OK, a little context. It’s March, 1982. I’ve just turned seven. I’m minding my own business, workin’ it out a little in my stylish overalls and Pittsburgh Steelers sweatshirt. Rod Stewart is spinning on the turntable (see the Tonight I’m Yours album cover on my toybox), no doubt singing “Young Turks” (at least that’s the way I remember it). Mom, being able to recognize real talent when she sees it, grabbed the camera to catch it all on film. Thanks, Mom. And thanks, Mr. Rod Stewart (“…don’t let them put you down, don’t let ‘em ever change your point of view…”).

So, you really should check out this incredible new photo blog (phlog?) by The New York Times called Lens. Today’s feature is a Polaroid gallery of reader submitted pictures. It’s really quite cool. Check it out here.

Since I’m sharing childhood photos, I’d be remiss if I didn’t share the image of my previous life of crime. Pictured below are my cousins Stacy, Christy, and me at my grandmother’s house. OK, first things first. Note the care with which I tucked my t-shirt into my green underwear (I’m pretty sure they were either Robin or Green Lantern). Oh, but it gets better. As if the sweet wood paneling in the background didn’t put everything over the top, note the pills, the cash, and the ladies. I’m not too proud of my past, but it is what it is. And the salute? Well, I did end up joining the Army a few years later…

I was on assignment in Tennessee last weekend and had the opportunity to take my wife, Wendy, along. Since the assignment likely won’t run until next year, I won’t post any specifics, other than to say it was an incredible blessing to be where we were and to spend time with the people we did.

I checked and rechecked my equipment, put four new tires on the car (which we needed anyway), and plotted our course. Wendy was excited to use our “new” vintage suitcase given to her by my Mom (thanks Mom!) and I was anxious to get on the road. Somewhere in the mix, we left the toiletry bag at home on the bathroom counter, which we didn’t realize until late Saturday night. To make matters more interesting, I came down with some sort of gnarly combination of head cold/sinus infection/allergy attack. Not the greatest time to get sick, but a quick trip into the local Food City pharmacy provided some relief.

Shortly after crossing into Tennessee and stopping to get coffee, I realized I needed a road trip  song. Something to do with Tennessee. I thought of the Grateful Dead’s “Tennessee Jed” and then Arrested Development’s “Tennessee” (circa 1992). Selected iTunes on my iPhone, searched for Arrested Development, selected “Tennessee”, and 9MB later, I was listening to my road trip song (“but I am still thirsty…Lord, allow me to drink some more”). I shot the rest of the day Saturday and, after realizing our bag was missing, headed to Walgreen’s to get toothbrushes, deodorant, and razors. Leave it to Walgreen’s to carry fashionable toddler clothing, like the “I’d rather be naked” t-shirt pictured. We headed back to our accommodations, which fortunately was on location, to call it a night. Perhaps the most interesting thing about where we stayed that night were the pictures on the wall, which I have to admit, were a little creepy (see for yourself).

We wrapped up shooting shortly after lunch the next day and began the trek back to Raleigh. Looking back, Wendy and I were both moved by the experience we had. A day hasn’t passed that we haven’t talked about or prayed for the folks we visited. Lord willing, we’ll go back sooner rather than later.

Good news. If you’re at the airport and you realize you’ve left your tunage at home, no worries. Get your iPod replacement right here. Saw this while shooting for a client at RDU a couple of weeks ago. I love this.

Change for a dollar? (iPhone image)

OK, so this blog thing is up and running.

Aside from my mom, who do I actually think is going to read this? Well, I don’t really know, but I’m going to use this space to share some of my thoughts, my work, and things that catch my eye from time to time. I intend for this blog to be driven by images I capture while I’m out and about. Thanks for taking the time to check in.

A quick shout out to Rusty Long (rustylong.com) and Adam Ismail (universalproject.com) for their sick CSS & HTML skills. These guys rock. Rusty is an incredible architect, design whiz, lunchtime Indian food buddy, soon-to-be-dad, and great photographer in his own right. Adam is your man for Web and logo design, wedding and fashion photography, CSS smackdowns, and cooking exotic foods. I’m proud to call these guys friends.

Cheers,

Roger