Ricky Davis 11/20/25 Ricky Davis 11/20/25

Save Historic Engel Stadium in Chattanooga, TN

Historic Engel Stadium in Chattanooga, TN - Photography by Ricky Davis of TRD Photography

Historic Engel Stadium - Chattanooga, TN

As a kid one of my favorite places to go was to a Chattanooga Lookouts game at Engel Stadium. I remember my first game when I was probably around six years old. I’d just started playing little league baseball and I was on the Reds, so my parents took me to a Lookouts game, who were the Double A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. I don’t remember anything about the game other than the banging of the wooden seats to the rhythm of the organ, the sound of the beer man calling out “ice cold beer, get your ice cold beer here!”, the first time hearing Take Me Out to the Ball Game, and grabbing ice cream at Dairy Queen down the street in a mini baseball helmet.

Over the years, and many trips back, I made so many other memories. I met Chipper Jones without realizing it when he signed a baseball for me before a Southern League Championship game when he was with the Greenville Braves. I got Jason Varitek to sign a Mariners helmet for me that I still have to do this day. For those that didn’t know Jason was actually drafted by Seattle before becoming a star for the Red Sox and helping break the Curse of the Bambino. I saw Ozzie Canseco hit an inside the park home run, before leaving the stadium the back way to try to avoid signing autographs for the fans. I have so many more memories of players many may not remember as well. I remember Pokey Reese of the Reds, back when he was Calvin and have multiple autographs with his real name. Some of my favorite players were Scott Pose who got drafted by the Marlins in the Expansion Draft, Brian Koelling who once signed a card for me with a broken finger, and Steve Gibralter.

I have so many memories of visits to Engel with friends. One of my best friends as a kid and I went to see the Memphis Chicks play when prospect Phil Hiatt was with the team and he hit a homer into the street. One of the craziest experiences was when Michael Jordan played for the Birmingham Barons and I got to see him play twice that season. I’d never seen that many people at a Lookouts game before or since.

Engel Stadium is one of the oldest parks still standing in America. It was built in 1930 by Joe Engel, who was a scout for the Washington Senators and had been hired to go and buy a team to become the Senators first minor league affiliate. Engel Stadium opened it’s gates for the first time in 1930 for games and was an active stadium until 1999 when the Lookouts moved to their new stadium in Chattanooga, AT&T Park.

A lot of major league baseball teams, and touring teams made up of major league players and all-stars used to do barnstorming tours in the early half of the 20th century. During a trip that the New York Yankees made to Engel Stadium in 1931, a young female pitcher named Jackie Mitchell struck out both Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig during one of these exhibitions.

In both the 1920’s and 1940’s, Engel Stadium was also a part of the Negro Baseball Leagues. The great Satchel Paige actually played here at Andrews Field, which was the Lookouts field before Engel was built, and which was on the same site as Engel Stadium. It was noted that he threw his first professional pitch at Andrews Field before he left and joined the Birmingham Black Barons. In 1940 - 1946, the Chattanooga Choo-Choo’s played their home games at Engel Stadium. The Great Willie Mays played for the Choo-Choo’s while he was still in high school in 1945 and 1946.

Among some of the other baseball greats that have played or coached at Engel Stadium have been Henry Aaron, Harmon Killibrew, Rogers Hornsby, Ferguson Jenkins, and Kiki Cuyler. Many, many more modern stars came up having played at Engel, as well as other Negro League Players visiting the Choo-Choo’s. I remember reading a story in Cool Papa Bell’s biography with a story about an incident after visiting the Choo-Choo’s but haven’t been able to find it online.

Sadly the Stadium was given to the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga and they have proposed to demolish the stadium to build other athletic facilities on the property, even though the stadium has been designated as a historic site. I have reached out to the university to try to get access to take some photographs of the inside of the stadium, such as the scoreboard, the historic Coke sign, stadium seats, but I have yet to hear back from them in any capacity. I just want to document the stadium as thoroughly as possible.

I truly believe that landmarks such as these should be preserved. The stadium is currently in desperate need of repairs and I hope that eventually Chattanooga could turn this into a place for baseball and baseball history. Maybe a place for traveling teams to play and as well as a baseball museum of the history of America’s National Past Time in the Scenic City. It certainly has had it’s fair share of memories throughout the years.

Ricky Davis 11/11/25 Ricky Davis 11/11/25

Happy Veterans Day - A Small Town in Georgia Honors it's Vets - Ringgold, GA

Catoosa County Courthouse decorated for Veterans Day - Photographed on Kodak Tri X Film by Ricky Davis of TRD Photography

Scenes from the South - Veterans Day Edition from Ringgold, GA.

Several years ago my wife and I happened to be driving through Ringgold, Georgia one Friday afternoon. The roads were lined with white crosses and American flags. At first I didn’t realize that Veterans Day was coming up. As we drove further through downtown Ringgold, more and more flags decorated the streets, each cross with a name. The county courthouse lawn absolutely covered in flags and crosses.

The next morning I came back with my camera to try and photograph them. The lighting was horrid. Harsh sunlight and not a cloud in the sky. For my style of photography, it just didn’t work. I’ve tried the past several years with my digital camera and each time I’ve been unhappy with the lighting and colors. This year though, I lucked out knowing that Saturday morning was going to be super foggy. I left before sunrise (I live an hour away) and I took my film camera to photograph on black and white film instead of in color.

Ringgold is a beautiful little small town in North Georgia and I love seeing the honoring of our veterans in this way. If you have the opportunity to check it out, I highly recommend it. In this time in our country’s history, it’s important to remember the men and women who have served to help preserve democracy and our freedoms.

Ringgold, Georgia decorated for Veterans Day - Photographed on Kodak Tri X Film by Ricky Davis of TRD Photography

Ricky Davis 11/10/25 Ricky Davis 11/10/25

Scenes from the South - James County Antique Police Car (Outside of The Whistlestop)

James County Police Car outside of Whistlestop in Ooltewah, TN - Photographed on Kodak Tri X Film by Ricky Davis of TRD Photography

Scenes from the South - 11/10/25

This past Friday night we had some storms come in through the middle of the night and I had seen that it was supposed to be extremely foggy on Saturday morning. I had a set destination that I wanted to photograph in the fog, so I got my camera bag and headed out before daylight because I knew in the past few years when I’d tried to capture it early morning, the lighting has been rough. More on that in the post tomorrow though.

On my way back from photographing that though, I was driving through Ooltewah, TN. I’d been eyeballing this old police car with the James County lettering on it for years. I’ve always pictured photographing it on a foggy morning as it’s outside The Whistlestop there in Ooltewah. When I got back to Ooltewah from my first destination, there was still a good bit of fog around. So I drove over on Main St and snapped a few photos. I got several shots that I really like, but this one is one of my favorites. So I just wanted to share this one with you guys today.

