Hanson Prints Are In and Out!

For those of you who were able to splurge and pay $750 for the limited edition Hanson print, you are going to be very excited about your investment. Not only did your proceeds go to help an amazing cause, you are going to have a one of a kind piece that is going to make so many fans jealous. We got them back, signed and framed and plan on shipping them out this week. They are so flippin' sweet and only ten of you have them. If any of you want to change an address for where it is sent, please email us at info@abryanphoto.com.
Thanks again!
Bj

Glowing with Hope

Amanda Nied, a first grade teacher in Dallas, came up with a great idea and allowed us to give even more money to the DD Dliwayo School. I'm touched and inspired by this story. I hope that we are able to continue to support this amazing school. Please let me know if you still want to give money to the school, because we are still able to pass on donations to them. Thanks Amanda!

Below is the story in Amanda's words:

I was inspired by the acts of Hanson and Toms shoes in the fall. I joined the guys on 5 walks, and love my TOMS shoes. I am a teacher of 22 first grade students in a DFW area city. Following our study of Africa, the kids were inspired to raise money to better the educational system in Africa. We choose the DD Dliwayo School in Soweto because we had seen your amazing photos, and that was a tangible image the kids could use as motivation. We brainstormed several ways to raise money, and settled on selling glowing wristbands under the catch phrase "Glowing With Hope". Each morning 5 child volunteers would come in and work the sales table. After just one week of selling glow bracelets for $1, 22 6-7 year olds had raised $577. They were so proud of themselves! As a teacher, that's a lesson that is priceless. A lesson that not only makes a child smarter, but a better person all around.

Capetown, South Africa

We went around Capetown with a local organization that has done work with the children in shanty towns. We went to two schools and sat in on programs that they put on for us. The last school we went to was having a graduation ceremony for their kindergarten.







Lomo shots of the landscape. Strange to see shanty towns placed on top of soft white sands.





I often let Taylor grab a camera and take a few shots.



And the result wasn't too bad:



A shot of Zac through the Rolleiflex with the 5D.

Cliptown

These next few shots are from Cliptown outside of Joburg. Hanson has given alot of their resources to Cliptown, aiding a local hospital in AIDS research and also programs of AIDS awareness to the children. The children gave us a presentation of all they have learned about AIDS and how they can prevent it. It's truly amazing how much awareness can change a serious problem.

Film from the Jabu School, Day 1

The Jabu School photographs ended up being some of my favorite from the entire trip to South Africa. The kids were so lively and excited about their TOMS ( some so excited they didn't wear them, for fear of them getting dirty ). More to come.

More shots from South Africa.

Last week we finally edited all the images of my trip to Africa with Hanson and there are so many images that I'm really proud of. I may post a few from time to time.
Here are a couple from our first day at the Esiboniswen School with the TOMS crew.





These three photographs were taken with the LOMO, for those who may care.

The Film is in!

Do you realize the feeling of getting back over 30 rolls of film from my sub-saharan adventure? Its like Christmas morning for a 10 year old.
Here are a couple shots of some kids from the first day with TOMS. I will post some more as we continue to edit them.










So how was your weekend? Here are four fun facts about mine:

1. Noah puked on my computer and for a day I thought it was done for. Then it miraculously came back. Whew.
2. I had 103 degree fever on Saturday which SUCKED. I'm just glad I didn't have a wedding to shoot.
3. Noah turned 2. Happy Birthday buddy (Pics to follow this week). After all his gifts this weekend, we could officially start a shrine to Thomas The Tank Engine .
4. I watched Hot Rod for the 5th time. I finally bought it so now all my future viewing will be free of charge. Please rent/ buy / pirate this film immediately. So funny.

Cheers! Happy Monday!

I really like this photo.

Hanson in Toronto

The guys from Hanson asked me to shoot there concert in Toronto this past weekend.

Here are a few of my favorites:

The video!

