Never in my journeys as a photographer have I been moved so much by the subjects of my lens then this. Many times during my stay at Tupelo I was moved to tears. While editing these photo the last couple of days I've shed tears. Why?
Tupelo Childrens Mansion is an orphanage in Tupelo Mississippi. It has a history now of 55+ years since its humble beginnings in 1951. Their mission: to offer hope to orphaned or disadvantaged children by providing their physical, spiritual, emotional, social, and educational needs.
Why was I there?
They actually have a on site photography team. Though the blogsphere someone from the campus made it to my site. Contact was made, and the idea of me coming down to Mississippi to do some shooting/training was established. the rest is history.
As I toured the 40+ acre campus I was moved over and over again. My thoughts were, "what an AWESOME place!". So many faces. Each with a past. Some good, others not so pleasant. The conditions some of the children arrive to The Mansion in would squeeze even the most callus of hearts. It was a tremendous experience. I look forward to going back. Thank you TCM for having me! Thanks to Burton Garr for being the tour guide and the photography team for being awesome hosts.
What can I do?
In a couple days I will have a link available to those wanting to help. My service to the Mansion was done completely pro bono. In way of paying it forward I'm establishing a means to help the mansion. If EVER there was a cause to give of your abundance THIS is it. It's completely worthwhile. You see a link and some other images from the shoot on Monday. Till then, I leave you with this, my take on Tupelo Children's Mansion via picture. Be blessed.
Children are our most valuable natural resource.
~Herbert Hoover
WE ARE TUPELO.
Campus President and his wife Stephan & Erma Judd
To help kids you have to be kids yourself. ;)
I was welcomed to this. Awwwwwwww. Before I go, I have to say this. Southern Hospitality is REAL!!!!!! You folks know how to make a guest welcome. Love you all.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Tupelo Children's Mansion :: Mississippi
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23 comments:
How AWESOME! I love every picture, Bro. Sam. Unbelieveable job!
How AWESOME! I love every picture Bro. Sam. Unbelieveable job!
Wonderful post and beautiful pictures of the precious children!
We had so much fun. Can't wait for you to come back.
this set left me speechless, man.
your work is just fresh. love it.
Great pics! We love Tupelo and the Judds. Didn't you just want to put a couple of those kids in your suitcase and bring them home with you?
So beautiful...awesome post and pictures. My aunt and uncle met at Tupelo Children's Mansion, I'm sending them to your site, they'll love the pics.
When I was a kid my family hosted two awesome girls from the mansion for a weekend...I still think about those girls. Amazing pictures. :)
As an adoption worker in PA (aka Home of the Hoffers :) this post is hands down one of my favorites! How awesome!!! Love love love how each photo captures the true essence of each of the kids! Great job dude.
Love Tupelo Children's Mansion! My husband and I have visited before Christmas with our church (Atlanta West Pentecostal Church) and it has greatly impacted our life each time. Thank you for photographing this wonderful ministry!
Sam,
These are perfect. Every shot tells a story. These kids looks like they have joy and hope because of this organization. I hope these photos bring them even more because of your efforts.
TCM holds a special place in my family's heart. I spent a few months there as a little girl. These are awesome!!! =)
Sam,
You must be the "awesome photographer" that was coming to mentor our dear friend, Annette. Thank you for photographing the TCM kids in such a fresh new way! Love every shot! Jen's aunt, Kristin
Sam, I sponsor a child at Tupelo. Although I've never met him, or visited, my buddy Kage holds a special place in the heart's of my family. There is nothing more special than receiving a thank you card with the handwriting of one special kid at the bottom. Not ashamed to say I weep. Every time I get a letter or a quarterly update about my special guy I am gently reminded to do more, and that I am so very blessed. This Christmas my family and I have decided to sponsor some special kids and help make it unforgettable. Thanks for your work and passion for Tupelo.
SO AWESOME!
so sweet and perfect and good for the eyes.
Dangit Sam...now I'm getting all huffy.
Way to shoot man.
Dangit Sam...now I'm getting all huffy.
Way to shoot man.
Wow Sam! Just Wow! Very moving- great job my friend.
HOW EXCITING !!
LOOKS LIKE YOUR ENJOYING IT OVER THERE .
WE MISS YOU ,( PICTURES LOOK SO AWESOME ) LOOKS SOO MUCH FUN.
CANT WAIT TO SEE YOU ,LOVE MOM & FAMILY
Great job.. I grew up in Tupelo and just moved back. I was looking for blogs from other photographers in the area when I ran across this blog. Fantastic work for a fantasici organization.
I was amazed by your photography. As a teacher, I saw such beauty in the faces. God made them all so special, but you helped them to see how special. Thanks for coming and loving our wonderful city of Tupelo!! Hope to see you in the South again really soon!
My twin and I, Aaron Eric and Wilson, stayed at TCM for almost 4 yrs! This place is awesome. We both have overcome adversity in our lives and serve in our local churches per word of God planted on our hearts at early age! I remeber at 5 years old not understanding why we where being dropped off and holding my big brother crying in a closet one night! This is first time I felt the spirit of God comforting and his presence wrapped himself around us and I felt at peace! This pics are awesome man! Great job!
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