One.

 

“But you see everyday that we'll never turn away

When it seems all your dreams come undone

We will stand by your sideFilled with hope and filled with pride

We are more than we are

We are one.”

If you are ever looking to find teamwork in action, go out and find a local field, court or rink and you will see it right in front of you. Age, gender or race doesn’t matter, a team is a team and when they believe in one another it all becomes one.

Over the time I have written “Snap.Shot.” I have been pretty open about my not being much of an athlete. It’s not that I didn’t have the interest, I didn’t have the capabilities as others did. But as I have said then, and I will say today, “that’s okay, I am in a much better situation being a photographer.” That’s not to say I have avoided being involved in the sport from the sidelines, I have had a bat fly right over my head (a couple of times), a puck come into the penalty box where I was shooting, and countless near misses on the football field. Why do I do it? Because I love it and it makes me feel like I am part of the game.

However, the best part of taking pictures is the interaction between players; high fives, pats on the back and many hugs are what make it all worth it. For such a tough sport, football players it seems, are the ones who show the most love to one another—-I sense they know and have grown up knowing one bad hit ends their dreams. Don’t get me wrong, hockey, baseball and other sports show the grit and emotion, it’s just that I am much more familiar with football. Plus, I have seen the impact a fallen player has on the team and it is not something you EVER photograph.

Probably the one photo I have taken that demonstrated the power of a team was when I photographed a state championship football game a number of years ago. Both teams were powerhouses, and they were determined to have that crown. Back and forth the lead transferred from one team to another. In the end, as the clock wore down, it was a tie and they went into overtime.

The other team ended up winning the game, and sure it was a disappointment, but that day there really were no losers; it just ended up with one team having more points. It was the photo that was captured... with one team jumping with excitement, and the other on their knees with hands covering their eyes, that proved to me, this is more than a sport, it’s a brotherhood (or sisterhood). That was the moment I knew what the best of the best photographers have done for years…shoot for the moment, it speaks volumes.

The photo above was taken this past season. As one player knelt down, his teammate  let him know, “I have your back.” What really brought it all together, and I didn’t notice it until I looked at the photo when I got home, was the word, “Glory” in the distance—-for a team, there is no greater "glory" than working together, it’s what makes it all worth it and when you are on the sidelines, taking pictures, the very reason I do it.

Thanks for stopping by.

Coming to Vegas is no gamble.

 

“There's a world outside every darkened door

Where blues won't haunt you anymore

Where the brave are free and lovers soar

Come ride with me to the distant shore.”

Last night, in a span of less than 15 minutes, I travelled to New York, Paris, and ended up in the Sahara; I didn’t even have jet lag!

This week I have been in Las Vegas for a conference. Up until a couple of months ago, I had not been here in several years. If you are wondering if “Vegas is back,” I can verify it sure is. Many visitors, hotel rooms in short supply, and prices for food and entertainment through the roof. We went to a buffet the past 2 mornings, and let’s just say they are making up for the two years of lost revenue—the cost per buffet $33 and it was packed.

But there is something about visiting here. I am not much of a gambler, but it is fun to hear the excitement of those who do play…and win. I am pretty sure those who are on the losing end have a different response. The weather since coming has been a welcome sight; highs in the 50s and if there were clouds, they were no where to be seen when I emerged from the building at the conference.x

Last night, we saw some of the unique sides of Vegas. As we stood waiting for the dancing waters at the Bellagio—-Spiderman, Mickey and Minnie, and Elvis came by. For $5, you could spend “some” time with these iconic characters, have your picture taken, and watch them move on to their next waiting visitors who were all over the opportunity. The part that was funniest to me was when Mickey removed his head, pulled out a cigarette and had a smoke. I am sure Walt Disney would not be impressed—I wish I took a picture, but he was too far away by the time I saw it.

The photo above was taken the other night; it may appear to taken in New York with the Statue of Liberty and other well known iconic buildings in the background, but I am sorry to say it was not. Yet, just down a short way, should you have wanted to see Paris or spend time in the Sahara, they were waiting for you (and your money!)

