robert blu
quiet photographer
Great interesting stories Raid and you all. Pleas keep them coming.
robert
robert
Storytelling - Post Your Story Behind the Picture
- Thread starter dave lackey
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raid
Dad Photographer
Thank you, Robert.
dave lackey
Veteran
Shortly after the Desert Storm was in Iraq, I arranged to meet my parents and sister in Jordan. I left them only for two days during which I visited the desert city, Petra. Due to the turmoil in the Middle East at that time, nobody else was at Petra except I. There were travel warnings to Jordan in the West European countries, so I had Petra to myself. I had my pick of hotels and hotel rooms. There was nobody else there.
As I started my exploration of Petra on foot the next morning, a young man on the back of a small donkey approached me. He asked me if I wanted to have him as an "unofficial guide" for Petra. His name is Salem. He is from the Bedool Bedouins who used to live in the caves of Petra until the Jordanian government declared this city a place for tourism. The bedouins were asked to live ina newly established residence unit/town, outside Petra.
Salem took me around Petra, and he explained to me the history of it, and he told me about the people in his tribe. At one stage, we sat inside a tent with two other bedouins, sipping on sweet hot tea, while the oldest man was reminissing WWII events affecting his family.
I took many photos, and I then published a story about it in SHUTTERBUG magazine. Salem asked me for a pair of sneakers, which I later mailed him from the USA.
This is a brief sumamry of the story benind the photo of Salem (my avatar).
Wow, talk about getting lost in a time warp. I am just now returning to this thread. My apologies to all. Raid, this is a great story that I read when you first posted it. I thought I responded but... I guess not.
Terrific story!😀😀😀
Alfasud
Old Toys
RAID's Avatar
RAID's Avatar
Thanks for this story. I enjoy seeing your work on the RFF. I have often wondered about your Avatar.
RAID's Avatar
Thanks for this story. I enjoy seeing your work on the RFF. I have often wondered about your Avatar.
daveleo
what?
Brother Bob
Brother Bob
I did not take this picture (that's me there on the left), it was taken by my sister-in-law, Ramona, using her cell phone, at a pub in Alabama, during our 2013 visit.
That's my younger brother, Bobby, on the right.
Bobby was a fabulous guy. Everything about him was exciting and fun.
A few months after this, he felt some tingling in his toes.
One month later he was paralyzed and in bed (brain tumor).
Eight months later he was dead.
I still think it's one of his jokes (it ain't).
Every now and then I still think he'll walk through the door and I'll say "I knew it, you SOB. I just knew it was a joke."
Brother Bob
I did not take this picture (that's me there on the left), it was taken by my sister-in-law, Ramona, using her cell phone, at a pub in Alabama, during our 2013 visit.
That's my younger brother, Bobby, on the right.
Bobby was a fabulous guy. Everything about him was exciting and fun.
A few months after this, he felt some tingling in his toes.
One month later he was paralyzed and in bed (brain tumor).
Eight months later he was dead.
I still think it's one of his jokes (it ain't).
Every now and then I still think he'll walk through the door and I'll say "I knew it, you SOB. I just knew it was a joke."
Bob Michaels
nobody special
using a 7 year old neg when I realized the story it told
using a 7 year old neg when I realized the story it told
I drove past this scene in rural Mississippi about 7 years ago and thought it was nice but could not think of what I would do with the photo so kept going. About 3-4 miles down the road, something told me to photograph it so I made a U-turn, went back and shot 3 frames. Then it sat in my files for 7 years.
Several months ago while reviewing old negs for inclusion in an exhibit about the culture of Mississippi that I was doing in two venues in Cuba, it struck me.
This was once the house for an old family farm. Sometime over generations, the family decided to give up the hard life of country farmers, sold the farm and moved away. A large corporate agriculture business had torn down the fences and integrated the land into their large holdings. This abandoned house and tree was all that remained over the years of what was once a family farm.
When the exhibits were over, I offered the Cuban Ministry of Culture their choice of any framed print and separate extended caption as my thanks for all the courtesies they had extended to me. This was their choice.
using a 7 year old neg when I realized the story it told
I drove past this scene in rural Mississippi about 7 years ago and thought it was nice but could not think of what I would do with the photo so kept going. About 3-4 miles down the road, something told me to photograph it so I made a U-turn, went back and shot 3 frames. Then it sat in my files for 7 years.
Several months ago while reviewing old negs for inclusion in an exhibit about the culture of Mississippi that I was doing in two venues in Cuba, it struck me.
This was once the house for an old family farm. Sometime over generations, the family decided to give up the hard life of country farmers, sold the farm and moved away. A large corporate agriculture business had torn down the fences and integrated the land into their large holdings. This abandoned house and tree was all that remained over the years of what was once a family farm.
When the exhibits were over, I offered the Cuban Ministry of Culture their choice of any framed print and separate extended caption as my thanks for all the courtesies they had extended to me. This was their choice.
Alfasud
Old Toys
What went Wrong!
What went Wrong!