Ricky Davis 11/9/25 Ricky Davis 11/9/25

A Glance at Historic Rickwood Field in Birmingham

Historic Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama. Photographed by Ricky Davis of TRD Photography

A Glance at Historic Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama…

I wanted to take a moment and offer a glance at a recent visit that I took to Rickwood Field, which happens to be the oldest standing ballpark in America. It’s located in Birmingham, Alabama and was built in 1910. It has been utilized as a field for the minor leagues, the negro leagues, and last year even Major League Baseball used it for the East-West Classic between the San Francisco Giants and the St. Lous Cardinals. Over 200 baseball Hall of Famers have played games at Rickwood Field.

Now I’m only offering a glance in this blog because the day I went the field was closed for tours. It wasn’t my primary destination but since it was so close, I had to stop by and take a few photos from outside the stadium. I look forward to making a trip down so I can see the historic park inside as well. I cannot wait to take that trip! I love baseball history so much and cannot wait to get to actually be in a park where Satchel Paige, Cool Papa Bell, Willie Mays, and so many others have stepped foot on the field.

For now, here are a few photos that I took that day.

Ricky Davis 9/9/25 Ricky Davis 9/9/25

Mickey's Dining Car - St Paul - Documenting America with TRD Photography

Mickeys Dining Car - St Paul, Minnesota - Kodak Tri X Film - Documenting America with TRD Photography

About a month or so ago now, I visited Minnesota for a long weekend. My wife was on a work trip, and as I’ve mentioned before, she is a huge Peanuts fan. (Peanuts being the comic strip by Charles Schulz) Charles Schulz grew up in the St Paul, Minnesota area before moving to California, so St Paul and Minneapolis have a ton of Peanuts Statues all over.

Long story short, as I was driving her around looking for the statues we came across Mickey’s Dining Car. I wasn’t out looking much for places for me to photograph because I was focusing on my wife’s love of Peanuts that weekend, but we couldn’t pass up checking Mickey’s out. We had already eaten lunch, but we had to go in and we were not disappointed!

The atmosphere here was just amazing. It was like stepping back in time. I grew up loving the 50’s and 60’s music and aesthetic, and this was just making me happy. We sat down in a corner booth and were looking over the menu. We were still stuffed from lunch, but we grabbed a milkshake and fries. The service was terrific! As we were waiting on our food, I looked around and started taking a few photos.

After getting back and looking up some info on Mickey’s Dining Car, I discovered it was actually used in the first and third Mighty Ducks Movie. I knew they were based in the St Paul/Minneapolis area, but I just thought that was awesome as The Mighty Ducks movies were childhood favorites of mine! It also was featured in Jingle All the Way.

If you’re ever in the area, I highly encourage you to stop and check it out. We are sadly losing more and more of these types of establishments and they need all the support we can give.

Ricky

Ricky Davis 9/7/25 Ricky Davis 9/7/25

Cades Cove Missionary Baptist Church - Documenting America with TRD Photography

Cades Cove Missionary Baptist Church - Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Kodak Tri X Film - Documenting America with TRD Photography

I grew up visiting Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains in the 1980’s and 1990’s. I have so many fond memories of camping in the campground and then either biking the cove or riding in the back of my dad’s small Nissan pickup. Of course as a kid you were excited about the deer, and ever hopeful of seeing a bear, but I also loved seeing the old cabins and churches along the loop trail.

I always love the Missionary Baptist Church, I honestly don’t remember why I was drawn to it. I think that back then it may have been that it was the third one on the loop road and may not have been as busy as the first two! Whatever it was I still love it to this day.

Recently I made a trip to the Cove to photograph with some film. I don’t go into Cades Cove hardly anymore because it’s so busy. I honestly prefer to explore areas that are less crowded and popular, but I really wanted to photograph some of the churches on film. It wasn’t as busy as usual, but by the time I hit the midway section of the loop, traffic was backed up to the exit. I didn’t stop at anymore spots because I had another appointment to get to.

If you don’t care about traffic or time, it’s definitely a nice drive, but in the Smokies there are some places that you may find a little less crowded like the Historic Nature Motor Trail in Gatlinburg, TN.

Ricky Davis 9/2/25 Ricky Davis 9/2/25

Literary Ink is THIS WEEKEND!!!! Here's a sneak peek of my booth...

Classic Academia Aesthetic - Still Life Photography - Kodak Tri X Film - TRD Photography

Literary Ink is THIS WEEKEND!!! So for those that don’t know, Literary Ink is a tattoo convention that takes place in my hometown of Chattanooga, TN. It’s the baby of my friend Jennifer Edge who owns Main Line Ink. It’s gone through some transitions over the years. It started out as more of a Wizarding World type themed convention and then Covid hit, and interrupted life as we know it. As the show has come back, it’s been amazing to see Edge and her crew behind the convention really explore more and more literary worlds. It’s a tattoo convention, but it’s not like any other tattoo convention I’ve ever been apart of, and it’s not trying to be. One of the beauties of this show is it provides a place for those not generally part of the tattoo crowd to come in and feel at home and get to know some of us that are. One of my booth regulars last year told me that they never thought they’d be planning to go to a tattoo show every year, but here they are…

Dark Academia - Still Life Photography - TRD Photography

My booth has transitioned a lot since I started doing Literary Ink as well! In the beginning I mainly brought some toy photography art that I had done, but I’ve been working more and more with still life photography and dark academia aesthetics the past few years and it’s become my passion, especially when I photograph it on film. I also have been doing a lot of travel work and photographing a lot of film of old buildings, cemeteries, and churches. So that’s definitely going to be highly represented at my booth this year. I’m sharing a few of my newer photographs that will be available as a print at my booth in this blog. But of course, I may have a few things for my long time booth visitors as well.

In conclusion, I think my favorite thing about Literary Ink is the people. It’s been amazing getting to vend the show every year and seeing some of the same faces year after year. It’s one of those shows that I know I’m going to see my friend Amy Kenyon, who is a badass photographer herself. I’m gonna see Edge running around like a chicken with her head cut off. I usually see Rachael, who we always talk about doing a shoot but still haven’t pulled the trigger on. I see people who show my photos of their walls with my photos in frames. That’s always an awesome experience. That people enjoy what I do enough to bring it into their homes. So I’m definitely looking forward to this weekend, and if you can, you should definitely check it out. It’s at the Chattanooga Convention Center Sept. 5-7. Check out www.literaryink.com for details.

Ricky

Dark Academia Gothic Artwork - Still Life Photography - TRD Photography

Basilica of Saint Mary - Minneapolis, MN - Kodak Tri X Film - TRD Photography

Ricky Davis 8/28/25 Ricky Davis 8/28/25

Kodak Tri X Test Roll Results... Still Life Work at the Studio

Send in the Clowns…. Kodak Tri X Film - Still Life Studio Photography by TRD Photography

During my last film session at my studio I had a little bit of a lighting issue. So today I wanted to do a test shoot to see if my suspicion of the issue was right. To test the roll, I decided to setup several different still life scenes. My brain gets pretty random when I do still life photography. So I put on Sierra Ferrell on my iphone (I just discovered her music and am loving it.) and then started going through some of my props putting some scenes together. The lighting turned out better than I expected.

