New Year, New Hope

When I started my photography journey many, many years ago my hero was W. Eugene Smith, a brilliant documentary photographer who photographed entirely in black and white. Smith was on assignment overseas for Life magazine during World War II and he was brutally frank in what he photographed. His war photography had a deep effect on him and his career almost came to an end when he was wounded by shell fragments. It took him two years to recover both physically and mentally – very dark times. In 1946 he picked up his camera and one of his first photographs was of his two young children walking towards the light through a dark tunnel of trees. He called it “The Walk to Paradise Garden”. The result was enough to rekindle his photographic career.

I think for a lot of us these past two years have been a dark time but I also think there is a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. I wish all my followers a Safe, Hopeful and Healthy 2022.

Homage to W. Eugene Smith – 1970

Sidewalk Message – 2015

I love you. I have to go, I am falling apart. I am sorry. I was only trying to protect you and our unborn child I cannot compete with your drugs I have loved you all my life.  I will love you for the rest of my life. I am only a man and I will never forget how you made me feel 18 years ago when you took that shy geek home. I now have to say good bye Pretty Girl

Reliving the Blues – 1969

A few days ago someone looked at an early post of mine that was a photo of the band Canned Heat which I took in November of 1969. They asked if I had any more so I took a trip down memory lane today. The band was a favourite of mine and this photo op was one of my first paid jobs. I got free admission and probably about $10. I was to produce posters for a local Vancouver store.

The band in this form consisted of founders Bob “The Bear” Hite (1943-1981)- vocals and Alan “Blind Owl” Wilson (1943-1970)- guitar, harmonica, vocals. Other members were Harvey “The Snake” Mandel- guitar, Larry “The Mole” Taylor- bass and Adolfo “Fito” de la Parra- drums. The band is still going today with Harvey, Larry, Adolfo and Dave Spalding on guitar, harmonica.

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