A Special Friend
“A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24
My week with Rob in California is quickly drawing to a close. We have had a great time together and have also been able to photograph at some amazing places. We have been to Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, Antelope Valley, the Alabama Hills in the eastern Sierras, and Death Valley National Park. In our remaining time we plan to visit Lake Mead National Recreation Area and Red Rock Canyon. All of these are wonderful places to witness the beauty and majesty of God’s Creation.
Since Rob’s birthday is tomorrow I thought I’d say a few things about him. Rob has proven to be a great friend to me and he is someone I have the highest respect for. I think most people know him for his longtime work as the editor of Outdoor Photographer magazine and for being the author of over forty books. I wish more people could just know him as a person. He is one of the most intelligent people I know and has a huge heart to go with his good mind. Rob is also passionate about his faith, nature and photography. He is a very busy man but he always seems to find time for his family and friends. Rob truly is a great guy!
One of the things I admire most about Rob is his unique vison. He looks at things from different perspectives than most people. This can be seen in both his photography and his writings. God has blessed Rob with a rare way of seeing things and I have learned so much from him. I feel honored to share this blog with him and always look forward to his postings, as I’m sure you do.
When it comes to “seeing Creation” it truly does help to have a friend to help you along the way. On the eve of his birthday (I won’t say how old he’s going to be) I thank God for Rob Sheppard and the influence he has had on my life in so many different areas. Happy Birthday Rob!
–Chuck
(The top picture shows Rob photographing at the “Racetrack” in Death Valley a couple of days ago. I took the middle image at Mesquite Dunes in Death Valley on Monday. I took the poppies near Antelope Valley on Saturday.)