Thanks for stopping by.

What we learned or did we?

 

“When you're down and out

When you're on the street

When evening falls so hard

I will comfort youI'll take your part

Oh, when darkness comes

And pain is all around.”

Every day is a new adventure. Some days you’re on top of the world, some right in the middle, and others…they just suck. We have all had them and for some, getting up from being down is a real struggle—-these are the times when a “friend in need, is a friend in deed.”

Today’s “Snap. Shot.” is not meant to be a downer, actually I am hoping it lifts some to go help others. I have been on both sides of the table, and I know it feels good when someone cares or you are the one doing the caring. During the past few years, through no fault of anyone, we have experienced one of the most difficult times of our lives. Unless you were around 102 years ago when the last pandemic was around—-we were not prepared for what was about ready to happen; for most of us, we suddenly became confined to our dwellings. No friends, no family, and no outside world…I still can’t believe it happened, but with all of those who lost their lives, it did.

Yet, with all of the loss, we suddenly found ways to do things differently; we communicated through our screens, we talked on the phone (yes, that device you hold in your hand is actually a phone) and suddenly we put all of the “me, me” on to the “we, we.” The world bonded in a very unique way, and we yearned for the days when we could once again be normal. I am not sure if we will ever be at that place again, but it is getting better.

However, what about those who have still yet to recover? Those who lost loved ones, relationships, jobs and much more? It’s a time when we have to reach back and once again be human; my sense is, as I have now begun traveling once more, that a lot has been forgotten…and it doesn’t feel good. 

If you know someone who is alone, or you suspect needs a hand, reach out. If you don’t know someone like this, do something nice for someone when you encounter them and is a complete stranger. Open a door, say, “Hello,” let them cut inline, you just might make their day—if not theirs, yours for sure.

The photo above was taken in Colorado a few months ago. High on a hill stood a bush with no other tall vegetation around it. It reminded me of how lonely it was during the pandemic—we were not allowed to be within 6 feet of one another,  covered our faces, and were terrified to be human contact with out fear taking over. I learned a lot during these times, and most of all, I learned the importance of friendship.

Thanks for stopping by.

No do overs.

 

"Goin’ to the chapel

And we're gonna get married

Goin’ to the chapel

And we're gonna get married”

If you have ever attended a wedding, or been in one yourself, you know it’s a big ordeal. Much more than the piece of paper you receive, it’s a life-long commitment and you often have pictures to prove it happened.

I have been to weddings, had weddings, and been behind the camera at them. Of the three, being behind the camera is the one I enjoy the least; I guess I just eliminated myself from any future photography jobs, but I knew before I wrote the line that I didn’t want to do them again. It’s just not my thing….although there are certainly stories to share, about when I did do them.

Wanna know?

One of the first weddings I photographed was for my nephew. It was pretty smooth for the first time, and scenery was outstanding. But, like any one-of-a-kind event that you can’t screw up, there’s a lot of stress and you constantly have to check to make sure you captured the shot. Fortunately, they did.

That was the easy one.

With other weddings, I have dealt with a groomsman who was not in the mood to be a part of the group photos; he was so against it, he tried to pick a fight with me. I was fine with it, but I also knew I had a job to do, and let him know with or without him in the picture, it was going to be taken. I guess he had too much to drink—-that was not my problem, and the groom stepped in and told him to “$&#(“ get over there and take the picture. I didn’t make a friend that night, but I did make sure that I took the photo and if he looked bad, once again, not my problem. He looked fine by the way, but deep down, I wanted him to look like the idiot he was being.

As people become familiar with your ability to take wedding photos, they begin to recommend you to others. I have photographed weddings that were of different ethnicities—-very cool—-and others where they were taken in unique settings. One of my favorites, and it is not what you’re expecting, was at the Justice of the Peace; it was crowded in the room, but the kids who were in the wedding party were very photogenic and added to the moment. 

