Caroline ~a study

Jamie and I spent a little time with our nieces and nephews recently. I was excited about the three or four days we would be with them, because I really wanted to try a few things photographically and they always make great subjects. I wanted to go beyond just making "pretty pictures" and did my best to push myself to not only create photos of the kids, but to create feeling as well.

I dunno. I just have such a curiosity about the vulnerabilities of all humans. We're born innocent. We say what we mean. We mean what we say. We're not afraid to show our emotions. Then somewhere along the way --slowly -- but often quite certainly, we begin to build walls. Rather than admitting our fears, our worries, our ignorances -- we craft a life we think is correct. Often hiding to others the vulnerabilities we all feel in one way or another. We don't always know we're doing it, and I don't mean to imply this is bad -- or good -- it just is what it is. And I am fascinated by it.

If we are lucky, we recognize the boundaries we've built in our lives. We recognize them early enough that we are able to do something about them. I doubt we ever truly overcome them, but I do think we can whittle them to the point that we reclaim some of that innocence that we were blessed to have when we entered this world. But it's not easy. And just as it takes time to build them, it takes even longer to tear them down.

So while spending a little time with my nieces and nephews this week, I decided I would take the opportunity to use them as models. These images are an exploration. An exploration of life. Of childhood. And of my own feelings and curiosities. Children are truly a wonder, and we adults could all do ourselves a service if we tried to be more like them.



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Now, on a technical note. I've had a few questions from other photographers about how these images were created. They were all photographed with a Nikon D200 and deliberately underexposed a stop or two so that they would be a little more grainy and film-like. But the key ingredient, technically speaking, is the Lensbaby. Well, that and not being afraid of a little (or a lot) of blur. The images were then processed in Lightroom using some custom presets, and a few were textured a bit in Photoshop to finalize the effect I was looking for. If you have any questions about how they were created feel free to post them here or email me directly. I'll answer as best I can.

Take care and continue to explore.

~wj

"Locals" show at Southside Gallery

Just a reminder that the Southside Gallery in Oxford is holding a group show for the month of June. I've got a few prints from my New Orleans series in it. If you get a chance to stop by while you're in Oxford, please do. Tell 'em I sent you!

Here's a little write up from their website.

If you make it by, shoot me an email or give me a call. I haven't seen the show yet and I'm really curious to know how everything looks.

~wj

Laurel - Jones County ~commission

Back in January I was asked to travel to south Mississippi to create a few images of the Laurel - Jones County area. The images are going to be used to help decorate the newly renovated offices of a law firm, so I tried to keep that in mind when creating them. The area also has a long history involving the railroad system. I did my best to tie that in as well.

I've selected a handful of images to show above, but if you'd like to see the entire set click HERE. I'll keep you updated as to which of my galleries carry these images as those details are sorted out. You can contact me directly as well for more purchase information.

I hope you enjoy them. Let me know what you think.

Take care,

~wj

NOLA JazzFest -- brilliance defined

I first heard the John Butler Trio late one Saturday night while watching an Austin City Limits rerun. This was about a year ago. I was blown away by John's talent and the unique sound of his band. It's a funky, bluesy, caribbean style infused with heavy beats, driving guitars, brilliant musicianship and infectious spirit. And the lyrics are poignant and moving.

I've had their music front and center on my ipod for the last few months and when I heard they would be performing at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival I knew I really wanted to find a way to attend. Luckily I was able to do so. And even better was that Jamie was able to head down to her hometown and attend JazzFest with me.

When I say that this man is one of the most brilliant artists I've ever encountered I do not say that lightly. He abilities are tremendous and he displays them in so many ways during his performance. Guitar. Banjo. Xylophone. Stand up bass. Kettle drums. Harmonica. Electric piano. So many incredible sounds blended together to form one of the most moving hours I've ever experienced.

Here is a performance by John that displays just how good he is. When listening to this, keep in mind that this is one man; one guitar. It sounds like at least three of each of not four or five. Give it about sixty seconds. He starts softly and builds into a performance that will leave you with little more to say than . . . "Wow"



Now, if you enjoyed that here's a link to pick a few of his songs on iTunes. While the studio stuff is great, I highly recommend the Live at St. Gallen album. Studio recordings do not do this man justice. The energy he displays in front of a live audience is amazing, and it's just not something you can capture in a studio -- no matter how brilliant the technicians are.

