Week 6?

Yesterday I took a road trip by myself. I live in an area of Texas that is surrounded by beautiful cities, fields, flowers and rocky hills. I drove a little ways to Gonzales to check out what was there and found myself driving toward Shiner after a while. 

Gonzales looked like a ghost town to me. There were very few cars driving around, much less people to pass by. I walked around the square and ventured through some side streets. I came across the coolest old shop with junk stacked everywhere. After talking a bit to the owners I figured out that the place had been there since the 1920's selling auto parts, junk and rust. Unfortunately I only had my 35 mm when I went in to look around so I don't have anything to show right now but I'm pretty sure I got some great shots. The lady invited me in to look around and photograph all I wanted while her little dog decided whether or not to trust me. She went through the dark aisles pulling light cords so I could get some photographs. She was very helpful and I think she was excited I was there. I can't say that I wasn't a little scared as she led me further back into the old shop as it got even darker. I couldn't help myself though, the lighting was too good! 

After leaving the old shop I made the block and went into an antique store where an episode of Hoarders should really be filmed. The time of day made the lighting in this place pretty awesome so I took a few trips around trying not to fall into the floor or knock a shelf of glass on myself. 

After leaving Gonzales I realized Shiner was only about 17 miles away so I headed there!

 I drove through the town, turned around, went by the Spoetzl Brewery and then parked my car and went to shop. There was a sign out front of one of the few stores open that said "Drink and Shop" so I took advantage! Inside I met the girl working there and an old man drinking a Coke Zero at the bar. I talked to them off and on about the town, the beer and the weather. I ordered a drink- the old man suggested I try Shiner Black- and walked around looking at all the typical tourist shop items. I ended up buying a Shiner shirt, a koozie and my beer and left for home. It was a pretty good trip even though I was alone. That little shop/bar was a good place to stop to meet people and try some local beer.

Sarah

This is Sarah and she has been a good friend of mine since high school. She came to visit me this week over spring break so we could spend time together and get the first photos of the newest thing in her life. Sarah and her boyfriend Kolton will be having a baby this summer and even though we don't know whether it is a boy or a girl, we do know it will be one loved child!

Week 5

For about a month now I've been working on a few self portraits for a little assignment. Before this I haven't been patient enough to try this type of photography but I think I found something else to like.

About a week ago I went into my grandmother's room to look around and think about what I should do for my project. I seem to shoot better when I have the emotions to work with and on this day I had just that.

Self portraits aren't just close up shots of a naked body or a metaphor for what you see yourself as. I've realized that in order to capture myself I have to be myself in front of the camera. I let myself feel what I was feeling that day and went with it.

My family has always been very supportive of me and my photos. Mom and Dad bought my first camera and told me to start doing what I loved. I shouldn't be worried about a career that will make me the most money, I should put everything I have into what will make me happy.

My grandmother was also a huge support to whatever it was that I was interested in. She was a smart, successful woman and I have great respect for her. If it wasn't for her I wouldn't be where I am today. I have seen things and been places because of her. I also have done things and held myself to a certain standard because of her. You cannot be anything but the best person you're capable of being when you are the granddaughter of Katie Watson. She was a beautiful, kind hearted woman and I will be lucky if I am anything like her. It has been five days since she has passed now and it's an understatement to say she is and will always be missed. I love her very much and can't wait to see her again, fully healed and ready to have some fun.

To Mamma Kay.