I shot a roll of Kodak Tri X 120 film on my Mamiya 645 camera for this. On that roll you can expect to get somewhere between 13-15 shots per roll. When I do still life sets I generally take 1-3 shots per setup from varying angles/lighting movements. Out of 14 shots that came out, 12 of them were good solid usable shots. These were just my favorites of the setups. I’d love to hear what you guys think of these.

Baseball Still Life Photography - Kodak Tri X Film - TRD Photography

Da’ Bears - Football Still Life Photography - Kodak Tri X Film - TRD Photography

Dark Academia Skull Still Life Photography - Kodak Tri X Film - TRD Photography

Eat My Heart Out - Dark Art Still Life Photography - Kodak Tri X Film - TRD Photography

Ricky Davis 8/26/25 Ricky Davis 8/26/25

Old Car City USA Photographed on Film

Old Car City USA - Kodak Tri X Film - TRD Photography of Chattanooga, TN

Picture a place where you pull up to what appears to be a forgotten apocalyptic hellscape of vehicles left behind from a civilization that just vanished. After you go through the entry building and pay your $30 fee to explore and take photographs, you emerge into a land of rusted old cars and trucks. Everywhere you turn there are more cars and trucks, and then signs spreading “wisdom”. You start walking into the woods, and you find row after row after row of more antique cars and trucks, not to mention hidden surprises along the way like abandoned tricycles, old coca-cola coolers, gas pumps, etc. It’s a paradise for people that love history, love old cars, love nostalgia, or love to take unique photos.

I have visited Old Car City USA somewhere around four to five times now. It’s located down in White, GA, which is right around an hour south of Chattanooga and an hourish north of Atlanta. It’s the oldest junkyard in America and has over seven miles of trails for you to explore. To be completely honest it is very easy to get overwhelmed. On this trip I went specifically wanting to shoot film. I shot around six rolls of Kodak Tri X 120 film and these shots are just the beginning of what I captured on this trip.

Myself, I’m not really a huge car guy. I love the aesthetic of old cars and trucks, but I’ve never been one to know it’s this year or what motor it is. My mind just never really worked that way growing up. My dad was a huge car guy and loved going to the rod runs and seeing old card. I had tried talking him into going with me to Old Car City many times before he passed in 2020. I never could quite talk him into it. Each time since then that I’ve gone, it’s been a little heavy, but a little therapeutic as well. Walking through silent woods surrounded by these machines that my dad loved. It’s been something that has helped me to heal a little bit and come more to terms with things I think.

In closing, if you ever get the chance to go check it out, I highly recommend it, even if it’s just to go out and try to take it all in. Depending on the time of year, take plenty of water as well as bug spray. There were quite a few mosquitoes out this time, which I’ve never dealt with before. The owners had cans of bug spray you could use, but just plan ahead with that in mind. I did not and my legs are covered in mosquito bites. Ha!

Until next time…enjoy the rest of these photos.

Ricky

Ricky Davis 8/25/25 Ricky Davis 8/25/25

Documenting America with TRD Photography - Jesus or Hell?

Scenes from the South Series - Kodak Tri X Film - TRD Photography - Chattanooga, TN

Scenes from the South - Jesus or Hell?

So one of the things that I’ve been doing a lot of lately is exploring small towns and different places around the South. I have a lot of fun getting out and just finding different places and documenting kind of a different way of life. One of the things that I’m working on in my series is religious signs.

When I first started this series I remembered seeing lots of signs growing up along the roadways that we traveled. Even though I grew up in a strict, Christian conservative home, I was always taken aback by the signs. As an adult, I’ve actually been deconstructing alot of the things I was taught. I believe in God but a lot of the teachings seem to be in conflict to the teachings of Jesus. So I feel more inclined as I look around and see things, I want to capture it and have conversations about these things.

This sign I found going down into Georgia on a recent trip to take some photos at Old Car City USA. I knew I had to photograph it on the way back. It was in the Dalton, GA area and they had actually purchased the same billboard on both sides so they could hit people coming and going on the interstate.

When it comes to these signs, I don’t know if people understand how it comes across. I truly believe that all these signs do is to cause separation from those they think they are witnessing to. I do think that some of them have good intentions but they are so out of reality that they don’t realize how they come across. I’ve been in that boat before at times myself. It’s something where when it comes to your beliefs you’re never going to change minds by yelling and telling people how wrong they are. Changes come from relationships and true connections.

Anyways, about this photo, it’s just the first of many to come in this series. I shot this on Kodak Tri X Film.

Ricky Davis 6/11/25 Ricky Davis 6/11/25

School, Portland, and Beyond....

Mural in Portland, Oregon - 2015 - TRD Photography - Shot on Kodak Tri X film

So it’s been way too damn long since I’ve blogged. I went back to school in 2023 and I graduated in May. It was a long two years but it was nice to prove to myself I could stick to it. But now I can get back to focusing on my photography work a lot more.

I am writing this from a motel room in Portland, OR. I haven’t gotten to visit this amazing city since 2018, and in 2018 I really just briefly got to pass through it. Not really getting out and shooting. So every day this week I’ve been getting out and shooting and exploring and it’s been absolutely amazing! I cannot wait to be able to share some of the photos that I’ve taken out here this time.

One of the reason’s I’m not sharing any yet in this post is because I’ve been shooting probably 90% of it on film. If you’ve followed my work in the past, I started learning to shoot with film back in 2015 and I fell super in love with it! I just absolutely love the depth and the feel that you get with film that you just don’t really get in digital work.

However in 2022, when I started shooting full-time again, I decided to focus on digital work. A lot more of my paid work came from my digital style over my film photography. Switching back and forth between the two styles can be quite exhausting because I approach both styles with a different approach.

Going forward though I’ve decided to really work on focusing more on my film photography. It’s what I’m really passionate about, along with my dark art and travel work. I keep coming to the conclusion that I’m not really interested in becoming a “big” photographer, or any of that kind of stuff. I want to put out work that means something to me and makes people feel something. That’s what I care about, even if it doesn’t make as much money or whatever. I want to put something out there that maybe people will look back on and think, wow, that’s got some feeling to it.

So anyway, I’m going to be working on making some changes on the website, and on my socials. I’m gonna try to be way more active. I am still going to shoot digital stuff, but mostly when I do it’ll be mixed in with my dark art and travel work. However I AM still willing to do digital shoots for those that request it. I just generally will not be posting those on my site or socials because I’m going to be promoting the work that I am wanting to build an audience for.

That’s a little bit about what I’ve been up to recently, where I’m at now, and kinda what I want to do in the future. Until next time….