CLICK HERE TO GO THE JOHN BUTLER TRIO iTUNES PAGE

Right at the end of his set, the rains came. Not a hard, heavy rain, but a soft, cleansing one. Rather poetic and fitting I thought, considering the audience. When the first raindrops struck the crowd a celebratory cheer echoed around the stage just as one of the band's songs was reaching its pinnacle. Here's a picture of Jamie I took with my phone just after she covered up to protect herself from the rain. John, of course, is on the screen in the background.



Music is a powerful thing, my friends. I often wonder if it isn't the most powerful artform that we have. Just as any art, it's often done just for the sake of doing it--there's very little purpose behind it. But when the artist has a point, and has mastered his or her craft, music can change the world. One person at a time. John Butler is one of those artists. He has a point. Listen to his, then find yours.

Good luck on your journey. It's a wonderful ride if you'll let it be.

~wj

Inspiration ~a short film

I was surfing YouTube this morning and found this incredible piece of work by a Spanish photographer and film maker. His name is Carlos Loscano. What is so amazing to me, is that this entire film was created using nothing but still photographs. I can only imagine the time and patience it took to create this, and it is a great example of the combination of creative vision and technical expertise needed to create moving images.

Hope you like it.

~wj

just a quick note to everyone

I started my Monday by checking in with a few photographer forums. One of the photographers over at OSP created a thread about a friend that had recently passed away. In his post he included this quote from a message the friend had written him some time ago. I thought it was quite poignant and wanted to share it with all of you.

"I think there would be little point to life if it did not end in death. I do not give up on life simply because it ends in death. Rather, life is much more meaningful and important because of its perishable nature. I only have one life to live, and I want to make the most of it."

I think these are wonderful words for all of us to remember as we proceed through our daily checklists. It's too easy to wait just one more day, feel that a message you'd like to send someone is sappy and ridiculous, or slip into our own safe cocoon and watch as the world passes.

I urge you not to do so. Reach out. Embrace life and those that walk through it with you.

And take the time each morning to consider, "Am I making my life what I want it to be?"

Then do it.


blessings,

~wj

baby Joe. . .round two

This was Joe's second round of portraits in the last three months. His mom, Katie, scheduled a session in October for his 3 month potraits, and quickly after set a date for Joe's six month photos. Katie is an excellent painter herself--I'll probably being showing some of her work in my gallery in May. I'll have more info on that soon.

In the meantime, here are a few of the images:

OSP NOLA

Part of my trip last week was spent in New Orleans. I met several other photographers in the French Quarter and we spent three days listening to great speakers and roaming the streets. We had several great models assisting us, and boy were they ever patient with us! I can't imagine how tough it must be to model in the first place, much less in the middle of Bourbon Street with 10 photographers yelling different directions at you. Thanks to all of our models for all of their hard work.

On Monday night we had a night shoot in the French Quarter, and Tuesday we went across the river to a cemetery in Algiers. Here are a few images from those shoots.

Harry Potter. . . perhaps?

Well, actually this is my nephew Wayne. For the last week I've been on a whirlwind tour through south Mississippi, culminating with a three-day stay in New Orleans for some workshops, client meetings, and "brain-picking" along with several other great photographers. (I'll post more about all that very soon)

So on my way back north, as I slowly head home (I'll be back on Sunday after a few more appointments and meetings) I stopped today in McComb for a portrait session (the Sanders. . . .more to come) and a chance to spend some time with my sister and her family. Nights like this are one of the benefits to my job, and I am grateful for them.

My nephew Wayne is one of the most intense, most brilliant children I know. He is 10, carries a book with him everywhere (and I mean everywhere), and has written more stories in his 10 years than I'll write in a lifetime. He is his father's child (brother-in-law Charles is a brilliant writer himself).

Tonight, he was reading away and I couldn't resist snapping a few photos before he went to bed.

