July, 2019 - PhotoTrice

Duck and Cover

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Flash Dance – Duck and Cover

When I was a kid the U.S and the Soviet Union engaged the people of the world in a game of nuclear brinkmanship. As Americans we were proud of our side. Ours were Nukes for peace.

Unfortunately I lived downwind from those above ground weapons tests; ‘Shots’ they were proudly called. No matter, the government said we were safe. How could we be so naive as to believe that? It was the times I suppose.

In school we were taught everything we needed to know when the attack came. We learned the dance of life called Duck and Cover. Always remember if you see a flash in the sky Duck and Cover. Hug the curb or hide under your desk until it’s safe to find shelter. Find shelter? It was so simple. Any grade school child knew what to do.

In the mid-century our goals and enemies were clear. We were masters of the world. The red star, whether it was planted in the East or off our Caribbean shores was what we had to fear. It was a simple binary choice, us or them.

All we had to do as citizens was remember which door to enter.

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Jazz Night

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Jazz Night

Photographing musical performance is something I really enjoy. Fortunately musicians of all types are drawn to Central Texas because of the music scene in Austin. You might say the area is a target rich environment for photographers.

This photo was made at an outdoor music event called Jazz a’Round in Helotes Texas. The evening of music is really part of a small town summer festival you might find anywhere in the Midwest. I’m not sure why they program jazz considering it takes place within sight of a well known Honky Tonk.

On this particular evening I had the good fortune to get close enough to rest my camera on the front edge of the stage for most of the performance. That is simply not possible at most venues but once in a while luck smiles down on a poor camera jockey. When that happens step up do your best.

The event was sponsored in part by a local radio station KRTU 91.7Jazz. Most people don’t think of excellence and college radio at the same time but it is simply the best jazz station around. The nice thing is you don’t have to take my word on this because you can listen for yourself on the web from anywhere in the world. Give’m a try they won’t disappoint.

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Time of the Spirit

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Sometimes it seems in another lifetime or maybe a dream I lived years in New Mexico. I was a young man then. Up for the challenge and easy on meager resources.

My days were spent exploring Northern New Mexico and Southern Colorado by motorcycle. It was the best way to feel harsh spring wind, smell the air across the mesa and the sting of high altitude against my face. Exposed to the elements was my way to absorb hard reality and spirituality in equal measure.

In the evenings I would ride across the river to the West mesa. In those days the beautiful petroglyphs were unprotected. You could sit next to them and think about people who made such wonderful things. As the sun faded the skies would light up above Sandia Crest with distant lightning but no sound.

Once out on the mesa during a violent thunderstorm a hole opened in the clouds and intense sunlight a few yards across illuminated where I was sitting. It was as if the finger of God had reached down. Who would believe such a thing could happen?

More than twenty years on I picked up a camera. No matter. New Mexico is embedded in my soul in a perfect way no photograph could ever capture.