One little boy could not stop making faces as he watched his Mom transition from being single to married. I still have the photos and they are ones I treasure---I hope they do too. We then went to an incredible location on the lake front of Lake Michigan.

The last wedding I photographed was one where my daughter, wife and I all took photos. I guess they thought the pictures would edit themselves on their own, they didn’t, because that night combined, there were over 9,000 photos taken. (That was when “never again” became my mantra.”)

The photo above was taken this past fall; a hidden gem in Chicago is the “Honeycomb.” I had never seen it until a few years ago, but when I did, I was awe struck. When we went this time, there was a woman being photographed; I assumed it was a wedding dress, but it also might be a “quinceanera”—-she looks older than 15, but regardless, it brought back memories of something I will never do again!

Thanks for stopping by.

Weather or not.

 

“Don't know why

There's no sun up in the sky

Stormy weather

Since my man and I ain't together

Keeps rainin' all the time.”

These days, we can’t look at a weather map and see any place that’s truly safe from potential bad weather. The “wanna go during the winter” locations are all under warnings of flooding, snow, or tornadoes…and/or whatever Mother Nature decides to toss at us. Recently it appears one of the best regions to be in is the Midwest. It’s been in the 30’s and 40’s, very little snow or rain, and it’s Winter!!  Yes, the Midwest.

Just to be 100% clear, I hate winter.

The only benefit when I was growing up about winter, was the chance of school being cancelled. I am sure we all remember the days when we would listen to the radio (that’s how we got the news back then) and prayed, “please say my school!” When they did, homes erupted in joy and screams. Then we settled down and thought, “What do we do now?” If there was a lot of snow, we were trapped, if there was not, we knew it was a “one day only” and they might add on another day at the end of the year. I was always willing to take the risk.

Winter weather in the Midwest tends to be one of 3 things: Cold, snow or ice. Sometimes we “win the lottery and get all three!” You really knew there was a problem when it was say 34 degrees, raining, and the temperature would drop below freezing—- then snow would layer on top of the ice. The cold component was always consistent.

We lived in the middle of a “drive,” yet it really was a “court.” The only way to come on to our street was the only way to get out. The incline or decline, depending on which way you were heading, was enough to create some very interesting situations. If you were turning onto the street, the chances of sliding were the same as “cold” being a part of our winter—-100%. The same would be true when you were trying to get out of the street. Back then, we used to switch tires from summer to winter for more traction; some even had “studs for greater “gripping and ripping” up of the streets.

Fortunately we are accustomed to the weather changes throughout the year, however we can’t say for sure when it’s going to happen. There have been times in late May when it has snowed, and in January there have been tornadoes—I have witnessed both. I like consistency the most, but it does make for good conversation when you get really weird changes.

I happen to be a fan of weather changes because it makes for great photography. Sure, summer is wonderful with its blue cloudless skies—-but it makes for lousy pictures. Toss in a Cumulonimbus cloud and now you’re talking! 

The photo above was taken a couple of years ago in Florida. It was the middle of the pandemic;  we were at a swimming pool, no masks it’s Florida after all, and in the distance I see a cloud—not just your wispy high-in the-sky cloud, this was the mother of all mothers. I took out my iPhone, my camera was back at the condo, and I snapped away. Since I happen to love clouds, I knew if I blew it this time, I would be kicking myself. Fortunately, I didn’t have to.

Thanks for stopping by.

A dog's life.

 

“You ain't nothin' but a hound dog

Cryin' all the time

You ain't nothin' but a hound dog

Cryin' all the time

Well, you ain't never caught a rabbit

And you ain't no friend of mine.”

I think I can speak for anyone reading today’s “Snap. Shot.”— they have never lived a dog’s life. If so, would you please provide insight on what you were thinking when I would walk into a room, seek out a seat, and have you decide I was going to have to sit elsewhere. Yet, when you were hungry, you knew who you had to come to…and when I didn’t respond fast enough you were all over me to fulfill your desires.