Ricky

Ricky Davis 11/11/24 Ricky Davis 11/11/24

"My Body, Fuck Your Choice." Photo Series

“My Body, Fuck Your Choice.” Portrait of Lisa - Photo by Ricky Davis, TRD Photography

“My Body, Fuck Your Choice.” The Photo Series

On the evening of Tuesday, Nov 5th as the election results started coming in more and more, and it started looking more like another four years of Trump, I started to see posts that were very disturbing and alarming. More of my friends that I work with in the photography world were posting DM’s that they were receiving from men. Some said things like “your body, my choice.” Others clearly weren’t as clever as that. But all were meant in a threatening and chauvinistic way.

One of the biggest problems when we elect those to power, or have people put in the limelight that encourage hateful and sexist rhetoric, is it makes those that look up to them to engage in likeminded attitudes. It makes it ok in their minds.

For years as a photographer that works with models, and does boudoir as well as other work for magazines I have had to deal with sexist and lewd comments on my work and pages. I have always banned such rhetoric because I view the people I work with as friends, colleagues, and clients. I care about these people as people. I look at them as friends. Viewing women as pieces of meat, or as there for your viewing pleasure makes me sick. A lot of people don’t understand that a lot of these women do these shoots for themselves, to see themselves in a different way. They do these shoots because they put work in and are proud of that work.

When these comments started coming across the screen on election night, and in the days after, I wanted to do something. So I decided to start work on a new series entitled “My Body, Fuck Your Choice.” I strongly believe in women’s rights over their own bodies. No one should feel like a piece of property. I chose to start work on this series, and this is the first photo in this new series.

Ricky Davis 6/5/23 Ricky Davis 6/5/23

5 Questions with Harley Quinn at the Carnival

Harley Quinn Cosplay by Ashley Rogers of Magic Lamp Entertainment - Photo - TRD Photography

5 Questions with Harley Quinn at the Carnival

I met Ashley and her husband, TJ, last year at Chattanooga Comic Con. They were rocking a killer Black Cat and Logan cosplay and I got the opportunity to take a few shots of them outside the convention hall. Since, we’ve gotten together on several amazing shoots and projects ranging from Captain Jack Sparrow, a Kids Convention, and Harley Quinn goes to the Carnival. Ashley and TJ run an amazing company called Magic Lamp Entertainment locally that has an array of super talented actors/actresses and cosplayers that do a wide array of childrens parties and local charities as well. Recently Ashley and I had the privilege of going to the Thrillville Carnival and doing a Harley Quinn shoot. Here’s a few questions with Ashley about cosplay, how she got into it, and what’s next.

TRD - Who is your favorite character to cosplay and why?

Ashley - I love to cosplay Harley Quinn because everything about her character is so much fun! The makeup, clothes, and of course her personality, are so eccentric.

TRD - What drew you into the world of cosplay in the first place?

Ashley - I did my first cosplay in 2015 as Elsa from Frozen because I wanted to visit the kids at T.C Thompson Children's Hospital as a princess, and Frozen was super popular at the time. I really didn't know anything about cosplay - I was just volunteering with the hospital and thought it would be a fun and unique way for me to be involved. I have always loved dressing up in costumes, and I have a background in theatre and acting, so I fell in love with cosplay and my only regret is not starting earlier!

TRD - That’s an awesome way of getting into it! You still do a lot of work with kids as well. Even at the Harley shoot at the carnival, kids were coming up to you non-stop and it’s easy to see you have a heart for kids. What other areas are you doing merging the world of cosplay and working with children?

Ashley - I absolutely adore children! Being able to bring characters to life for them through cosplaying has been such a fun experience. I love seeing them get so excited to meet one of their favorite characters. I started my company, Magic Lamp Entertainment, in 2018 doing professional character acting (which is essentially next level cosplaying). My team has done over 700 bookings all over East Tennessee, into North Georgia and Alabama, all within the last 5 years.

TRD - That’s freaking incredible man! What is the most popular character that people request?

Ashley - Spider-Man and Elsa - FOR SURE!

TRD - Where can people find your socials to follow you guys and see what’s going on?

Ashley - Instagram and Facebook - @magiclampentertainment My Instagram: @ashnadia

Ricky Davis 5/31/23 Ricky Davis 5/31/23

5 Questions (and Photos) with Bartender SCARAHXO!!!

Tattoo Model - ScarahXO Photo - TRD Photography

5 Questions (and Photos) with Bartender SCARAHXO…

Sarah aka SCARAHXO on IG, is a bartender and tattoo model in Nashville, TN. I’ve been wanting to work with her for awhile since we first talked when she still lived in Florida. We finally got connected and got to shoot early this month. I also love getting to chat with people I work with, so here’s a mini interview with Sarah.

TRD - What was it about tattoos that drew you to getting tattooed and being part of this culture?

SCARAHXO - I was just instantly drawn to it. I’d see someone with tattoos as a kid and couldn’t wait to get one, as I got into teen years I would see beautiful heavily tattooed women and I just thought it made them look even more beautiful. I love the expression and individuality it allows you to share.

TRD - I totally get that. For me it was seeing tattooed people when I was in elementary school, and my best friend and I would draw on each other in the corner of the classroom. Ha! You're originally from Florida right? Is the tattoo scene different there than it is in Nashville? I've found that in different places the crowd kinda shifts in types of people in the crowd.

SCARAHXO - That’s a interesting question to think about… mostly because Florida is it’s own place. People are a little wild.. especially where I’m from in Florida. I was a lot younger when I lived there but from what I remember is people wouldn’t do as much research and would care more about how much a tattoo would be rather than quality.

TRD - I get that. Florida kind of ends up being a mix of so many different types of people from all over the country to. So it's kind of a melting pot. I've spent some time out in the Pacific Northwest, and it was interesting because back then the tattoo scene was a lot different than it is here. What is your favorite band to listen to, to relax?

SCARAHXO - You’re so right! Its hard to judge because I lived there 12 years ago My favorite band right now is Brand of Sacrifice. Relaxing music for me Type O Negative and In Flames. If I’m on a plane or my anxiety is really high I just put those two on and it really grounds me then I get sleepy (thankfully)

TRD - That's awesome! One of my best friends is a huge Type O fan. Are there any movies coming out this summer you're looking forward to?

SCARAHXO - I’m honestly so picky when it comes to movies. Maybe I don’t have the patience anymore to sit and watch something unless I know it’s going to be good or something I’m really going to be interested in. I honestly am excited for the new The Little Mermaid. That’s the innocent inner child in me I suppose. Guardians of the Galaxy, Barbie because who doesn’t love Margot Robbie

TRD - Dude I feel you! I honestly watch so few movies anymore. Most of the time it's because I'm doing research for some of the toy/cosplay photos that I do. But I do think the new Little Mermaid could be good! The Barbie movie looks hilarious. So last question, what got you into the world of modeling and photoshoots?

SCARAHXO - My mom actually encouraged me. I was taking “selfies” with the crappy old digital camera and she was like “woah you need to model” I was only 12-13 at the time and we had no idea how to get into the industry. My mom was relentless so she somehow found a photographer who worked for sports illustrated and he took me under his wing and taught me so much. The industry was so different and toxic back then too! It was hard but thankfully the industry has grown with me and I feel like I can be myself and not an image that someone else wants and I’m very thankful for that.

