Eyes Closed

Sometimes you just shoot pictures, not because they're for the story, but because they allow you to spend time with the person you're trying to get to know. One thing I've noticed about J., a woman who I'm following to do a story about segregation and public housing, is that she keeps her eyes closed a lot of the time. Cliches, like that top photo, abound-- life is hard, for example-- but, as always, that's just a part of it. This is just the beginning.

Strange accidents

Beginning a story leads to sleepless nights. What is the story going to be? Is it even a story? What about it makes you see things, and makes you want to be around to see more? The top frame is of a girl whose 4th birthday was ruined during the house fire-- her brother put his hand in front of my camera and told me not to photograph his little sister crying. Strange accidents. I wonder what this will lead to. More this afternoon.

My Day

Spot news turned into an introduction to a community. Reminded me a bit of Tim Hussin's experience. Did my job, met new people, learned new stories, got some quiet moments (the kind I like best) for myself, if not for the paper. Mostly, spent an afternoon with people I would never have met if I wasn't a newspaper photographer. What a true blessing.

It's Hot in Texas, Again

Spent the weekend shuttling between Dallas and Los Angeles and Seattle ( if only for 12 hours.) Back to Dallas, and back to weather features. I actually like weather features, because they give me a chance to meet people in neighborhoods I've never been to before. I ended up in a great neighborhood today, and I hope to make it back there soon for an essay.

Experiment

Periodically, I like to shoot something completely different, in a way I normally don't. Into the sun. For form, not for content.

Rodeo Falls: Saddlebronc

FFA, Dallas

It is no secret that I love 4-H and the FFA. I wonder why it is that I love rural America so very much. I got this from my dearest friend Mara today, from William Morris: "the true secret of happiness lies in taking a genuine interest in the details of daily life." It's not just rural places that I love, but the moments that are seemingly routine that have the power to make your heart sing. Even within the Dallas city limits.

Dallas Fourth of July

So hot. That first image is a kid in the back of his dad's Mercedes. I'd love to do a story on wealth one of these days. Despite the heat, it was wonderful to be out shooting most of the day. The only thing missing was a hot dog. Maybe next year. I'll spare you, dear reader, all the cute kid-and-flag features I also shot.