I've now stayed in a haunted house. . . .seriously

I've mentioned in recent posts about our family trip to Vicksburg last weekend. I am part of a group show currently showing at the Attic Gallery and my entire immediate family came for Friday night's opening. My parents, my wife, 2 sisters, 1 brother, and 7 neices and nephews. As well as my mother-in-law, step-father-in-law, 3 brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, and several good friends. We spent a great weekend at Cedar Grove Mansion--all 25 or so of us.

What we didn't realize until we were checking out on Sunday, is that Cedar Grove is a very well known haunted mansion. Well to to everyone but us, apparently. I got a kick out of it. My wife was a little freaked out, the nieces and nephews really loved it.

My mother is a syndicated columnist for several small-town papers throughout the southeast. So rather than fumble through my own words trying to describe the experience to you, I figured I'd post her column which tells things in a much more entertaining way than I ever could. The link to her website is in the column on the right-- USA Deepsouth. It's an eclectic collection of musings from writers all over the world. Check it out.

Here is her most recent column, just in time for Halloween:

Living and Dying in Dixie . . .


"With Halloween close by, I’m thinking this is the ideal time to write about my latest adventure. I don’t have many adventures, really, so I grab them when I can.

Last weekend our entire immediate family – 17 of us – traveled to Vicksburg for a reception at the Attic Gallery, a well-known gallery with a fabulous eclectic collection of art. Our son, Will Jacks, is one of 7 artists whose work is being featured this month. (His New Orleans photography images are “powerful and stunning,” according to Lesley Silver, owner of the gallery. Of course, his mom agrees.)

Our accommodations for the weekend were at Cedar Grove B&B, a lovely antebellum home with grounds and gardens aplenty, providing lots of running and ball-playing space for the 7 grandchildren. The October weather was perfect; the staff was friendly and accommodating; the Cedar Grove restaurant was excellent.

G-Man and I were assigned the “General Lee Suite” (all the rooms are called suites) which was located with one other room down a flight of narrow stairs. The only windows in the room were two sets of small French doors that opened onto a tiny, dusty patio. The room looked as if it might have been two rooms at one time – very, very large, but very, very dark, with a red satin bedspread and half-dozen red satin throw pillows. Heavily accoutered, my elegant Uncle Bill would have described the decor.

There was one small problem with our room – the sound of footsteps on the stairs as we tried to get to sleep each night. The only other room on our hall was not occupied, so we were curious about the comings and goings, but we eventually tuned out the noise and snoozed.

The weekend was one to remember. The reception at the Attic Gallery, packed with appreciative viewers, went smashingly. Side trips with the children were made to the Mississippi River, the Vicksburg Battlefield, and to other spots of interest. We were sorry to see our family time draw to an end.

But on Sunday morning, as the adults packed, the children engaged one of the Cedar Grove attendants in a serious discussion about ghosts on the premises.

The genial attendant told them about the “Bonnie Blue Suite” upstairs, a beautiful room with a history. Seems there is a handprint on the wall in that room that refuses to be hidden with paint. The workers paint the room . . . and the handprint reappears. Yes. The children went to see and the print is there. The story is that a Union soldier died in that room, and as he expired he grabbed the wall. His ghost, the attendant said, still roams the mansion.

And why was a Union soldier dying in this Old South mansion?

Alas, or maybe not, the owner of the house, John Klein, was married to a Northerner who was kin to General William T. Sherman. After the siege of Vicksburg, General Sherman sent word that Cedar Grove was not to be destroyed. Instead, he instructed that the huge home should be used as a hospital for Union soldiers. Quite a few soldiers actually died there, and a number of their ghosts walk through the house, the attendant said . . . and they go up and down the staircase.

“Wow!” said the children. “And what other rooms are haunted by ghosts?”

“Well, definitely Suite 23,” he said, “because that was the morgue.”

What? Number 23 is “General Lee’s Suite” – the room where G-Man and I laid our heads each night and listened to the shuffling on the stairs!

The attendant’s eyes were wide as he told the kids. “Your grandparents probably didn’t notice anything since they’re older people, but you children would have been able to detect something different down there.”

I was not overjoyed at this news, but the kids thought that having Bebe and Pop sleep in the morgue was quite a joke.

And in spite of those blasted ghosts tromping up and down the stairs, I slept well.

Happy Halloween!"

~Beth Boswell Jacks

Finally! Caroline is in a better mood. She let me take a picture of
her with Wonder Twin #1 (Wilkins)

More fun stuff below.