TRD - That's so awesome! I know on the photographer end of things, that's pretty awesome that you had a supportive mother! I know I really enjoyed working with you and look forward to doing it again! Where can people view your work?

SCARAHXO - You’re so amazing and I loved working with you. I can’t wait for what’s next to come with you and I! Instagram is where I post my work until someone makes a better platform (scarahxo)

Ricky Davis 9/20/22 Ricky Davis 9/20/22

Tattoos and Small Town Life with Kellie Hall

Tattoo Artist - Kellie Hall - Photo by Ricky Davis of TRD Photography

Tattoos & Small Town Life with Kellie Hall

Ricky - So I'm talking with Kellie. I've known Kellie for awhile now, I can't even remember how long. We first got to know each other from attending tattoo conventions didn't we?

Kellie - Yes! I can’t remember if it was the Nashville Tattoo & Horror convention back in 2015 or the Chattanooga Convention the same year

Ricky - I think it probably was Nashville or it may have even been one of the first Chattanooga ones. I think we had met before the 2015 Nashville one though. One of those years I got to come to your old shop and see Winchester for the first time though. I really fell in love with the area. What was it like growing up in a small Tennessee town that's a little off the beaten path?

Kellie - I think you’re right! I believe Carol Ann introduced us! I love being from a small country town! Growing up on a farm in Cowan to now owning a business in Decherd. It’s the close knit community that amazes me. Our county is growing by leaps and bounds yet you still know at least 10 people every time you’re in Walmart, from seeing people who knew my parents ,to staying in touch with my kindergarten teacher. We don’t have much “to do” here but it’s home

Ricky - That close knit feeling is one of the things I've always enjoyed up there. When I would do the Winchester Wriggle, it always amazed me how many people would come out to support art in a small town that from the outside you wouldn't think would be that supportive. Especially, some of my photos can be a little out there, but I don't think I ever even had anyone rude at all. It was awesome! What's one of your favorite memories from growing up, up there?

Kellie - Yes! Our community is amazing when it comes to supporting small businesses!!! I’d have to say it would be being on the farm w my grandparents. They taught me so many life lessons out there. I learned how to drive in my papas old ford, learned how to drive a tractor, pull calves, fish, hunt, clean the game I harvested, learned how to garden & can. It was paradise to me.

Ricky - That's really cool. A lot of that stuff just doesn't happen much anymore. So I got to know you through tattooing, and us doing some photoshoots back in the day. What has it been like being in a small community and being a female tattoo artist there?

Kellie - Interesting to say the least lol… Tattoos are still what viewed as “trashy” buy the older folks. But after 8 years of being in the industry, people are much more accepting thank goodness! I still get some “dirty” looks on occasion Most people know me personally or know me as “that tattoo girl” haha!

Ricky - Ha! That Tattoo girl. That's hilarious. What got you interested in the tattoo scene in the beginning?

Kellie - I’ve always loved the art and started getting tattooed as soon as I turned 18. Then I met a tattoo artist that later became my husband, now ex husband lol… he taught me to pierce then later on began apprenticing me to tattoo. I’ve always had the ability to draw so it almost came as second nature to me.

Ricky - That's really cool. What is your favorite style to tattoo?

Kellie - Linework & flowers

Ricky - Very cool! So what made you decide to get in front of the camera?

Kellie - Not really sure other than to advertise for the shop and boost my own self image

Ricky - Those are two really great reasons to do it man. So now with life starting to return to normal again, where goals do you have for yourself in the next five years?

Kellie - I plan to continue the road I’m on. Continue building my business back. Eventually I’d like to get certified for permanent makeup as well

Ricky - That's awesome man! Well I want to wish you all the best on your future endeavors. Keep on doing your thing dude! Thanks so much for taking some time to answer some questions.

Kellie - Thanks man!!! I appreciate you including me!

Ricky Davis 1/11/21 Ricky Davis 1/11/21

A Conversation with Joshua Ricker

A Conversation with Joshua Ricker

Sometime during the quarantine of 2020, I sat down with Joshua and we chatted via FB about life, art, and the quarantine times. We had connected up in Knoxville and did some film shooting before the virus hit so hard, and then things went crazy before we were able to actually do our chat for this piece.

Ricky - Hey Joshua, what have you been up to with all of the quarantine and stuff happening lately?

Joshua - Well, working like crazy! I’m a five year plus Walmart associate so I’ve been working through all of this as an essential worker. It’s been really different and kind of scary at times but I’m glad I’m able to provide the community with necessary essentials. When I’m not busy working at Walmart, I focus a lot of my time on doing new makeup looks, playing video games, and just staying healthy. I’ve been working on a lot of videography lately with some local queer entertainers in the area. Since the social distancing/stay home has taken affect, I haven’t been able to do as many artsy things as I would like to. So mainly, working and trying to stay healthy!

Ricky - That is really cool man! It's definitely been a unique time in society, especially being an "essential worker" and having to be out working in all this chaos. That's awesome you've taken the time to work on upping your skills with videography. What got you interested in doing videos?

Joshua - I really enjoy creepy and dark things. So, I started this video series called “Kweenz of Filth.” It’s a dark video series I’m doing with local Drag Queens in the area. I video them lip syncing to a song of their choice that ties in with an inner darkness they carry, i.e. anxiety, depression, toxic words, etc. They use the song and video as a way to tell their story with a dark side. I just felt like I wasn’t telling full stories with images so that’s when I started working with videos so I could develop full stories. I’ve done recent work introducing a Queen into the scene for their specific brand by video and helped a few entertainers with videos for online contests and online shows during the Quarantine. I find videos exciting and its always something new and different every time.

Ricky - That's such a great way to get further into telling stories man. It's cool to see people have a vision of what they want to accomplish and then figure out ways to work on making it happen. I think it's especially brilliant to have the song tie in to a personal darkness that they are dealing with. Great storytelling man. Do you have some sort of inner darkness that you carry with you?

Joshua - I think an inner darkness for me would be an eating disorder; it’s something I’ve struggled with my whole life. When I was younger I was overweight and it took me years to get to where I was pleased with my body and how I looked. I still struggle with my body weight and I’m always fighting to remain happy with how I look but throughout the years I’ve developed a confidence with myself but it’s a never ending battle. It’s a distress I carry with me in my everyday life and sometimes it really puts me in a dark place. I believe though, with art and creating stories we can bring these darknesses out into the light.

Ricky - Wow man, I never would have guessed. That's one of the really cool things about art and creating things, in it's own way it helps us work through things in ourselves while trying to help others. What actually got you into modeling to begin with and how has your style transformed since the beginning?