Here is the video of us giving the check to the school. The principal couldn't be there unfortunately but Ella (on the left), a devoted and spirited worker for the school, came in his place. Her sister Catherine ( on the right ) came as well. They were so floored! Ella told me that she wants to take before and after pictures to show you all the changes that you were able to make in the school. Thanks again!

The final amount is.....$15,000!!

I'm at the airport about to take off for home, but I had to post a quick blog and let you know that we were able to give a check for $15,000 to the school! They were absolutely blown away, and they immediately began naming off all the things they could buy for the students with the money. When I get home, I plan on talking with them further about how we can partner with them in the future. They are also going to take pictures of before and after so that you all can see what your money went towards. We got a video of them receiving the check, and I hope to post it in a couple of days.

Once again you guys are amazing. I'm completely blown away and forever indebted to you all.
USA here we come!

Bj

We did it!

We just hit $14,000! We went way above and beyond our goal. Somebody pinch me.

Closer, Closer...

We have raised over $9000 for the school!

Unfortunately, I haven't had a moment to sit down and calculate the exact total. Emails were coming in right and left today with donations, and I was trying to keep track of where we are in my head. Rebecca has been helping me tally all the money, and we are going to go over all the numbers in the morning. I will be able to post something more definite then. I'm sorry its vague, but I've been trying to run this while I'm also running around shooting in Capetown! Thank you so much for your patience with me throughout all this. I know alot of you have emailed and proposed some cool ideas to me, but at this time I am not able to process it all. Some people have asked if we can make the project more than just a one time thing, so that you could invest more into the lives of the children. Amazing ideas by the way! I love where your hearts are and that you have a strong desire to help these students. I haven't had enough time to really think long term and probably won't consider it until I can get back to the States and on my feet again. I will probably need a few weeks to process it all before making any further decisions. Thanks again for your patience.

For now, I'm going to post a few shots from Day 3 that I have yet to be able to post. We were still with the TOMS guys and Hanson gave us all a campfire concert. The night was filled with sing-a-long hysteria. Enjoy the shots!

$8,000!

Hello from Capetown!
I have an awful internet connection with limited time but wanted to update you on some exciting developments. We have just crossed the $8,000 mark! You all are seriously unbelievable. My blackberry buzzes about every 5 minutes with a new donation, and I can't help but grin each time it happens. We are all having dinner tonight and my blackberry buzzed three different occasions, all for the Limited Edition Print! The whole crew was high fiving, we were so thrilled with your generosity.

Let's get it to $10,000 before Sunday night! I am looking forward to seeing the look of the face of that principal when he sees the check. I can't wait to tell him of all your support of these kid's future. We will have very limited internet for the next few days but I'm going to do my best to pop on and let you know where we stand.

Good night, and keep it up!

Bj

Limited Edition Framed Hanson Print

We are at $5,000 and halfway home to our goal! The Hanson guys were so proud of what you were able to do that they wanted to send you a special message and present ten lucky fans with this special offering:



Purchase this 16 x 20 print for $750 and all the proceeds will go directly to the school this Monday:


It will be professionally framed and matted. The back of the print will be personally signed by the Hanson guys. These are limited edition and only ten will be donated! Act fast if you want one. They will go very quickly!

To secure yours, purchase it here through PayPal.

Limited Edition Framed Print

Order HereLimited Edition Framed Print

Donate any amount of money here:

The guys and I can't stop talking about how moved we are by your absolute willingness to help out with such a worthy cause. Remember your smaller donations of $5 and $10 dollars are making such a big impact. Please know that you can make a difference with just a little bit of cash. We will be traveling tomorrow and won't be posting at all during the day but please keep spreading the word while we are away! I'm hoping to have internet at our next hotel and I will be able to continue to update you with where we are with our goal.
Cheers.
Bj

In 2 hours...

there is another big announcement. I promise I won't make you wait this time.

Ngi Ne Themba (I have hope)

Keep it Coming for the Kids of the DD Dliwayo School!

