Blog Archives
the photographers
This is the story of one thing I got right and another thing that I got wrong.
Almost from the beginning of thinking of myself as a photographer, I was steadfast in my refusal to photograph people. I just…didn’t. What I pretended was an Important Artist Decision™ was mostly just me being an idiot, being too afraid to try, being afraid someone might notice me or challenge me or yell at me or whatever. That’s the part I got very, very wrong.
The part I got right was that I needed to be in places that were more populated, where there were lots of people out on the streets doing their things. Lubbock is not exactly a pedestrian-friendly place, so on top of not being a huge city, no one is really outside and it’s hard to find subjects and harder to blend in, to be patient about waiting for something photo-worthy to happen.
So, earlier in the summer when I was in Chicago, I went for a photo walk with a street photographer that I’d met on Instagram, and he was kind enough to share his favorite locations with me. And then, later in the week, I ventured out on my own and discovered that street photography is, in fact, something that I can do.
Now I am trying not to think about how many good photos I’ve missed over the years because I was too afraid to push myself.
Chicago, Illinois
photographed 6.30.2022
all the saints are here
As I mentioned yesterday, I found the statue store right there on the main street of Benld, Illinois. Even though I have all the religious statues that I need*, I wish the place had been open: I would have liked to see this array of saints up close.
Benld, Illinois
photographed 7.3.2022
*Zero. I have zero religious statues. And that’s exactly how many I need.
camel
I didn’t know what I’d see that Sunday morning on the main street of Benld. Maybe a bank. Or a liquor store. Or two or three dollar stores. I surely did not anticipate a store full of weathered religious statuary.
But that is indeed what was there, one door down from Stan’s Barber Shop and across the street from the Hebenstreit Apartments.
You just never know…
Benld, Illinois
photographed 7.3.2022
cruising (with Abe)
Here in Pontiac, corners downtown were decorated with these little art cars. I loved this one, with Abe and his luxurious wind-blown hair taking a ride. He seemed so jaunty and carefree. I sort of wish I had this in the sculpture gallery at my house.
I mean, I don’t actually have a sculpture galley at my house, but if I did, this piece would be placed in the prime location.
Pontiac, Illinois
July 1, 2022
if the shoe fits
If you want to make your brain work hard, try to convince it that the shoe is a normal, human-foot size and everything else is really quite small. And who’s to say that’s the real situation here?
Wilmington, Illinois
July 1, 2022
One Day | One Image 