Joshua - I got my start doing Knoxville Fashion Week in 2014. From there it sort of just opened all these doors for me. I started working with a lot of local photographers in the area, got published in a few magazines, started doing fashion shows, etc. I've always been very different in my style as I'm inspired by fashion icons like David Bowie and Prince. My style now has just got more weird and avant-garde; inspired by artists like Perfume Genius, lots of Drag, and a lot of different makeup artists. I do lots of crazy makeup looks and lots of gender bending with my style now. I love to push boundaries and mix styles that wouldn't normally go together and simply just call it "Art."

Ricky - I think that's brilliant that you've run with it and made it your own man. With your unique style, how has the reception been in such a conservative environment and culture like we have here in the area?

Joshua - It’s been hard to find people to work with because my style/aesthetic isn’t “normal” per say but I’ve received a lot of good from it all too. What I mean is, I have a lot of random fans tell me how I’m such an inspiration because I don’t stick to the norm and I break boundaries; it’s those moments that keep pushing me to be different and to just do what makes me happy. I’ve had a photographer tell me that they lost clients because they worked with someone like me. I was heartbroken at the time but I didn’t let it hold me back. And honestly, it made me want to say “fuck it,” and go even more against the grain. When people are trying to push you down, push back and push forward, gain strength from all the negative.

Ricky - That is a great mindset to have dude! I love that it made you want to be even more you, and push boundaries farther. What’s the best life advice you’ve ever been given and what piece of advice would you give to the people that are reading this?

Joshua - The best advice I’ve ever been is given is the best advice I think everyone has been given in their life, just no one really thinks about it ... “Stop caring what others think about you.” When it comes to people judging you or thinking your craft isn’t good enough, who cares what they think! If you are happy doing what you do then just do it! Be passionate about it and don’t look back. My advice to someone reading this ... you are your own worst enemy; you determine your achievements and set the goals. No one can diminish you but yourself so it’s up to YOU to be the person you want to be and how far you want to go, you make it all happen. And guess what!? You will make it happen! Find your path and go all in. Never stop learning and always have room for growth.

I hope that you enjoyed reading our conversation. It is always a pleasure to work with this guy. Go check out his work on IG @joshuaricker_ and give him a follow. If you’d like to follow me on IG - @trdshootsfilm

Ricky Davis 5/15/19 Ricky Davis 5/15/19

Talking Cosplay with Lena Leather

Cosplay Model - Lena Leather - Photo - TRD Photography

Talking Cosplay with Lena Leather

I first talked to Lena back in like 2012 or so. Lena was part of an alternative model group that I knew some of the members. As I observed, I saw Lena tend to always gravitate more towards the cosplay field and I’ve seen her do some really cool costumes and take part in quite a few comic cons and such. I thought chatting about cosplay would be fun so we got to connect recently for this tattoo community project.

Ricky - So today, we're talking with Lena Leather. I've sort of known Lena since like 2012 I think it was. Lena was an alternative model based out of Knoxville, but she has always had more of hand in cosplay. She's really put out some killer work and her daughter even does some insane cos-play stuff. How did you get focused on cosplay?

Lena - Well I’ve been attending conventions since I was about 15/16 starting with the big one San Diego Comic Con. However cosplay wasn’t nearly as big back then so I was able to watch it grow and see the art into and well one day I bought my first costume. The costume felt like it was almost made for me and I just knew it was something that I needed in my life.

Ricky - Wow, that's pretty freaking cool. Starting off convention life with SDCC? What's your favorite memory from it? What was your first costume?

Lena - Honestly it was all work back then. My dad had about three different booths I would work one and have to run back and forth from the others when supplies ran out. If I’m being honest it’s one of my least favorite conventions. They really lost the meaning of the whole Comic convention it’s like the Walmart of cons, over crowded and everyone is rude. I found my first costume at Mega Con in Florida. It was the Arkham City Harley Quinn. It was on display for a costumer but surprisingly in my exact measurements so it felt like fate.

Ricky - I can definitely see what you're saying. I've mainly been to tattoo conventions, but in the past year or so I've paid more attention to the big comic cons because of doing toy photography too, and SDCC has so many exclusives that come out. The hype in the collectibles community and even in mainstream media with shows like Big Bang Theory. I could see where that type of atmosphere could blossom. That is killer that the Harley was in your perfect measurements and everything. I've seen some debates in cosplay, between making your own costume and buying it. Do you do both?

Lena - I do both but I lean more into buy pieces and customizing what I can. I like to put my own spin on things and my sewing skills are lacking. So some stuff I make, some stuff I buy. I don't want cosplay to be a job, I want it fun so if I can find the right pieces to portray the character, be comfortable, and have fun then I 100% will do that every time.

Ricky - I think that's the best way. It's nice to be able to have things that we do for just the sake of having fun. How do you pick characters?

Lena - I always go with what I love. Occasional I will do a costume that a friend suggests but I normally just base it on what characters I love and have a connection with.

Ricky - What are some characters that you gravitate towards? What would be your ultimate character you want to do in the future?

Lena - I gravitate towards the stuff I loved as a child. A lot of older disney characters call to me. I think if I could do any character however it would be a tie between a Baseball Furies from The Warriors, or maybe humanized Bianca from The Rescuers.

RIcky - Dude that would be sick. I could def see you nailing a Bianca. So finally a question about tattoos. You and I were talking when we were shooting and you talked about not having as many tattoos as some of the other alt models back in the day. You still have several. With your tattoos, and then your piercings, how does being alt fit into the cosplay scene? Do you worry with trying to cover up your ink and remove piercings for certain characters?

Lena - In the beginning when I first ventured into it for a lot of the DC stuff I did it was fine. I didn't worry till I put on my Tinkerbell and thought wow I'm going get crap for this. Eventually I just said who cares and I realized the only bad comments I ever get are the occasional rogue d-bag on the internet. Children love my Disney costumes and they don't notice the tattoos, they just see Tinkerbell and it made me stress less.

Ricky - It's pretty freaking cool how kids see things man. It would be so nice to be able to have grown ups with kids eyes and their acceptance. Speaking of kids, you've got a little cosplayer on your hands don't you?

Lena - Yea she took a turn with it I never expect and couldn't be prouder. I started picking her outfits at first with Deadpool and Hit Girl. Those ended up bigger than expected. Then she started picking princesses and Star Wars characters. Then the fateful day she watched the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre and it all went to Horror from there.

Ricky - Ahahaha. Well geez Ma, she can have a lot more fun with horror. You were telling me about her Leatherface dance at our shoot. What's the next thing you guys are gonna be doing cos-play wise?

Lena - Well I have a guest spot at Marble City in Knoxville coming up then Ill attend Heroes Con in Charlotte, NC. I think I'm going with Catwoman for at least one and if I'm lucky Mad Madame Mim. Maybe bring back Roxanne since its one of my personal favorites.

Emberlin however is going to be Ash from the Evil Dead. Hopefully I can talk her into her Carrie also.

Ricky - That's so cool. What's it like getting to connect with your kiddo with doing cosplay?

