One of my goals for 2011 is to share, every month, some of the things in the world of photography and video that I have been following. I hope to pass along a list of admirations, inspiration, and friends´ projects in these posts.  Here are a few things I have enjoyed in the last few weeks.

Invisible Families: I went back recently and spent some more time taking in this incredible body of work by the Seattle Times.  If you haven’t seen it, check it out.

The Redemption of General Butt Naked (film): Friend and colleague Danielle Anastasion co-directed this documentary on the former Liberian warlord .  They just won the cinematography prize at Sundance.  I have yet to see a final cut of the film, one of the reasons I am looking forward to being in the states in a few months.

Shane Macomber, Seattle Wedding photographer: Friend and colleague from a few years back in Vail, Colorado. He went from being a killer news photographer to a killer wedding photographer and is now a fellow Seattleite.

Federica Valabrega, Daughters of the King:  Wonderful essay on Jewish women by the Italian-born photographer.   I absolutely love the essay. Killer use of flash.

Danish filmmaker Silas Addington: Won the world´s largest video competition last year. At 19.  Check out the video on the link, it is awesome. Silas is now working in Bolivia doing short films, met him last week on a rooftop in La Paz.

Trent Parke of Magnum.  Huge street photography inspiration.  Went back and looked at his work this week, still absolutely love it.

Prime Collective Launches: Another friend and colleague, Brendan Hoffman, is part of this new endeavour.  Good luck guys, your work rocks.

Four million viewers can´t be wrong. Backwards on a pig, baby monkey.

and finally…

2011 Beard Championships to be held in Amish country.  Nuff said.  Lancaster, PA.  I covered these guys last year in Bend, OR and it was one of the most hilarious and wonderful things I have ever been a part of.  New this year is Amish camp.  From the announcement that I received via email:

Lancaster is famous for its local Amish population that have been growing beards for America for over two hundred years. Once married Amish men do not shave their beards.  In connection with the Nationals, Beard Team USA, fans, and friends will have a unique opportunity to experience the Amish and their way of life at “Amish Camp,” where will will like and with the Amish for 24 hours.  Amish campers must turn in their cell phones and laptops and will be issued authentic Amish clothing when they arrive for camp on Thursday afternoon.  Campers will learn to bake a shoo-fly pie, will be asked to help with chores on an Amish farm, and will visit an Amish school. The welcoming party on Friday night, open to non-campers as well, will be an authentic Amish meal with several Amish families as our guests.