Vision Beyond The Lens by -J.J. McQueen-

There are moments in your career when you know that something's special is about to happen. I call them, "Vision Spots". They're the small things that remind us of the possibilities of greatness when our dreams are in motion. Prior to my recent trip to Puerto Rico , I had that familiar feeling of knowing that something special was about to unfold. However, that feeling didn't come without serious opposition. The day before I left I had to purchase a new Nikon D750 , assist my elderly uncle, and manage tons of other adult responsibilities. Fortunately, I know that there's always sun on the other side of rain clouds. It was my first trip to Puerto Rico , and I'd heard from many of my friends how beautiful it was. So while our flight was descending I could see much of what they'd told me about. The small villages and beaches along the coastline. I knew that when my feet hit the ground that I couldn't be anything less than pleased. Before all of t...

To understand what's good about a place you have to see it. You have to live it, love it, smell it, and often times it has too become a part of who you are. Those things only take place when you invest yourself in the experience of it. It requires a person to look deep into what some consider the ugliest parts of its' environment. For many that's a difficult stance to take. Primarily, because that type of thought process isn't the average person's reality. Investing all of who you are into an unfamiliar area requires a unmeasurable amount of selflessness. However, for those that take on the challenge of fostering an undaunted vision, they're now impacting generations beyond their years. Day campers dab after a one day football camp hosted by Ringo McKiver and former High Point All-Stars. Corey Dawkins High Point Hornets head basketball coach teaching a basketball skills camp. Coach Marcus Wilson helping with meals after football camp.  They e...

Culturally, humans celebrate historical moments and locations differently. It's often done in ways that most individuals outside of each subgroup will never understand. The reverence for whatever significance these places and things hold usually shows themselves subtly, and/or boldly.   The essence of these special places and moments are seldom captured without mounds of emotion. If by happenstance someone fails to acknowledge or address them, everyone present will asked two very important questions. Who's responsible for capturing our most precious moments, and who will make sure that they're captured moving forward? The Ritz, Washington Street High Point, NC    The Celebrated Robert Hayes, 56 Year Barber/Entrepreneur, Washington Street, High Point, NC After those two questions have been answered, and the call to the assignment has been accepted by a responsible party, the work starts.  The unnerving task of documenting history begins.  The chosen...