Jump for Joy! Photo Project
Showcasing the beauty of the human spirit - in mid air - around the world
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"I began to realize how important it was to be an enthusiast in life... if you are interested in something, no matter what it is, go at it at full speed ahead. Embrace it with both arms, hug it, love it and above all become passionate about it. Lukewarm is no good. Hot is no good either. White hot and passionate is the only thing to be." - Roald Dahl
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Featured jumper of the week: GAVIN RIDLING! 
GAVIN RIDLING ...
From: Olympia, WA
Lives: Venice, California.
Work: Greatful Sun LLC Film Production
Q: What inspires you to jump for joy?
A: Connecting with new, open individuals not afraid to bounce! I find these folks at festivals, concerts or any place where there is dancing.
Q. Your experience doing jumping photos?
A: I felt like a kid!
Q: What inspires you in life?
A: I have a blast getting people out of their comfort zones and to try something new. Get out of your head and into your body people! For crying out loud you live once, make every minute count, love yourself and connect with people. You’ll get through every difficulty you will face. Some great advice I was told sums it up nicely: None of the s**t you worry about on a daily basis will matter at your funeral.
Q: Your greatest passion?
A: Capturing people in genuine moments through videos. It's the closest thing that we have to a time machine.
Q: Your driving force?
A: Being around people that have decided to become loving beings, despite what difficulties have been handed to them. I have learned through others that happiness is a choice that you make yourself and not just a feeling.
Q: Your philosophy?
A: Don't wait for your joy to arrive in some imaginary future. Go for the biggest dreams that you can dream up! Don't be afraid to fall flat on your face, brush the dirt off and try again. Be joyful no matter the circumstance! Joy truly is something that comes from the inside out.
Q: Anything in the world?
A: Help people remove filters that they have about other people. I am constantly learning this lesson. We have filters that that cloud our vision between ourselves and the human standing right in front of us. Race, culture, nationality, etc. are things that we were born into. I never tried to be born in America, I never tried to be born white, it is simply how my existence started. I am presently working to make this awareness happen by working on projects with non-profits, films, and television that are in alignment to this goal.
Q: What are you working on?
A: I have been working on an awesome Doc-series called "Operation Change".
Here are a couple of links:
Working with amazing programs that are making the world a better place. Here are one of my best friend Nadine's Project: http://www.true-connection.org/
I started a production company a few months ago that I get to focus on this spring after my current projects wind down. I have shot a lot of concepts and can’t wait to run with them. The goal with this is to put together projects from concept to completion, build the team myself, and grow, grow, grow! Grateful Sun, LLC came from two of my favorite things: The Sun, and being grateful. The website will go live this spring: www.gratefulsun.com
Q: Mini bio, interesting facts about you or something special you want to share.
A: I moved to LA from Olympia, WA when I was 19 years old with $60 in my pocket. I didn't know anyone. I lived in shady $70/week hotels, had a knife to my throat. I didn't have money to eat, so I would move tables indoors of a pizza joint to get the leftovers. I would walk up to movie sets and ask if I can help for free. Most people looked at me like I was weird, but a few times people would say, "sure" and give me things to do like pick up dog poop in the back yard, so they could put craft service out. I was like "Yess!!” I started working right away. I then learned quickly the term "feast or famine". One minute I would be on a red carpet behind stars posing for magazines, and the next moment I would be bagging groceries looking for my next gig. It's been a long road for me, but the times in my life where I have struggled, have always made the best stories. I am a lucky, open, grateful guy. Both for my career and for all of the people that I get to be meet.
Photos of Gavin were taken in Venice, California.
JOY! WHAT MAKES YOU JUMP FOR JOY?
It is such a pleasure hearing from you! Please, do stop by and say hello on my facebook page or twitter account :)
Help me to keep spreading the JOY! SUPPORT JUMP FOR JOY!!
Have a great week, with lots of fun and filled with joy!
Much love, Eyoälha
Jumping self-portrait photo of Eyoälha in North Vancouver, Canada.