Dog ownership has not been part of my life for several years, and even prior to the final canine leaving the scene, there were long periods of living in a “dog free zone.” Why did we get the dogs? It was for the kids who made promises of “walking, feeding and loving them.” They did love them, the other two qualifiers, if it were up to the kids, the dogs would have run away within the first few weeks.

At one point, and I will give one of our daughters credit for “sophisticated manipulation”— we not only got one dog, she somehow convinced us that having 2 dogs would make the other one happier. I didn’t believe it, but others did—-so we soon had 2 Boxers. One was extremely bright, his name was "Carter," and the other, well the genes passed on to his brother. His name was Cash, and whereas he was loving, his redeeming qualities were the ability to bark and pull your arms out of socket when you took him on a walk.

I do like dogs, and in general they seem to like me. I have had to pull back at times, even when I have asked their “humans” if they were friendly, but I can’t really blame them for not wanting me to invade their zone—they didn’t know me. We live in an area where there are many dogs, and probably the friendliest ones have the toughest rap on them; yes, there are many pit bulls in our area. Except for being very strong, they are actually loving and have a real desire for humans. Not to consume, but for companionship.

It is not fully planned yet, but when I retire, I want to get a dog. Not a small one, I want a DOG! We have some guidelines that will have to be followed, such as shedding, temperament, and of course being larger..but these are very doable and I know I would like to have a “buddy.” I have already been told, that will not be his name. So, I want “Woody” instead.

The photo above was taken last week at a friend’s house. I met “Bubba” when I walked in to the house. He was a large dog, he didn’t shed, and he was friendly. It turns out he was bred to be a companion for someone in need; I don’t remember why, but our friends were able to adopt him. I said a number of times, “This is the type of dog I would love to have.” I guess we will just have to see—right now we are dog free, but if we do get one in the near future, you can count on reading about him in “Snap. Shot."

Thanks for stopping by.

Hometowns.

 

“I been there, done that

But I ain't looking back on the seeds I've sown

Saving dimes, spending too much time on the telephone

Who says you can't go home?”

For many of us, “home” is where we were born, raised, and currently live. For the rest of us, our hometown is a thing of the past.

I no longer live in my hometown, and based upon the number of years I have lived in Chicago, I have to wonder, “Has my original hometown switched to where I currently live?” That was deep, my bad. For sure, I feel more “planted” today in Chicago, but there are still certain components of St. Louis that are imbedded deep inside me. 

For example, I developed real friendships there and some are still around today. When you return to the area, no matter how long you have been gone, you are welcomed back. The Cardinals are still a much better team than the Cubs and I will NEVER wear any thing that has the Cubs logo on it. I do have a t-shirt from when they won the World Series in 2016, it sits in a drawer; I figure over the many decades until it happens again, maybe my great grandkids will be able to sell it for more than I purchased it. 

We live in much different times today than when my grandparents came to America; based upon what I experienced with my Dad, he was born in Iowa, moved to St. Louis as a young child, and never left. Same with his brother. My Mom, she was born and stayed in the city she called home as well--St. Louis is very much a part of my family.

Of my siblings, only my brother has remained in my hometown; my sister and I moved away, and as far as my kids, they are scattered all over. Fortunately none live outside the U.S. at this time, but they live far enough away that that Canada is closer than they are. 

With the help of technology, it really doesn’t matter where you live to feel like you are connected. Thanks to Zoom, smartphones, and email (it’s better than snail mail) you can feel like you are right there, even if you are not. I wonder, if in the not to distant future, will we be able to travel as close to speed of light and be in one place moments after you just left another? I am not talking from one room to another, I mean from one place hundreds of miles away. If it sounds too “Jetson’s” like, but someone, somewhere is thinking about this and might have a prototype. (We will probably see it on Shark Tank!)

The photo above was taken this past fall. It was a beautiful night in Chicago; I stood by the Shedd Aquarium, pointed my iPhone toward the skyline, and pushed the button. I will probably not retire in Chicago, but I can say with certainty, it will be the place I live the longest. I do like it here, and will always have fond memories, but I will never root for the Cubs.

Thanks for stopping by.