When I was a kid in the ‘80s and early ‘90s, my sister and I didn’t have iPads, YouTube, or any of today’s distractions. What we did have was a lot of imagination, a love for music, and a jumbo roll of Kodak photo paper that my dad would bring home from work.

Yes—Kodak. Back when film was king and photography felt like magic you had to wait for. Sometimes my dad would bring home giant rolls of nearly expired photo paper—so large they barely fit in the truck bed. We’d unroll them in the garage and create mural-sized masterpieces. We traced each other, drew imaginary worlds, and cranked up the radio—Christian music was always the soundtrack.

At the top of the playlist? Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant.

Songs like Place in This World, Secret Ambition, and Friends became part of our story. They were background music to our childhood and, in more meaningful ways, woven into our faith. I still remember (as a family) singing one of Mr. Smith’s songs in the hospital as we said goodbye to a grandparent when I was a sophomore in high school. Music is powerful like that—it anchors moments.

So when Dayspring Christian Academy asked me to photograph their 50th anniversary celebration featuring Michael W. Smith, I was immediately honored—and quietly aware that this would be a full-circle kind of night.

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From Kodak Paper to Concert Photographer

I officially launched my photography business in 2006, after working at a newspaper where I first saw how images could carry stories in ways words couldn’t. One of my most memorable assignments was photographing a memorial for a fallen Marine. The weight of that moment—the responsibility to preserve it well—stuck with me. Semper Fi.

Since then, I’ve documented families, seniors, business owners, graduates, weddings, and events of all kinds. But this assignment felt uniquely personal.

When my sons and I downsized in the last couple of years, I made a decision: we were going to prioritize experiences over stuff. So last year, we attended a handful of concerts together. And every time, I caught myself watching the photographers near the stage. Not just the artists performing—I was watching them.

There’s something about concert photography that brings together storytelling, quick decisions, and the energy of a live moment. It’s fast, emotional, and real.

So yes—this wasn’t just another job. It was a moment that reminded me why I love what I do.

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Photographing a Night to Remember at Dayspring

Originally scheduled for November, Dayspring’s anniversary celebration was postponed due to a true Colorado snowstorm. Not only was Mr. Smith unable to fly in but roughly 1,500 attendees would’ve had trouble getting there as well.

The rescheduled night in February? Clear skies, great weather, and an evening that unfolded beautifully.

My role was to photograph the VIP meet and greet with Michael W. Smith and capture the heart of the anniversary celebration at the Union Colony Civic Center in Greeley, Colorado. I arrived early, set up my softbox lighting, and prepared for a respectful, efficient, and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

What stood out almost immediately was how approachable and genuine Michael W. Smith was with each guest.

He greeted everyone with a warm handshake, asked their name, looked them in the eye, and repeated it back. I’ve photographed a range of professionals and public figures over the past two decades, but few carry themselves with that kind of calm, grounded presence.

At one point, I turned to his manager and joked, “He could pass a pop-quiz on names later.” His manager chuckled and agreed. Mr. Smith made every person feel seen—without rush or pretense.

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Meet and Greet: Simple, Quick, and Meaningful

When it was my turn to say hello, I kept it short and sincere:
“I grew up on your music. It’s an honor to meet you.”

And then, right back to work.
“All right—everyone line your toes up with Mr. Smith’s toes. 1-2-3, smile!”

That was my rhythm for the meet and greet: quiet professionalism, calm direction, and capturing meaningful moments quickly.

Whether I’m photographing a preschooler, a pastor, a lawyer, or a public figure, my job stays the same. I pull my camera up to my face and do the work—calmly, kindly, and professionally.

It was meaningful to meet Mr. Smith, but I approached the moment the same way I do with everyone I photograph: with respect, clear direction, my task at hand, and an eye for authentic connection.

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A Student Story That Stole the Room

Before the concert began, Dayspring honored a student who had overcome incredible odds—including a battle with cancer, the same cancer that had taken his father.

His story was moving. His mother, a single mom, stood beside him as he was presented with a DCA scholarship box engraved with a verse. Isaiah 40:31. It was one of those moments that made the room go still.

These are the stories I carry home with me.

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DCA Choir: Voices Worth Celebrating

Following the presentation, the Dayspring Christian Academy choir took the stage—and they were phenomenal. Their arrangements were thoughtful, their harmonies strong, and their performance truly heartfelt.

After the choir’s performance, a trio of girls took the stage with guitars in hand, delivering an acoustic set that was tender and powerful.

And just when we thought the set was over, two of them exited and one soloist remained—closing the set with a voice that absolutely soared.

This student can now say she opened for Michael W. Smith while still in high school. I hope she always remembers that night like it was yesterday. 🙂

Later, I learned the choir director and I shared the same high school choir teacher at Greeley West (just a few years apart; yes: I’m older). Small world. And while my own singing now happens mostly in the car or on Sunday mornings, I still love a good harmony.

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Worship Through the Music

Once the student performances ended, I took a seat near the front and simply enjoyed the concert. (I grabbed this picture of the iconic UCCC piano before the concert… not sure how long it’s been there, but it’s gorgeous!)

Although the contract didn’t include photographing Mr. Smith’s performance, I was content just to be present. And honestly, if you’ve ever heard Michael W. Smith live, you know—he doesn’t just perform. He leads. He listens. He creates space for the worship music to breathe.

The setlist shifted as he felt led, and every song carried layers of nostalgia and worship.

I can’t recall every title from that night, but these were definitely on repeat in my mind the following week:

• Secret Ambition
• Place in This World
• Friends
• Above All
• Agnus Dei

He blended storytelling with music, making us laugh, reflect, and pause. It felt both intimate (even with 1,500 people in the room) and expansive—just the way a worship concert should.

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Final Reflections

Photographing this event reminded me why I love documenting milestone moments—whether it’s a school’s 50th anniversary, a family’s legacy, or a VIP meet and greet that someone will frame and cherish for years.

I’m always honored to be trusted with those memories.

This one, in particular, will stay with me.

If you’re planning a concert, milestone celebration, or worship night and need a photographer experienced in fast-paced, meaningful environments—I’d love to connect.

P.S. If you made it this far and still don’t know who Michael W. Smith is—do yourself a favor: stream the movie I Can Only Imagine (pay extra attention around the 51-minute-mark) and then queue up Michael W. Smith’s top 10 songs on YouTube Music or Spotify. It’s a trip through decades of heartfelt, timeless worship music that still resonates today.

As the meet & greet was winding down, I asked Mr. Smith’s manager if it would be okay to grab a quick photo—and he kindly said yes. Mr. Smith was gracious and warm, and his manager jumped in as the photographer after a 10-second crash course on my camera. He did great! It was a thoughtful gesture, and a moment I’ll always be grateful for.