Lena - Its amazing. You get people who come up to you and say "wow I love your costume" then you see their view pan down and it automatically goes to "OH MY GOODNESS I LOVE YOUR COSTUME THAT IS SO AMAZING" and of course she eats it up. It helps keep her social and fearless which I never was as a child.

Ricky - That's awesome! How are times different when you were a kid to how it is for her? What do you think has made the difference?

Lena - I feel like there is more accessibility to just about anything. You have more role models for all sorts of people and it helps find someone you identify with. The fandom communities have grown which is also helpful so you can meet people and interact with those who share interests.

Ricky - I think so too. It seems that with social media, there's literally communities for people that are into so many different things. Plus it's like comics and fandom type things have grown to be so much more mainstream than when we were kids. What's a lesson that you've learned that you'd like to pass on to her?

Lena - Don’t be a gatekeeper. You can like things differently than other people or know more or less than others. It doesn’t make you or them any less of a fan. It’s about having fun and if it’s not fun then what’s the point.

Ricky - Hell yeah! Words of wisdom dude! One last question - what's your best memory from a con and what's your most embarrassing memory?

Lena - I think actually seeing Emberlin go up and take part in the costume contest with her Leatherface is probably one of my favorite memories. She looked proud and and had fun everyone was a winner and they all received a prize. I also met my boyfriend at a convention after party not a memory from the show itself but still a good memory. Not a lot of embarrassing memories but there was a few shows I’ve been too where people I had with me noticed some people hiding behind poles and pillars to take inappropriate photos my backside while in the Black Canary costume. I understand some of my costumes are provocative but that still isn’t cool considering how many others they were probably doing it to and who knows how old the victims could have been.

I also just want to point out while there are creeps out there I’ve met some of the coolest creators and artists out there and am proud to be able to call them friends.

Ricky - Oh damn! That's pretty messed up man! That brings up a good point. What's the proper etiquette for people to come up to snag a photo. Let's face it, at a con you've got people wanting pics. Whether they are fans of your character, or dudes that want a pic with a provocative looking Black Canary...how should they approach and act getting a pic?

Lena - I think the biggest thing is just to be cool about it. If you want a photo just say “Hey I love your costume can I get a pic?” Simple as that when it’s busy you have people just gesture with their camera which is fine too. Just be polite, ask if you mind the arm around you and never bring it lower than the waist. If we’re dressed up we know there will be people wanting pictures just make sure you know your boundaries and if you feel like someone crossed it don’t brush it off. Let security know or if you think it was a misunderstanding tell them “hey man back off not cool”

Not everyone is a predator but not everyone is going to respect you and your boundaries.

Ricky - Very smart and well said dude. It's what should be common sense but sadly a lot of people don't respect those boundaries. Where can people follow you on social media?

Lena - Facebook page is Lena Leather you can also find me on the GeekxGirls page. I also enjoy Instagram for more everyday and cosplay life on @lena_leather

Ricky - You rock dude! Thanks so much for talking to us about cosplay and life.

Lena in everyday wear… Photo - TRD Photography - Kodak Tri X film

I really hope you enjoyed this interview with Lena talking a little bit about life and a lot about cosplay. As always, this project I’m trying to come at it from a documentary type style, sharing as many stories and personalities from the tattoo community as I can. Not all viewpoints are my own. If you enjoyed this, let us know, and share away. I’ve been overwhelmed from the feedback so far on these stories and I can’t wait to bring you some more.

Ricky

Ricky Davis 5/8/19 Ricky Davis 5/8/19

A Tattooing Dad - Interview with Kenneth Chope

Tattoo Artist - Kenneth Chope - TRD Photography

A Tattooing Dad- Interview with Kenneth Chope

Ricky - Hey Kenneth, I really enjoyed meeting you and getting to talk to you abit at our shoot. Give us a little introduction to our readers and tell them a little bit about who you are in a few sentences.

Kenneth - My name is Kenneth Chope. I’m 38 and i reside in Chattanooga, Tennessee. I currently work as a tattooist at White Wizard and have been doing it 3 years. I’m a full time artist as well as a full time father. My love of comic books is what made me go after becoming an artist and also the reason i got into the tattoo chair.

Ricky - Hell yeah man! I didn't realize comics was one of the things that inspired you. Are you a DC or Marvel man?

Kenneth - Honestly a DC fan. The heroes seem more normal and less powers. But I lived vicariously through them as a kid and found my place as a young artist trying to recreate them on paper and failed time after time miserably. My favorite comic book character today is Tattoo. a marvel character who can make their tattoos come to life and such.

Ricky - That's awesome! I'm more a DC dude myself. I don't think I've heard of Tattoo. Reminds me of a dude that showed up on Arrow at one time that he could use his tattoos as weapons to assassinate people. Are you stoked to see Endgame?

Kenneth - I am. I’m ready for it as we all been waiting what feels like an eternity for its release. I’m just hoping for a fight between Thanos and Hulk. Although, I have been thinking Hulk is actually Loki or another character that may have assumed Hulk’s form. But then again I tend to go down the rabbit hole thinking of plots and where the franchise will go in the future.

Ricky - That sounds alot like my oldest daughter reading up on all the theories about what's happening and why Hulk wouldn't come out in Infinity War. You mentioned fatherhood. How many kids do you have? Are they into comics as well?

Kenneth - I only have one child currently and she’s just starting her comic book collection and she collects walking dead comics. My daughter is my life though and as a single dad I try my best to teach her about everything I can. We both share quite a passion for the arts and she’s just starting her first attempts at trying to draw her own comic book artwork.

Ricky - That is awesome that you guys are able to connect with art and comics. We talked a little bit about it at the shop, but being a single dad and a tattoo artist, how has that been?

Kenneth - Well both of them separately would be great but its a struggle to juggle them both. I love what i do but i work a lot of nights so we tend to see each other every moment I get. My daughter., Acia tends to come to the shop and spend the evenings with me. She will draw while i lay down some lines. These days its much easier but I didn’t have her full time while i was going through my apprenticeship. This last year I got full custody and have been making an effort to teach her in my downtime how to do different styles of art. She says she wants to learn to tattoo in the future and honestly I would love her to learn and be able to do so but as a career I would like her to find something more stable. It’s not that we don’t make a decent living but its hard work. Every hour we work we have three hours of drawing time that week. Every artist is different but I hardly am seen without my iPad drawing or sketching away trying to come up with my next piece to show off. The artist market is competitive and there are quite a few tattooists but people forget that we all have our own styles. The hardest part though of the job is the other artists, we all have to get along but yet were all so different. In many studios artists can build each other up and help each other but some studios they just break each other down and try to scare each other off. But its like any job these days where the competition will try to take down those they feel are a threat. Honestly i try my best to stay out of it all but the shop gossip happens everywhere.

