cowtown christmas

Christmas is in full swing. That is an understatement I realize, it having been "Christmas" since probably October. I am not the one to complain to though, because I love it. Being the sentimental sap that I am, instilled in me diligently by my Mother who we decorated our tree with every year to Bing Crosby and the claymation Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer on the television, I totally enjoy the holiday. I'm not one of those over the top Christmas fans like the neighbors and their extravagant light show set to music, you just dial in the station in front of their house and watch the show...no I celebrate the quieter moments: the tree lit up alone in the living room, a fire going in the fireplace, a cup of hot chocolate, and making and wrapping gifts. Just a fraction of the holiday that I love. Anyway, here are a few festive shots from downtown cow town to help usher in the blog to Christmas and all that I love about it.

in the attic

Did a commercial shoot for Demilec USA, a spray foam insulation company in Arlington, Texas. Began the day in an attic watching them test out some of their new product, then moved on to their warehouse to get some on-sight shots that offered a bit more space to move around and shoot. It's dirty, gritty, grungy work; and photos never lie...well they used to never lie.

on the boat-quickie

Last weekend the family and I, with our neighbor's kind invite, went out on Eagle Mountain lake for a bit of boating. For some reason, all natural water bodies, beaches, lakes, oceans, etc. just make for great photos. Here's a favorite, talk to you guys soon!

homecoming

Every year homecoming season comes and goes and with it I usually get a slew of images that are hard to explain. They are hard to explain just as teenagers are often hard to explain. High school being what it is and filled with teenagers that are all trying to figure out who they are, what they stand for, what is right and wrong with the world around them, what these things are that are known as the opposite sex (and how to communicate with the strange beings), what they want to be when they grow up, and how to go about accomplishing all these things and still remember the periodic symbol of silver for the test next week. I think the images below capture all things homecoming, and simultaneously all things high school and all things youth.

children of the corn

Took this shot whilst my family and I wound our way 'round a giant corn maze. Thought it a good way to kick off the month of Thanksgiving, and titled it in a way to pay tribute to the Halloween festivities that just passed. Hope everyone enjoyed the candyfest. I'll have pics of the kiddos posted soon!

on the porch

Down south one needs a porch. Upon that porch, one must have a porch swing. Why? Because if there were no porch swing there would be no porch 'talks'. 'Porch talks' being those times your parents need to talk to you about something import, drastic, Earth shattering, or accuse you of things you may or may not have done or am doing. And in those moments during the porch talks, if there is no porch swing, then all there is left to do is stand there.

pumpkins-autumn's new mascot

I understand. I do. Pumpkins do seem like hosts ushering us into the Autumn season what with them representing Halloween and all with their carved decor garnishing door ways and front porches and wicker baskets etc. It is only natural for us to begin the season with a little pumpkin on our stoop. I assume we bought it at the market with plans to later kill it-as Linus would cry-and carve it, and put it out front as part of the most un-sacred events of the year. In recent years though, pumpkins have become the cool kids on campus. Women's magazine's galore have infinite creative and crafty ways to dress and decorate your pumpkin that will make your neighbors green with envy. Even my local newspaper had a pumpkin carving contest where one had to represent one of the seven deadly sins on the face of a pumpkin. Even our food, deserts, and coffee are pumpkin spiced; you can purchase pumpkin lights; and one can even dress as one for the costume party. For me though, the fad has passed, and although pumpkin spice has captured my taste buds with the rest of America, shouldn't the food gods be a little food-forward hunting down the next awesome flavor to usher in the season. Is there a flavor that could represent a cornucopia? Or maybe even a flaky croissant can be marketed in such a way that makes one dream of raking leaves...then burning them to a crisp in the back yard. Alls I know, is that unlike Linus, I am anxious no longer for the Great Pumpkin, he has overstayed his welcome. I am ready to taste a new season.

fall...

Every trip home results in my inner magazine spread ad photographer that lives inside of me rising up and taking over. Then again, with a home as beautifully laid out as my Mom's, one just can't help themselves. It's Autumn, and so the front porch is full of pumpkins, scarecrows, colorful gourds, and stalks of grasses, wheat, and grains. This image is a favorite of mine, there are more to come, but I thought this was a good one to show because it really captures the essence of Autumn.

the living room

In South Louisiana when the weather is right, and even often when it isn't, this is the place that gets more living than the room with the TV in it; and in about 18 hours from right now, that's where I will be-sitting on those Adirondack chairs, drinking on a cup of coffee. Here's a nice shot of that holy place I speak of...the front porch.

farm antiques

On the farm tractors are essential, and when you got a good one you use it 'til its dead. This one is still alive and kickin', though (with most farm equipment) probably needs a little help to get going. The scan of the print is pretty lo-fi, which I don't like, because the vague detail in the shadows of this photo is what gives it its true quality; but hopefully you get the idea.