From the third floor deck. That's the Mississippi River in the
background.

I'm posting these from my iPhone as we watch the kid's play in the
front yard at Cedar Grove. More info is below (I think)

The Wonder Twins

The back yard at Cedar Grove.

Saturday morning with the family

It's Saturday morning and we're all sitting around watching the kids
play in the yard here at Cedar Grove.

We had a great time at the gallery opening last night, but this
morning is what I was really looking forward to. My sisters live
about three or four hours away, and even though my brother and parents
live just across town it seems like we never get to see each other.
So just sitting around with all the family on a relaxing Saturday
morning is very rare.
I've taken a few pics with my iPhone, but I can only post one at a
time apparently, so I hope this works!

Below left to right. Wilkins (Wonder Twin #1), Beth, Meredith, Wayne,
Jacks (Wonder Twin #2), and Lila. Caroline was cranky and refused to
be in the photo. I'll try sneak a photo later and get it up here.

Thank You Clarion Ledger and Attic Gallery

The Clarion Ledger in Jackson ran a nice little piece about tonight's opening at the Attic Gallery. I was flattered the they chose to use one of my images.

Jamie and I are headed out in about an hour or so to meet lots of family and friends in Vicksburg. It should be a blast. I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone, especially my nieces and nephews!

(Hi to all--Meredith, Caroline, Lila, Wayne, Beth, and the Wonder Twins--Wilkins and Jacks. old y'all I'd talk about you here!)

Click here for the Clarion Ledger writeup.

Intersecting Visions

I am honored to be asked to participate in a group show at The Attic Gallery in Vicksburg, Mississippi. The show consists of several very talented artists from across the southeast and features two photographers, three painters and two potters. The opening reception is this Friday, October 12 from 7-9 PM. We would love to see you if you can make it!

9-1-1

Today is September 11. I shouldn't have to explain the significance. I just returned from the intersection of Highways 61 and 8 where we held our now annual tribute to the rescue workers from New York and D.C. All of the local emergency personnel line the intersection and we turn the sirens on at precisely 7:45 AM (8:45 Eastern)--the exact time that American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the north tower of the World Trade Center.

It is always a very humbling and moving experience for me.

And it seems a bit odd -- a bit skewed I guess -- that just two weeks ago we remembered the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Contemplative times indeed for our country, to say the least.

I've decided to post here my artist statement from my "New Orleans" exhibit. No, it does not address 9-11 directly, but I feel the principles are the same. We are not alone. We are all in this together. The world is much bigger than just "you" or "me". Consider that as you read this you could quite easily replace "New Orleans" with "New York" or "Washington, D.C."

I am not a big political person. I believe what I believe and respect the rights of others to disagree with me. I'm like most other people, I think. I first want to maintain the well-being of my family and friends, and often find myself "too busy" to help out in areas I know I should. We are all busy, and that's OK. But at least a few times each year--just 2 or 3 or 4 times PER YEAR, that's all--we should all stop and consider those people that might not be in our immediate circle of care. You never know what might happen if you just take a few minutes to do this. We'll all be better for it.


From "New Orleans":

August 29, 2005 was a day none of us will forget.

Me? I was sitting in Fratesi’s Grocery in Leland, Mississippi when I first caught a glimpse of the images from New Orleans. CNN was showing live footage of the city and all I could think about was my wife’s family. I knew they were sitting in my den back home, huddled together in front of the television, desperately trying to get any information they could about their homes, friends, family—information about their LIVES.

The weeks following Katrina were complete chaos, but slowly the city is pulling itself up by the bootstraps. I’ve watched my family and friends work tirelessly to get life back to the way they once knew it—which of course they never will. But that doesn’t necessarily mean things won’t be—or aren’t already—better than they were pre-Katrina. It just means they will be different. Some things the same. Some things worse. Some things better. And that is the life we all live. Nothing stays the same. Change is inevitable.

It took me a while to figure out how I wanted to approach all of this—or even if I wanted to try. Early on my mother-in-law began asking me when I was going to photograph New Orleans. We would be visiting, looking at magazines and books documenting the hurricane, and she would always look at me and say ‘When are you going to do this?’ And honestly, it was intimidating for me. Intimidating because of the magnitude of the hurricane itself, intimidating because of the wealth of wonderful pictures already out there, intimidating because I’m not a native—what right did I have to insert myself into this story?