We just hit $2,000 and its only been 16 hours since the original post! I'm seriously blown away by the generosity of the online community. My new goal is for us to raise $10,000 grand before tomorrow night for these amazing kids. What do you think? Ridiculous? Too lofty or too easy? You guys don't even know what kind of difference you are going to make. These kids will be the future of South Africa, some of the only advocates of hope in a nation decimated by fear and death ( 60% of the students at theDD Dliwayo School live with their grandparents or siblings because their parents have died of HIV or AIDS ). We got to go to the Civic Center in Joburg and hear many city council members talking about the future of this city and nation. They were expressing that one big problem is that because of poverty and HIV the kids become a liability to the nation at such a young age. By giving to the students of the DD Dliwayo School, you have a chance to help raise up children who will be a blessing to the community of Joburg and South Africa . Children who will influence their friends, neighborhoods and family. These kids have so much promise yet still so much need.



On another note, people have been asking about sizes. The guys shirts run pretty normal in size and the girls shirt is very much a fitted tee. I'm not going to say it runs small, but it is the type of shirt you would wear out. Its not the type of shirt you wear with your pajamas, but instead to dinner and a movie. Does that help? Actually, click here to see what they look like on the American Apparel website. Does that help?

Also I don't know other ways to give money other than pay pal so if any of you out there have some advice, please let a comment for those that can't seem to use it. If you want to send a check to our studio:
1710 2nd Ave N
#509
Birmingham AL 35203

If you are sending a check, please email me at info@abryanphoto.com and let me know what the amount you are sending so that I can add it to the total amount that I give the principal on Monday.



I also noticed that some of you want to give but can't give $30. You have to understand that every bit of this money counts! $5 will mean 3 kids don't have to share a text book anymore. That is huge! Anything you can contribute can change so much.

If any of you want to offer something to people and have the proceeds go to the DD Dliwayo School, I will link to your site from my blog! What do you think?

My heart is so full on this Thanksgiving day. Ash and Noah, I miss you so much. 1-4-3.

I'm thankful for...YOU.

When I posted this entry last night I had no clue how many responses I would get. I posted it about 2 a.m. here in SA and was planning on just hitting the bed because we're gonna head out to a local hospital (the one that proceeds from the Hanson song "Great Divide" went to) early this morning, but the giving started happening fast and I couldn't fall asleep! I was lying in bed with the lights out and my laptop on my chest just watching the PayPal confirmation emails roll in! You guys blew me away with how fast you responded and how generous you have been. I'm overwhelmed with gratitude towards you. When you are sitting around the Thanksgiving table today and you are listing what you are thankful for, know that we will have already listed you (trust me, I'm at least 8 hours ahead of you at the moment). If you have any friends and family that want to take part in something meaningful on this Turkey Day, tell them about the school.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart. This is amazing!
More to come...

Join In Helping The DD Dliwayo School!

Today was one of the most moving experiences of my life. We visited the DD Dliwayo School outside of Joburg. The school has over 800 students but has a very tiny facility. In fact, in order to get enough desks in the room, the students have to climb over the desks to get to theirs.



The space is not the school's only problem though. The most basic needs like pencils and paper, rulers, chalk and erasers are scarce as well. They often break pencils in half so that the kids can write. Sometimes four kids will share one workbook. They are also trying to teach on computers, but they only have six pieces of junk for all the students to work on.
Despite all this, I was completely floored by how overjoyed the students were to be there. I have never in my life seen people this excited to learn.





No space for desks in this room, only chairs:








When we walked in, we were bombarded by the children who wanted us to look at their work in their notebooks. They would just hold them out and show us their accomplishments, longing for affirmation and praise.



My heart was completely moved by their needs. These are kids of so much promise and their needs are so freaking basic.
So, here is my idea. I want to see how much money we can raise this school before I leave South Africa on Monday. My plan is to actually hand a check to the principal in person. The plan of action is easy and rewarding:
For the next two days, and for the first time ever, I'm going to sell my new A Bryan Photo graphic T-shirts to you for $30. All of our proceeds will go straight to the school before the end of the week! You can affect the lives of many promising children immediately. The Hanson guys were so thrilled with the idea, especially since they are so attached to the school.



The kids of the DD Dliwayo School were the ones who sang on "Great Divide", on the newest Hanson record, The Walk.

Girls who sang on the album:



Hanson put on a show for the kids:










Let's help these beautiful children!


If you want to just give a few bucks you can donate any amount here (think as if you are buying a latte, only you don't get the latte).

Day Two, Mother of Peace School

This school was probably my favorite of all the TOMS shoe drops that we did. It was a smaller school which created a very intimate environment for all the workers. At some of the bigger schools it often felt like an assembly line because the kids outnumbered the volunteers by a great number. At Mother of Peace School we had one volunteer per 5 kids. This particular school has a program for sexually abused children called "Operation Bobbi Bear : Every Little Body is a Somebody". The kids were so cute and excited about their new gift.

Zac playing with kids:






Taylor with a new TOMS buddy:










The kids show their appreciation for the TOMS team through song and dance:




A few acapella songs:






Recording the show:


Dance Party!

Day One, School Two

Jabu School









Off to our Safari. More to come...

Hipsters

The Lord's Prayer

Finally...some images!

We arrived at our hotel about 8 hours ago and I immediately started uploading some images for your viewing pleasure. These are some shots from our first school.

Day One:
Here are some shots of us meeting up with the TOMS crew for the first time. As you can see they are quite a colorful bunch.

Taylor and Ike (Zac joined us on day two) with Blake, the main man in command of the TOMS ship:


This is my new photo buddy Geoff Shively. Are you kidding me, a flippin' sling shot?


Blake's brother Tyler, a full time TOMS supporter:


Blake's mom. Believe me, it truly is a family affair (his pop was there too but I didn't get a photo). How badly do you want that hat?


Our first drop at the Esibonisweni School in the Ingwanuvma district (look it up, I would lie about this stuff).

The kids waiting patiently for their new shoes:


The feet of a Pre-TOMS child:


The feet of a Post-TOMS child:









They were so thrilled to be stylin:


The TOMS crew left today and we are all winding down a bit after the wild rollercoaster ride we were on with them for the past 4 days. What a blast it was. We will truly miss their spunk and vitality. Tomorrow we go on a safari before we hit it hard the rest of the week. On Wednesday and Thursday we will be visiting a school and hospital that the Hanson guys worked with last year and then onto Capetown for the weekend!
Glad to see some Hanson fans checking out the site. Welcome to the A Bryan Photo family.
More to come soon. Stay posted.
Bj

An amazing night

Picture this:
It's the last night with the TOMS crew, and we are all outside on the most beautiful night of the year drinking beer and listening to an acoustic Hanson show.
What a moment.
Pictures coming soon hopefully tomorrow.

Bryan

Another blog without pictures. Sorry!

I hate blogs that only have text and nothing visual to compliment the content, but I seriously can't get internet to save my life. I just stayed up until 2 a.m. editing pics and went down to the hotel lobby and their internet was down! Ahh! I seriously hope to get some at least by Monday, because I'm pretty sure we will have internet at our hotel.

Today was a pretty light workload for us. I woke up at 12:45 p.m. and we were supposed to leave at 1 p.m. We left there for a resort hotel in order to meet up with TOMS. When we got there we heard of a local school about 5 minutes away that could use some kicks. Only a few TOMS people went with us as the school was relatively small. It's nice when the schools are smaller because it's easier to engage the children and we don't feel rushed nor task oriented. The kids and teachers were so overwhelmed with gratitude they sang and danced for us for about 15 minutes. The Hanson brothers returned the favor with 2 acapella songs which completely floored the kids. They were all running around singing the lyrics. We returned to the hotel and met up with the TOMS crew again for dinner, beer, and putt-putt. Yeah, in case you were considering it, don't take a trip to South Africa for the sole purpose of playing putt-putt. Our African safari themed putt-putt in America sure beats actual African safarian putt-putt. All in all, it was another good day. We head to Joburg tomorrow morning early. If I go to bed now I will get 3 and half hours worth of shut eye... Ouch.

Blessings to you all.

Bryan

First day of shooting

Happy Friday to you all from South Africa! Thanks for checking in! The last 72 hours have been so crazy. I don't think I can separate them into actual days. We got into our hotel around 9 p.m. last night but we had to be up by 3 a.m. to drive 5 hours North towards Mozambique. There we met up with the TOMS crew who were quite a lively bunch, all the artistic type (great if you want to hang out and drink beers and talk about becoming carbon neutral, not so great when coordinating shoe drops for over 600 impoverished children). That being said, it was still relatively well organized and our crew and the children at both schools had a blast, especially at the second school. The kids were thrilled with their new kicks and some would remove them immediately for fear of getting them dirty. We worked from 9 in the morning til 7 p.m. and we are now driving another 5 hours back to Durban. My hats off to the Hanson brothers for their constant service all day long. They were on their knees in hot musty rooms all day putting shoes on children. My job was easy compared to them. I shot mostly film today but still hope to upload some digital and videos when I get internet ( I'm emailing these updates to Josh on my blackberry).
My body is weary but my heart is full. Blessings to you all.

Bj

I'm here!

I made it! I wanted to give you a quick update to let you know that we arrived safely after a 17 hour flight. We fly to Durban tonight and drive to a village to meet up with TOMS. Tomorrow will be our first day of handing out shoes. Keep coming back for updates as we hope to keep you informed. Thanks!

Bj

Taking the Walk...

When I got to meet up with Kate and Zac Hanson at the Hanson concert last month I talked with Zac for awhile about all their work in Africa with TOMS Shoes ( see this blog entry for reference). I mentioned off hand that if they needed some documentation while there let me know, because I know a guy (me). Zac and I talked a few times over the next couple weeks about the idea but didn't confirm until 4 days ago that I would in fact go with them. So, I leave tomorrow for 2 weeks to South Africa. I will be taking photos of their journey with TOMS Shoes to several villages all over the country. Ok, so I'm really excited. I can't believe I didn't blog about this sooner but it all has happened so fast that I've been running around in an attempt to prepare myself for this amazing trip. I obviously don't know what my internet status will be but my plan is to blog as much as possible with photos and pictures and stories of all that is taking place while I am there. Any of you that have been to South Africa have some advice for me? Stay tuned for more info to come! I will hopefully post a rough schedule of where I will be when. If you are a client of mine, please know that Josh and Caleb will still be here working hard! If you have any questions between now and the 27th of November, please call Josh at 205-919-4868.
Yeah C'mon!

Happy Birthday Zac Hanson.

Hanson played in Bham on Monday night, which happened to be on Zac's bday. His wife, Kate, invited Ash and I to hang out before the show and eat some cheesecake (yes, she is really that cool). It was great catching up with them and hearing about life on the road. The show was great and I'm grateful to the band for letting me shoot the gig. You should all check out their new album "The Walk"...so good.)

The guys told me a little about their involvement with TOMS Shoes, a shoe company that donates a pair of shoes to an impoverished person for every pair they sell. The company focuses alot of its efforts on the poor in Africa. A recent trip to Africa inspired the band to write the song "Great Divide" (pick up this great track on iTunes) and all the profits from this single go to further relief in Africa. Before each show they play on this tour the band is walking a mile shoeless with any fan that wants to join them to raise awareness of such a simple yet real problem that many impoverished people face. Hanson is headed back to Africa this November to personally distribute TOMS shoes to different villages.
If you want to see Hanson live, check out there tour dates here .

Here's Taylor Hanson sporting his TOMS:
















Click HERE to see more.

Kate and Zac Hanson on Cover!

I shot Kate Tucker and Zac Hanson's wedding last summer in Atlanta. The wedding was beautiful and perfect for a wedding magazine feature. "I Do" picked it up and is running it as a cover and feature for their fall issue. The Hanson brothers are currently on tour to promote their new album The Walk. I haven't gotten to see Kate and Zac since their wedding and look forward to catching up with them in a few weeks when they play the Roxy in ATL.