Faith Bass'd Film Premiere Today! by Londen Wheeler

After a semester of working on this film, I can finally say that all of this hard work can come to an end today.  Faith Bass'd is a short documentary on my good friend Michael Allen who is a superb bass player but also a spiritually grounded man who walks by faith and not by sight.

Click here to watch the promo video!

Today at 4pm in the Eastern Mennonite University Mainstage Theater, my film, along with five of my colleagues will be the last group to show our work until the next school year.

I encourage everyone to come out tonight to see our films!!  For those who cannot make it, I will be putting it up online and will be reposting this blog post so that everyone can see it!

Urban Surrealism Through Symmetry by Londen Wheeler

Photo by Jonathan Bush

Photo by Jonathan Bush

Londen Wheeler is a photojournalist from the Central Virginia area.  He holds a B.A. with majors in Communication, Digital Media, and Photography.

Photo credits include the FCA magazine, Strayer University magazine, James Madison University’s Athletic Communications Eastern Mennonite University's Crossroads magazine,  Nelson County Times, New Era Progress, and the Daily News Record.

Artist Statement

Symmetry, shapes, lines -- something that I am always looking for, whether it’s photographing or just walking around and taking in the things that I see. I created these photographs in places that had fascinating linear layouts. After viewing the photographs on screen, I wondered what kind of shapes and lines would be made if I were to reflect the image. Some of the images turned out to have very compelling centerpieces, ranging from sharp v-like centers to abstract and unrecognizable forms.

I took a trip to New York City this past semester to explore and find places that were symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing. I also went to the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, DC for the first time and thought it would be interesting to see what kind of shape would form in the middle. I was inspired by creating a sense of Urban Surrealism through symmetry while I was photographing.

I decided to print the photographs in black and white to emphasize the contrasts and tonalities that each photo had. Some of the photographs were edited with High Dynamic Range to help emphasize the lines and tones of the image.

Overcome! by Londen Wheeler

3x Olympian Lolo Jones

3x Olympian Lolo Jones

Olympians...  That is the only word to describe this year's JDL FastTrack Camel City Elite meet.  I got to meet Lolo Jones for the second time, Matthew Centrowitz, Jason Richardson, and Breanna Rollins.  It was another year of amazing opportunity and great people.  I got to connect with some really cool photographers, some who have done some crazy amazing things in their careers.  Not only did I get to meet cool photographers, I got to photograph the "world's greatest athlete" and 2012 Olympic champion Ashton Eaton.  Eaton was in the same preliminary section as one of my teammates in the 60 meter dash.  The next day, he competed against my roommate in the shot put and only beat him by a few inches.

I ran the 200 meter dash and didn't run the time that I had hoped but it's all good.  It is early in the season and there's a lot of room for improvement.  Only a few more weeks until our conference track meet.  Can't believe that this is my last indoor college track meet.  Wow... Where has the time gone? On top of that, I only have three more months until I graduate.  Like what?!  

I must say, 2016 has been pretty eventful and I can't wait to see what else comes along during the year.  Alright, guys, I'm signing off!

Blog and Photo Collaboration by Londen Wheeler

The start of 2016 has been pretty great thus far.  Things got even better when I was asked to take photos for a new fashion, makeup, and fitness blog.  Maria Hawkins, a student and now an amazing friend came to me wondering if I was interested in taking photos for her blog.  Of course, my answer was "yes" because this is something that I have never done before.  We met up in a local Starbucks and talked about what the plan would be for the blog in regards to pictures, articles, style, etc.

I'm always willing to try new things, especially if I know that I can learn a lot from it.  Getting to try new shooting techniques, explore new places, and meet awesome new people is what I live for!  Maria is definitely finding ways of pulling me out of my comfort zone, exploring different poses, and trying some different lighting techniques.  Which is something that I'm definitely not used to!  I can honestly say that our collaboration will be one to remember.  We click well, we think of great ideas almost simultaneously and oh man, don't get me started on our jam sessions in the light studio while we shoot.  Listening to music that ranges from trap music to Dej Loaf, pop, or whatever else iTunes Radio plays at the time.

When the blog is up and running, then I will write up another post with the link!  But until then, I hope you enjoy the sneak peak photos at the beginning of this post.

Javin's Photo Session by Londen Wheeler

Javin DeLaurier, a 2016 St Anne's-Belfield School senior from Shipman, Virginia committed to Duke University to play basketball.  A family member to do something as great as that is simply amazing.  Athleticism is running through our veins as he is one of two people in our family to sign to play a sport at the Division I level this year.

Javin is by far one of the most humble human beings you would ever meet!  Knowing and watching him grow as an athlete and into a young man makes me believe that he is truly ready for what's ahead.  Best of luck to Javin as he finishes his senior year of high school and moves on to Duke next fall.  #GoDuke