Capturing History: Reflections on an Unforgettable Event in DC

Some moments in life come unexpectedly, yet leave a lasting impact on your perspective and creativity. For me, the opportunity to photograph the “A Million Women - An Esther Call On The Mall” event in Washington, DC, was one such moment. What started as a simple "yes" to an invitation evolved into an unforgettable experience, both personally and professionally.

In our fast-paced, ever-evolving world, there are rare and defining moments when individuals step into a purpose larger than themselves. Recently, thousands of women, along with their families and children, gathered in what can only be described as one of these pivotal moments. United by a deep sense of purpose, they came together as modern-day Esthers, standing in the gap to protect and restore the values and virtues they wish to see in the future.

This event was not simply a rally or an organized gathering—it was a movement. Each woman, like Esther, rose in strength, fueled by an unyielding faith and an undeniable call to action. Together, they stood to protect the souls of future generations, setting out to dismantle the societal altars of falsehood, often symbolized as the altars of Ishtar, that threaten the values they hold dear. They came to confront forces that sought to shape the future in their image, reclaim what had been lost, and lay a foundation for a brighter path forward.

A Surprising Invitation

Initially, I wasn’t even supposed to be there. My journey began when Maury introduced me to Manny, Andy, and Dave—members of the creative core team for Brian Barcelona and his *Gen Z for Jesus* events. I had previously worked with them on similar gatherings, and during one event in Dallas, Brian approached me with an unexpected proposition:

"Man, my team really loves you. Would you be interested in going to DC?"

Without fully understanding the scope of what I was agreeing to, I said yes. My initial thought was, “It’s just another church event.” But as the date approached, it became clear that this was anything but ordinary.

Realizing the Magnitude

Panic set in. I only had my Nikon Z7 with a 24-70mm lens, no computer, and limited resources. Was I in over my head? Yet, amidst the chaos of preparation, I felt a sense of peace. I knew I needed to be there.

In the weeks leading up to the event, I began researching and noticed increasing media buzz. The event was to take place in front of the U.S. Capitol, with an anticipated attendance of over 300,000 women. This wasn’t just a gathering; it was a historic moment in the Christian community.

Embracing the Creative Flow

When I arrived in DC, I was greeted by the team’s unexpected words: “We brought you here because we love the way you capture moments. Just flow.”

For the first time in my 12-year career, I wasn’t bound by strict shot lists or schedules. Instead, I was encouraged to create freely. We crafted a loose social media plan, but the overarching goal was to let creativity lead.

The results were astounding. Our team posted over 20 reels in a single day, seamlessly blending photography and video. This collaborative, pressure-free environment allowed me to capture some of the most authentic and impactful moments of my career.

Witnessing a Historic Movement

Standing amidst a sea of over 300,000 people, I witnessed something extraordinary. Women from countless ministries, each accompanied by their creative teams, came together in unity. The event was a melting pot of prayer, healing, and transformation.

To witness and document this movement was not merely a task—it was a calling. The weight of history seemed to rest on each click of the camera, as though each shot was sealing a message to be carried forward. As storytellers, we had the humbling responsibility of capturing not just events, but the essence of what this movement stood for: a reclamation of truth, a return to values that build rather than tear down, and a call for courage in the face of adversity.

I saw lives being changed—people being prayed for and healed, and attendees leaving the event visibly different from how they arrived. It wasn’t just a gathering; it was a spiritual movement.

A Life-Changing Experience

The energy in the atmosphere was both intense and inspiring. It was as if time slowed down to recognize the courage of these women and families who had come forward, declaring, “Here we stand.” From young children to wise elders, everyone present shared a sense of mission, an unwavering belief that the decisions made today would shape the lives of generations to come. The strength of unity was palpable, as voices rose together to declare timeless truths, offering an alternative to the shifting norms that often dominate today’s society.

In every image captured that day, the faces of these women, men, and children tell a story of resilience, hope, and faith. They stood shoulder-to-shoulder, undeterred and resolute. Each participant knew that the legacy they would leave was worth the fight.

The aftermath of the event was equally surreal. Seeing my photographs featured in articles and shared widely was humbling. I realized I had been part of something historic.

Looking back, this event was more than a professional milestone—it was a "Young Wild Dream" come true. It was a bucket-list experience I didn’t anticipate but one I deeply needed.

Gratitude and Looking Forward

I am profoundly grateful to Brian Barcelona, his team, and everyone who made this possible. Andy, Manny, and Dave—you are incredible. Together, we were more than photographers; we were modern-day scribes, passionately working to preserve the heartbeat of this movement. Our goal was to ensure that, long after the last chant had faded, the images would speak of the conviction and faith that brought everyone together. It was a gift to work with these spirit-filled collaborators, each bringing a unique perspective and unwavering dedication to the task. Thank you for trusting me to capture this moment in history.

Looking through the lens, I saw something beyond a powerful event: it was a declaration that the future belongs to those willing to rise today. These women knew that by stepping into their roles as protectors of truth and bearers of light, they were planting seeds for generations who would reap the benefits of their courage.

In a world that often sways with every new trend, this gathering served as a reminder that real change happens when people of faith and purpose come together. The courage and determination of these women, these “Esthers” standing firm for future generations, will inspire others to consider what they, too, might stand for in their own lives. It was a movement of strength and one that felt timeless, echoing through history with a message of hope, love, and conviction.

This event, documented through these images, will serve as a lasting testament to the power of faith, unity, and unshakable hope. It was not just a historic moment, but a reminder that, even in a world of constant change, there are truths worth fighting for, and a future worth protecting.

As I move forward, I hope to continue documenting events like this—moments that are not just visually stunning but historically significant. These experiences remind me that, as a photographer, I’m not just capturing images; I’m capturing history.

Here’s to many more moments like this—where faith, creativity, and history collide.

Check out the full gallery: https://youngwilddreams.smugmug.com/Companies-Clients/A-Million-Women/n-Q8tn9v/A-Million-Women-2024/20241012-A-Million-Woman-Event-Day