Monthly Archives: June 2024
tie-dye
Yes, I do recall that it was just yesterday when I said that making photos of just the backs of people started to seem dismissive.
But also, in some cases, the backs of people were colorful and joyous and seemed to need some documentation. I can break those rules just about as fast as I can make ’em. Evidently.
Lubbock Pride
Lubbock, Texas
photographed 6.22.2024
not a phase
If you know me only as an adult – or only from social media – you might be surprised that I used to be shy. Painfully shy. It was ridiculous and I’ve worked hard to overcome it. But it’s still there, that stupid shyness, and even now there are things I have to practically talk myself into doing. Like asking people if I can take their photo.
So when I went to Pride the other day, I sort of worked my way into talking to people. The first photos I made were backs of people which was easy but then also started to seem dismissive and rude, particularly given the event that I was there for.
So I did it. I talked to people. I asked about their hair, the slogan on their shirt, how they were holding up in the heat. And then after a chat, I’d ask if I could take there photo. Everyone I asked said yes. And I came away completely unharmed.
Lubbock Pride
Lubbock, Texas
photographed 6.22.2024
your approval
One of the things I try to always do photographically is keep trying new things.
Lately my best time with my camera has been trying street photography. Those of you who live in large urban areas and/or places where people just walk around a lot may find this hard to even imagine, but I have to think about where people might be and then go to those places on purpose in hopes of getting some shots.
And that is one of the reasons that I found myself at the local Pride event the other day. I am glad I went, and not just because I did have the chance to photograph a lot of people: attending gave me a bit more understanding of how it’s not always easy to be a member of the LGBQTIA+ community in a place like Lubbock. And gaining some understanding and empathy is never a bad thing.
Lubbock Pride
Lubbock, Texas
photographed 6.22.2024
that bucket of wheels
I do not need one single thing more inside my house. Really. It’s good the way it is.
But if any of you need a big bucket of wheels, let me know and I’ll tell you where these are.
Bryan, Texas
photographed 6.13.2024
reality calls
I mentioned the other day that I’d visited a cemetery that had what appeared to be the world’s largest sticker farm.
This is that cemetery. I made it all the day to the far side (which wasn’t that far – it was a very small place) by walking on the concrete curbs around the graves. It was barely worth the trip because I couldn’t get good angles on the place without getting closer than I wanted to be to all the stickers. The consolation prize is this: a dead flower head and a couple of markers and some bokeh.
Old Dime Box Cemetery
Old Dime Box, Texas
photographed 6.13.2024
One Day | One Image 