Camp Living Stones | “Lonely Chair, Needs Friends”

On occasions I accept invitations to do commercial photography shoots. Sometimes this means shooting a product for a magazine or website while at other times it may be shooting a location for brochures, flyers, etc. I love the challenge of these types of shoots. As they say, photography is rooted in problem solving.

A few weeks ago I did a commercial shoot for my good friends at Camp Living Stones. I’m a bit partial to the folks at CLS & have the privilege of serving as a board member. When I spoke with directors, Jon Smeltzer & Matt Cushing, they mentioned the desire for me to develop a ‘fund-raiser’ brochure to send out featuring an update on the construction of the new chapel as well as raise awareness of some items camp needs. One of the main needs was the funds to purchase chairs for the chapel. As we talked further, Matt said they would have one chair available to feature in the brochure. Then… I had my Aha! moment.

What I wanted to do was create an ad that was humorous & captured readers’ attention while highlighting the goals of the campaign. As some of you know, in addition to photography I also serve as the creative lead for The Visible Group, a marketing & design firm. So… I was super excited that the project would involve photography but also designing the brochure & writing copy that would catch the reader’s attention. We have had incredible feedback from the campaign brochure. I think you’ll like it. It is a tri-fold brochure & this is what you see when you open it.

My favorite picture is the one in the middle where Jon has his hand on Matt’s back as if to say, “Maybe you’ll have a chair one day too!!!”

Inside

Additionally, I wanted to provide CLS with some images from around the campus. I was privileged earlier this year to design the new “Welcome to Camp Living Stones” sign. It turned out great & is a wonderful first impression for visitors. I love how they framed it out.

A view of the chapel’s exterior. One thing that is amazing about CLS is that all the buildings were built by the campers under the instruction of the camp staff. The CLS team is amazing!

The man, the myth, the legend himself, Jon Smeltzer. Jon has become a good friend & is a very godly example to all of us. His family is so much fun & we enjoy hanging out as often as possible. You should see the cabin he built for his family… seriously amazing!

Ladies & Gentlemen, The Matthew Cushing & his infamous sidekick, Wrangler. Like all dynamic duos, Bonnie & Clyde, Sonnie & Cher, Turner & Hooch, Kris & Kross, Millie & Vanilli (you get the point), these two won’t ever let you down… constant adventure!

How cool was it that this rainbow appeared when I was shooting! I thought it would look great to frame the shot as though to lead into the cross.

If you are interested in taking a group to a Christian adventure camp, may I suggest to you my friends at Camp Living Stones. You should really check them out! And, if you’re looking for a company who can take care of your design needs, me & the crew at The Visible Group are certainly able to help.