help transition into the Texas lifestyle.  So if you would like to see a weekly update of photos, head over to my page and check out the photos!  Just click the tweet above and it will take you to the thread.

Keep it real, everyone!  Until next time!

Happy April! /  by Londen Wheeler

Hey, everyone!  I hope you all are doing well and enjoying life to the fullest!  All is well in the great state of Texas.  The weather is great right now with a high of 82 degrees so I guess it's safe to say that spring time is in full swing!

Just thought I would share a few photos with you all showing what I have been up to since the Dallas InstaMeet post.  I'm still walking around and taking in as much of the city as possible because this place is huge!  I have been to Downtown Dallas so many times now that people that I met randomly walking around, I see almost every time I'm down there so that's pretty cool.

Anyway, a lot going on this month.  I'm working full time and on weekends, I'm out exploring and meeting new people.  And not to mention, my birthday is in a couple of weeks and I'll be hitting the big 23!  I accept money orders, checks, cash, Square Cash, Venmo, payment through Facebook Messenger, and gifts through Amazon! ;) 

Well, I hope everyone enjoyed their first week of April!  Also, check out yesterday's shoot with Kenny in the video below.

Just a little video I put together of yesterday's shoot with Kenny (@ayyy_itskenny) and Trang (@trangzillah).  I really need to invest in a rig so if anyone has any ideas on a good rig, let me know!

#BrittenStrong /  by Londen Wheeler

On February 27, 2017, my coach, my best friend, my brother was hit and severely injured by an erratic driver.  This accident has left him paralyzed from the chest down and may never walk again.  Hearing about the news of the accident was not easy to digest but with many prayers and positive thoughts, I know healing is declared in Jesus' name.

I remember the first time we met back in 2012 at my district track meet at Nelson County High School in Virginia.  He walked up to me as cool as a cucumber and dapped me up like he had known me for years.  From that moment, it was like everything else fell into place.  I could feel God living through him, I could feel that genuine spirit, I could feel the friendship that was about to transpire.  Coach O was without a doubt a light for me and everyone he came in contact with.

Again, words can't describe how thankful I am for Coach O and there isn't enough time in the day to tell you all of our crazy stories.  I know that I don't have much to give but I hope to use my photography web site and resources that I have to make sure Coach receives all of the support he needs as he begins his journey.

If you have Facebook, I encourage you to take a few seconds to head over and like his support page (see links below).  There, you can view updates on his progress, read stories about how he has touched people's lives, and see countless photos!  If you have some cash to spare, please consider donating to help Coach and his family as well.

Please continue to pray and send positive thoughts to the Olinger family!  We're in this together.  #FaithFocusFinish #BrittenStrong

Dallas InstaMeet /  by Londen Wheeler

So today, I took a really big step out of my box and met with a huge group of photographers from all over the DFW area... Wait, before I begin, calling the group "photographers" would be an complete understatement because these folks are true CREATIVES. When they see a shot that they want, they make it happen and they capture it well!  These folks have some of the most brilliant minds that I have seen in a long time.

Anyway, I found out about this Instameet via Instagram and thought that it would be a great idea to go and check it out.  This was an awesome way to get your follower game up on Instagram (P.S. follow me @lonwhlphoto) too!  I somehow ended up talking to this one guy and told him that I lived a little ways from Dallas so I'm not here often.  He asked me where I lived and he flipped out because he only lives about 10 minutes from me.  I'm hopeful that a really awesome friendships will come from this meet up.

Last week, I attended a march/rally that took place at the JFK Memorial in Dallas and today, we ended up stopping at the memorial again.  It was pretty cool to see that we had over 40 people come together for photography, music, laughter, and yes, freestyling.  Who would've thought that we would get a mini concert in the memorial?  I've noticed that the JFK Memorial is a place that brings a lot of people together, no matter the occasion.  The presence and atmosphere felt great and I felt like I was really starting to make friends in such an unfamiliar place.

Check out this video that I took of this raw talent!

I'm super excited for the next event and opportunity to go shoot with these amazing creatives.  I hope you all are ready to see my photography evolve!  I learned a lot in just a few hours so imagine the progress when it's warm outside and still daylight at 9pm.  I'm ready for the challenge. I'm ready for growth.  I'm ready for friendships.  I'm ready to be a creative.