Dave,
I am glad that you had the idea for this thread. So often, I have wondered about the back story to other's pictures.
I have posted two pictures that have played on my mind as I reviewed my post travels. Both were taken in Syria, in the spring of the millennial year 2000.
The first shows Palm Sunday in the Christian town of Malula, about one hour's drive north of Damascus. The young family, standing near the shrine of St. Tecla, the companion (platonic) of St. Paul, are preparing for their children's first Communion at the Cathedral in the town. It was a scene of Happiness, Joy and Faith. Given events in Syria, are they still alive; are they refugees in Europe or Canada; are they still a family. I do not know, I can only hope.
Family In Malula
Students in Daraa
The second picture was also taken in the spring of 2000. I was visiting a the partially restored ruins of a Roman era theatre complex in the southern Syrian city of Daraa. The site itself was magnificently maintained, but was, by no means the preserve of pampered foreign tourists. On the day of my visit, the theatre filled with student groups, bussed in from their schools, being given a wonderful view of their (and our) cultural heritage. Some of the students took to the Roman stage for impromptu folk dancing. Several asked me, a foreign photographer, to take group pictures.
Again I am forced to wonder; how many are dead; how many refugees; and... how many have been forced onto opposite sides of the current war, forced to kill each other!
What went Wrong!
Dave,
I am glad that you had the idea for this thread. So often, I have wondered about the back story to other's pictures.
I have posted two pictures that have played on my mind as I reviewed my post travels. Both were taken in Syria, in the spring of the millennial year 2000.
The first shows Palm Sunday in the Christian town of Malula, about one hour's drive north of Damascus. The young family, standing near the shrine of St. Tecla, the companion (platonic) of St. Paul, are preparing for their children's first Communion at the Cathedral in the town. It was a scene of Happiness, Joy and Faith. Given events in Syria, are they still alive; are they refugees in Europe or Canada; are they still a family. I do not know, I can only hope.
Family In Malula
Students in Daraa
The second picture was also taken in the spring of 2000. I was visiting a the partially restored ruins of a Roman era theatre complex in the southern Syrian city of Daraa. The site itself was magnificently maintained, but was, by no means the preserve of pampered foreign tourists. On the day of my visit, the theatre filled with student groups, bussed in from their schools, being given a wonderful view of their (and our) cultural heritage. Some of the students took to the Roman stage for impromptu folk dancing. Several asked me, a foreign photographer, to take group pictures.
Again I am forced to wonder; how many are dead; how many refugees; and... how many have been forced onto opposite sides of the current war, forced to kill each other!
dave lackey
Veteran
I did not take this picture (that's me there on the left), it was taken by my sister-in-law, Ramona, using her cell phone, at a pub in Alabama, during our 2013 visit.
That's my younger brother, Bobby, on the right.
Bobby was a fabulous guy. Everything about him was exciting and fun.
A few months after this, he felt some tingling in his toes.
One month later he was paralyzed and in bed (brain tumor).
Eight months later he was dead.
I still think it's one of his jokes (it ain't).
Every now and then I still think he'll walk through the door and I'll say "I knew it, you SOB. I just knew it was a joke."
Dave,
Thank you for the story, it gives great context to the photo. Your brother looks like a fun guy! I can imagine the two of you growing up together! Kind of reminds me of our two inseparable grandsons...now 10 and 11.😀
dave lackey
Veteran
Bob,
I remember our discussion about this photo not too long ago. I am still struck by the fact that a neighboring country knows so little about ours or its history. You and I have spent a little time in The Deep South, so it seems banal to even photograph everyday scenes like this.
I remember our discussion about this photo not too long ago. I am still struck by the fact that a neighboring country knows so little about ours or its history. You and I have spent a little time in The Deep South, so it seems banal to even photograph everyday scenes like this.
njh411
slimnics
This was taken in Hua Hin Thailand. I noticed the boy playing with the police hat, toy gun and monks in the background. I took 3 photos and i liked this one the best because of his expression. I didn't use a range finder but i'm in the forum to hopefully learn and soon buy my first one.
Bob Michaels
nobody special
Years ago I was working on a photo series about "roadside commerce" and was photographing at a fruit and vegetable stand. The lady running it was outgoing so I asked if I could rearrange the table to contain only tomatoes as they matched her blouse. "Sure" was her reply. Then I asked her to stand behind the tomatoes. She took half a step back and calmly leaned forward on the table as I stuck the 24mm lens in there. When I expressed my approval she rolled her shoulders forward totally aware of what I was framing but expressing nothing. Two weeks later I brought her a print of this and she expressed her thanks saying something like I had really captured everything so well.
jmilkins
Digited User
"Eyewitness" XPAN 45mm
[/url]Eye witness by john m, on Flickr[/IMG]
I posted this image in another thread but I have moved it to this one as I think it sits better here. There are some wonderful stories accompanying the images.
So, this is a 300+ year old Portuguese fort, where my birth father filmed Indonesian Special forces entering East Timor in 1975, just before they killed him and his 4 colleagues to cover up their mission. My charitable Trust http://balibohouse.com/ restored the fort and it now has a boutique hotel http://baliboforthotel.com/ that employs 20 locals and supports the Balibo Flag House community centre.