But over the last two years I realized there seems to be a side to all of this that we just don’t hear enough about. Sure, we all know about the horrible conditions, the Superdome, the death, political in-fighting, blame, blame, blame and more blame. It saddens me when I hear people say the citizens of New Orleans got what they deserved. What many people fail to realize is that there is so much good going on in New Orleans right now—so much faith. Faith that the city will one day return to her former beautiful self, faith that neighbors will come home, faith that the levees will not fail them again. Faith that everyone's hard work will resurrect some semblance of life as they once knew it. I know this because I see my family living it everyday.

So these images are created to illustrate—in a somewhat abstract manner—what I’ve observed from my friends and family the last 24 months. It is not meant to be a literal depiction, and it definitely is not meant to be objective. My attempt is to show the range of emotions I’ve seen them go through - are still going through – because of the upheaval in their lives and the strong contrast of living in the Crescent City right now. I only ask that as you view these images, you keep in mind your family, your friends, and your home. And think about what you would do, and how you would hope people would respond, if this were to happen to you.

And when you ponder this, know that you can’t help but be inserted into this story. Because life is not easy. It’s not fair. It takes great strength and discipline to march on. It takes faith—a tremendous amount of faith. But it can be oh, so wonderful even when it seems to be its most treacherous.

Whether you were directly affected by Hurricane Katrina or not, you have a link to the city of New Orleans. What we see in south Louisiana is an extreme example of what every one of us will go through at some point. Without the bad there is no good. Without fear there is no faith. Without hate there is no love. Yes, these images are from New Orleans, but they could have been created anywhere.

"New Orleans" to debut tonight

Today is the 2 year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. I've spent a lot of time the last several months working on a personal project focusing on the city of New Orleans. Wednesday night will be the opening of my show, and will feature nearly 60 panels--52 of which are my photographic images--telling a story of the last 2 years in New Orleans. The other 8 panels are text panels helping to move the story along.

I am very excited and very nervous, as this has been my baby for nearly 18 months and it's finally ready to share with the world--I hope. I've shared a few of the images the last couple of months here as I developed the look and feel. Everything is highly textured, pretty blurry, and at times a bit confusing--all done very much purposefully. I want the image to feel like the city feels--a bit beat up, but with tremendous beauty underneath all that muck. I hope I've pulled it off.

Anyway, if any of you are anywhere near North Mississippi Wednesday night I would love for you to stop by. Wine, cajun food and lots of good music will also be a part of the evening.

And whether you can make it or not, please keep those affected by Katrina in your prayers.

For more information you can download the press release here.

"Spirit" series almost finished!

I'm on my way down to New Orleans to finish my "Spirit" series of black & white images. The idea is to show the "feeling" of New York and New Orleans following the 911 attacks and Hurricane Katrina. I will be following "Stations of the Cross", a Catholic tradition in the city which involves a winding path to several churches and cemetaries.

Here are a few images from the series.


To find out more, visit my website, go the the ". . .myDelta. . ." side, and click on the ". . .what I'm working on" section.

Delta Arts Alliance

The Delta Arts Alliance is one of the most exciting new things to happen in the Delta in a long time. After years of hard work, patience, and faith in the mission, it looks like this project is off the ground for good. The renovation of the old Ellis Theater in Cleveland is well underway, and even without a strong home base, this group has worked tirelessly to provide art education in over 20 our public schools. The state cut funding for arts education a few years back, and if it weren't for the work of groups such as the Delta Arts Alliance, the youth of the Delta would nt have such a valuable part of education.

Great time at the BPAC

The Bologna Performing Arts Center at Delta State University had a GREAT show yesterday -- a Delta Review. About 20 artists with Mississippi Delta ties came in for an afternoon matinee. Some still live in the area, some have moved off, but what talent! I was absolutley blown away.

We are very lucky to have a facility such as this in our area. Not many places get to see touring Broadway productions, ,and certainly not rural areas such as ours. We all need to support what is going on at the BPAC. We have such wonderful artists here in the Delta. Let's support them!