Ricky - I can totally get that. With our kids we want them to achieve great things and let's face it, sometimes people look at some careers and see the glamour and not the hard work and bullshit that goes on behind the scenes at times. We talked a little about art and the competition. It would be a lot more pleasant if we could help change the mentality that we all compete. Art is subjective to the viewer. If we could all push each other to be the best we can be, they'll be a market of people that like what we can offer. How has tattooing changed your life?

Kenneth - Interesting question!!! I used to wake up and put on a shirt and a tie and go to work 12 hours a day as a restaurant manager trying to make ends meet. Now iIm 7 to 8 hours a day or more in the shop and able to just be myself. Sure we still have to censor ourselves and remember we run a business but now my suit is my skin and i’m out here bearing it all to see and putting my skills on the line to see if i can make it in the competitive art field. I love waking every day and creating. At first it was hard but these days it gets easier and easier and i’m developing my style. Looking back i was too afraid to be myself and open up in the restaurant world trying to be a corporate puppet. But now it doesn’t matter. I just kinda do as I please with respect to others and create what I want. Though there are still stigmas when I draw dark art. People are starting to break down the stereotypes that went with tattoos we all saw when we were children.

Ricky - It's such a feeling getting to create and be yourself. What are some of the stereotypes you've encountered with being a single dad that's a tattooer? What about some of the ones based off the kind of art you create?

Kenneth - People think of us as unemployed and feeding off the government while its honestly the opposite. We work hard and enjoy the art. I have had someone ask my daughter who I was and why she was hanging out with a delinquent. We get stares when we are out in public. But i also get praise these days from a lot of mothers telling me its really cool i raise my child to be without bias or stereotypes. I want her to have an open mind and not fight her teachings from when she grew up.

As for my artwork i love to draw the dark side quite a bit and would love to send you a few reference pictures but because i drew a ram skull or rams head. I’m automatically considered satanic when its just another image. Honestly i think people put to much stock in images and beliefs but that’s my opinion. As an artist i’m just trying to move forward and draw a bit of everything.

Ricky - That's really cool man! I think it's important to raise our kids to be open minded and to really evaluate and think things through to know what they believe. These days so many believe what they are told and those telling it take advantage of that. Where would you like to see our society be in the next five years?

Kenneth - I would like to see society accept the people they see around them. Stop holding beliefs before people and to start recognizing the fact we can all learn from each other. Its time we as people help each other out weather it be an ear to listen a shoulder to cry on or even just a simple hello. People need to stop being afraid of others so much and start getting to know each other. I’m part of a beard group called The Bearded Villains and our local chapter the Smokey Mountain Bearded Villains and our goal is to break down the stereotypes of bearded and or tattooed men and to show what kind of great things we can do through charity and brotherhood. Its really a great group of guys but because how we choose to look others judge us and treat us differently. So the founder Von Knox set out to do just that and break the stereotype.

I would like to see equality for all though and to see a barrier against negativity. Maybe see this country united instead of divided.

Ricky - I think that is really cool man! That is definitely a noble goal! I want to thank you for taking the time to sit down and talk with us. Where can people find you online to check out your work?

Kenneth - Thank you so much for your time as well. It was honestly great meeting you and i cant wait to watch this grow and become something amazing for you. I have watched your work for years and I support other artists in their endeavor.

My work can be found on instagram or facebook @tattoosbythecaptain or tattoos by the captain at white wizard. You can always call me as well or come by the shop my number is listed on the sites.

Thank you again and man your work is truly badass, Keep up the work and i hope to see it evolve into an amazing project. See ya along the way!!

I sincerely hope that you enjoyed this interview and story. This project is especially dear to me as I love sharing people’s stories. My goal with this project is for it to be more documentary in nature. So as a disclaimer, the words and ideas that some of the people I interview may not always reflect my views and takes on things. I feel we can learn a lot from people if we open our minds to different views and takes. I hope that will come across in these stories and profiles.

With interviewing various tattoo artists, as this project is documentary in nature, I have many friends in the tattooing field but in picking out an artist, do your homework. Check out the shops, check out the portfolios, and find an artist that is right for you. Thanks for reading guys!

Ricky Davis 5/1/19 Ricky Davis 5/1/19

Tattoos and Motherhood with Rachel - TRD Photography

Tattooed Mom - Rachel Sossamon - Photo by TRD Photography

Tattoos and Motherhood

This is the inaugural blog post in my new series of doing profiles and interviews with different people in the tattoo community. Recently I had the privilege of sitting down and photographing Rachel and her little one, Willow. We got to talk to Rachel about the journey she and her husband had to start their family, as well as kind of being a tattooed mom means to her. I hope you’ll take the time to read our interview and if you enjoy it, share it. I will be releasing a new interview weekly, so keep an eye out. Without further ramblings, here’s Rachel’s story.

Ricky - Hi Rachel, I really enjoyed meeting you and your little one for our session. Can you give our readers a little bit of background on yourself in a few sentences?

Rachel - Sure! Currently I’m a stay at home mom, which is literally the greatest job in the world! I’ve previously worked at a tattoo shop in south GA where I did body piercings for a few years. I’ve had the chance to model some, mainly because of my art work. And before that I worked at a couple of Harley-Davidson shops.

Ricky - That's awesome! You also mentioned that you've moved around a bit? What originally interested you in tattoo culture?

Rachel - I have! My husband and I are originally from NC. His work is what brought us to GA. Later his company moved us from south GA all the way to north GA and we’ve been settled here now for a few years. As long as I can remember I’ve always been really interested in tattoos. It probably started with my dad. He was a Navy man and when he was stationed away he got this butterfly tattoo on his arm. I vividly remember him flexing his arm and making his butterfly move and I thought that was the coolest thing. Needless to say, I could not wait till my 18th Birthday when I got my first tattoo. From there on it was a game changer. I knew I wanted and had to have more.

Rachel & Willow - Photo - TRD Photography

Ricky - That's really cool. It's awesome to have a memory like that, that has stuck with you of your dad. So in South Georgia you were working at a tattoo shop and then in North Georgia, you've now become a mom. How has it been transitioning from being a shop girl and piercer to being a stay at home mom?

Rachel - It’s been a huge transition from working with the public to family life! A little bit of back history, my husband and I struggled with infertility for almost 10 years. We saw doctors and specialist. I did every kind of test and took all the drugs trying to get pregnant. We did 3 rounds of IUI and suffered a miscarriage. Moving to north GA allowed me the time to actually focus on trying to start a family. Thankfully out of the blue and all on our own we conceived our daughter and she was born June of 2017. It’s like two different worlds now. I miss piercing. I miss all the different kinds of people you meet and I miss that family feeling working in a shop but nothing compares to being a mom. Maybe one day I’ll get back into it again when she’s a little older.

Ricky - Wow! That is amazing! I had no idea. I'm sure that reading that can give some hope to people out there trying. Sometimes things just have to happen in the right time. What are some ways that motherhood has changed you?

Rachel - Motherhood has changed my whole outlook on life. Like it’s no longer about myself but about this tiny little human that I took part in creating and carried for 9 months. