INDIA - Just Read

Last fall, Field Trip India brought together an unusual assemblage: children from an orphanage in rural Rajahmundry, and a small group of unassuming photographers from around the world. If we thought we were going to document culture or to make beautiful images, we were thinking too small, too self-contained. My time at the orphanage created an image in my mind that couldn't be contained in any photo: an opportunity to visualize my heart again - to see beyond myself. Sitting on a concrete floor with those kids, I was transported right back to my 12-year-old self, to my own experience as an orphan; yet here I was simultaneously present in a moment of indescribable kinship. We started our journey as observers and photojournalists, but ended our travels totally inspired and motivated to make a difference.

Those kids are the reason why I'm participating in this campaign to raise funds for the orphanage. If you have no interest in looking through the photos, you can skip them - they are just my attempt to capture a feeling that was much more than the sum of its parts. They are the personal piece that I could take with me. The important thing is that you know about this campaign, that you have the opportunity to offer a little bit of yourself to a community that needs it. Please click here: teamrajahmundry.

Although we spoke different languages, we were present with them in ways that language need not inhibit. As you sit there in the room, they touch you - but secretly, sneaking in the touch. If you open your arms to give a hug to one child, three more fall into the embrace. And beyond touch, there was music: dancing, singing, sharing a joy much deeper than words. In addition to basic needs, our hope with this campaign is to provide the kids with resources to explore these joys of music and creativity.

Field Trip is a community that gives back. The money for Field Trip India came from the first Photo Field Trip, and we hope to create a never-ending loop of opportunities like this. Thank you for sharing this with me, and thank you for supporting these children.

If you would like to see the rest of the images, you are more than welcome to look through them here. 

If you would like to see the rest of my personal images from the trip (and you have an ample amount of time on your hands), you are more than welcome to look through them here. 

But most of all, if you have the capability to donate to this wonderful orphanage, please do so here: www.gofundme.com/teamrajahmundry

Waking Up In Ojai

It's a slow awakening. Not groggy, just unhurried. The kids are still asleep, recovering from a day of nonstop swimmingjumpingdancingsquirt-gunning joy. Outside, a few of the not-so-youngsters are sitting poolside together, enjoying the still morning in the midst of a gleaming scatter of overturned animal floaties. The shark and the flamingo seem to have spent the night spooning behind a bush; the shark looks ashamed.

As the abandoned inflatables drift lazily in the water and begin to warm in the rising sun, so does the conversation, quickly regaining the earnest glow from right where it was left the night before. These humans have so much to learn from each other, so much to share. Their kids have so much playing to do together, so much growing. The amount of love contained in this little hotel is staggering to consider. To truly feel a part of this family, in this moment, in this place; safe, removed, yet not remote; connected to one another in this hidden pocket of light, can melt your fears. Not a worry is felt, not a moment is wasted.

To our dear friends who shared the Flashbash experience last weekend at the Ojai Rancho Inn, thank you so much for opening your hearts and being a family with us. Rest assured, the Ojai Flashbash will definitely strike again next year and many after.

To our extended family, we implore you to take the initiative to do this on your own. We know that this love is not always inherent in the biological concept of family; we are family not because DNA dictates it, but rather because we choose to be. 

So we ask you, take the time to gather in a safe place where you can share your true selves. Allow your burdens to be shared and your hearts to be lightened. Allow your ideas to be shared and your minds to be sharpened. Allow the love you have felt to reflect onto others. 

Choose to be family. 


Forever grateful, 
Whitney Kent Chamberlin

Thank you Paige & Kelly for hosting this with us, and thank you James, Max, Nate, & Rainbeau for sharing your photos. 

Thank you to the Ojai Rancho Inn for putting up with us and our millions of babies.

remember that LAZERS & BLAZERS party?

we did this series over the last 4 years in las vegas during WPPI and it was a total blast, we were able to work with so many wonderful people and have more fun in vegas than we ever thought possible. this video was shot and edited by the sharkpigs. what a blast! 


wanna download / listen to michael's set from the party?!??!

*** unfortunately there was some sort of buzz in their system, we did our best to EQ it out but it isn't perfect...*** 
*** also, their mic was on a different channel so there are a few moments of silence *** 
*** also, you guys rule for repping so hard at this one! *** 

next year we won't be hosting a WPPI party. instead, we are going to redefine ourselves and host a huge 2 day event that is way too elaborate to get into here but if you'd like some info please email us here. save these dates 2/28/2014 thru 3/3/2014