I like to think of my father's spirit here watching on as we work in partnership with the people of Balibo towards a brighter future.
I posted this image in another thread but I have moved it to this one as I think it sits better here. There are some wonderful stories accompanying the images.
So, this is a 300+ year old Portuguese fort, where my birth father filmed Indonesian Special forces entering East Timor in 1975, just before they killed him and his 4 colleagues to cover up their mission. My charitable Trust http://balibohouse.com/ restored the fort and it now has a boutique hotel http://baliboforthotel.com/ that employs 20 locals and supports the Balibo Flag House community centre.
I like to think of my father's spirit here watching on as we work in partnership with the people of Balibo towards a brighter future.
jadyb110
jadybates
This is a great thread. I love reading the stories behind the images posted - a little context makes all the difference. I think I'll try my hand and post this photo of a recent trip to NY...My mentor (here in Portland, OR) knows I love jazz, as he does, and sent me to go "document the area of 821 Sixth Ave.." -the old jazz loft project--If you've never heard of it, look it up! Fantastic. I walked up these stairs. I photographed Gene Smith's door. It is now a wholesale retail store on the first three levels...but no one was around and I kept going up to the fourth floor...and then the fifth. I wanted to hear the jazz players in the background and see Gene Smith's darkroom studio apartment...it was all in a hazy overlay as I look at this photo still. Have you heard the story of Gene Smith getting ready for his show at Moma and he's printing right up until the opening? Running his assistant uptown with wet prints??!! Love it. Wish this building could be reverted back into another Jazz Loft Project...
Attachments
daveleo
what?
@ Bob Michaels . . . . Nice tomatoes !
newst
Well-known
When my girlfriend first asked me if I would take in a kitten from her brother's cat's litter I was reluctant. Not only had I never had a cat, I now had a Husky that was large enough to be dangerous for her and young enough not to be too careful. Still, Paula had fallen for this kitten. She couldn't keep it herself as her older cat would not accept another cat in her house and if it stayed with me she could visit with it often. She convinced me it would work out.
The morning came when Smokey was brought to my home. She took one look at Trooper and disappeared. I wasn't encouraged at that point but Paula insisted that it would work out.
By the end of that day I was more willing to believe it could work after all.
They became fast friends, sharing practically everything, including durance vile.
So on this occasion the two were playing tag. Trooper had chased Smokey under the chair and was searching for her. Smokey had other ideas however and decided that while Trooper's attention was directed elsewhere she would come out from beneath the chair and strike.
I happened to be sitting at my computer desk at the right moment and had a camera on the desk. I had just enough time to see what was about to happen, grab the camera, turn it on and take the shot. Sometimes it works.
The morning came when Smokey was brought to my home. She took one look at Trooper and disappeared. I wasn't encouraged at that point but Paula insisted that it would work out.
By the end of that day I was more willing to believe it could work after all.
They became fast friends, sharing practically everything, including durance vile.
So on this occasion the two were playing tag. Trooper had chased Smokey under the chair and was searching for her. Smokey had other ideas however and decided that while Trooper's attention was directed elsewhere she would come out from beneath the chair and strike.
I happened to be sitting at my computer desk at the right moment and had a camera on the desk. I had just enough time to see what was about to happen, grab the camera, turn it on and take the shot. Sometimes it works.
Bob Michaels
nobody special
Who is buried here and what happened to Private Justin Meut
Who is buried here and what happened to Private Justin Meut
Six months after hurricane Katrina destroyed the Mississippi gulf coast, this new tombstone and confederate battle flag for Private Justin Meut CSA was the only sign of order and color in the historic Biloxi graveyard on the coast. The rest of the graveyard was still a pile of gravestones which had been swept from their original locations by the storm surge.
I returned to the graveyard a year later in one of my many trips to photograph reconstruction. The tombstone and battle flag were gone with only an empty space surrounded by new markings for other Meut also spelled Meaut family members.
A few years ago, a smaller tombstone appeared here for Justine Meaut who from her birthdate appears to be his daughter. There is no grave for Private Justin Meut anywhere in this cemetery nor does the City of Biloxi have any record of such.
Who is buried here and what happened to Private Justin Meut
Six months after hurricane Katrina destroyed the Mississippi gulf coast, this new tombstone and confederate battle flag for Private Justin Meut CSA was the only sign of order and color in the historic Biloxi graveyard on the coast. The rest of the graveyard was still a pile of gravestones which had been swept from their original locations by the storm surge.
I returned to the graveyard a year later in one of my many trips to photograph reconstruction. The tombstone and battle flag were gone with only an empty space surrounded by new markings for other Meut also spelled Meaut family members.
A few years ago, a smaller tombstone appeared here for Justine Meaut who from her birthdate appears to be his daughter. There is no grave for Private Justin Meut anywhere in this cemetery nor does the City of Biloxi have any record of such.
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