Back in California...

Hi everyone-
Jason and I have been super busy in our lives. Jayson has been traveling all over, which you will hear about soon, and unable to spend time on the internet to update all of you. As for myself, I have recently moved and my photography business has boosted. However our busy lives are right now, Jayson is returning to California on the 28th. After he settles here, we will be able to spend time together reviewing the interviews that have taken place.
What to look forward to:
-Interviews with current military, their spouses and family, war veterans, and Iraqi citizens and military.
-A new series of environmental portraits of surviving military. Jayson will be learning how to use commercial photography lighting.
I know that we don't update this site all the time, but our lives are real and human and survival takes time. But this project is in both our hearts.
Your patients and genuine interest is always appreciated:)
Feel free to comment and ask any questions, via this site, at anytime. We will answer them when time permits.

Photography Competition Update

First we would like to thank everyone who contributed to the entry of Jayson's images into the Del Mar Photography Competition. The results are back and unfortunately none of them were accepted into the art show. This is an international show and there were over 400 entries, all of which were amazing. I did get some information after much probing at the woman in the office, and I did find out that he was one point away! This is great news!
Jason is an amazing photographer, but does have room to grow, and as for myself, I have been in this situation before and all it is, is a sign that he is almost there. In addition to signs, Jason and I found a grant that we would like to go for next year. One of their requirements, is that we can not have exhibited or published the work before. With this said, we are very lucky! I have spoken to one of the people in charge and they are very excited about this project and have encouraged us to submit.
So we will have plenty to look forward to and plenty of time for the story to be worked on and time for Jayson to learn more about photography!
Thanks again to everyone!

Latest Update...

Hey everyone-
I wanted to check in with all of you and let you know that things have been very busy and that is why you have not seen anything from either, myself or Jayson. As said in the last post, Jayson is home in NC. He is finishing up his duties with the Navy and then is off to have some well deserved personal time. He continues to work on the project while he is back in the states though. He has been interviewing several wives of Marines. The stories they share, with their truth of their men and the real life that they have to adjust to, is very intense.
As you can imagine, there is a great deal of stress and anxiety that they will experience in their readjustment to life here. And the wives, having not been through or seen what their husbands have, have to adjust from a blind perspective, but out of love, they push through with tears! Can't wait to give you more details later.

Some of you know this already, but my sister is in Iraq now. She is on the Lincoln for the Navy. Her daughter is here with our parents and her fiance patiently waits to hear from her every day. So it is not only the wives, it affects all of our loved ones!
Here is an amazing image that she sent me:)


ps...if you are reading this site frequently or even if this is your first time, please comment every chance you get. This will optimize our blog and make it more accessible for people who may be looking to relate to something like what we are offering!

Need Help with Funds to print...

Hi everyone-
We have started to print posters to spread the word about the blog and project. They are not too expensive, but I cannot pay for them out of my pocket at the moment:( Any help to spread the word, would be appreciated!
Contact me via website:
www.jleeimagery.com

Thanks to everyone who is helping in whatever way they can!

So much going on!

Hi everyone-
I have been way too busy for my own health. I apologize for not updating all of you on the events with Jayson and his project. He should have left Iraq on Saturday, the 10th of May. I have not spoken to him yet, but we agreed to speak tomorrow, which I am really looking forward to. I can't wait to get a decision from the judges on the art board! I will keep all of you posted and I can't wait to see Jayson and start on this amazing book!

Contributions to the development of this book are appreciated....please contact me with any inquires in regards to how to help...

TEN DAYS!

We only have 10 days until Jay will be home! I can tell you that he is so relieved to be coming home and living a new life with his new found love for life and creativity! Upon his returning and situating himself, he will be finishing his time in the Navy and then promptly moving to San Diego for the summer. During his stay here, we will be spending time developing the long awaited book with beautiful imagery, captivating interviews, personal stories, and the evolution of the human soul.
It's count down time:)

For Military Wives and Girl Friends

I wanted to offer something special to the women who are supporting their men from afar.
I started taking these images of military wives and girl friends for friends of mine and the response was huge!

"He told me that he felt like I had given him a piece of my soul and then he cried"

What an amazing thing to hear and feel while you are distanced by war. I would like to offer my services at a discounted price for military wives and girlfriends.

Please Contact me if you are interested or know some one who is:

Jessica Lee

Jayson's Most Recent Work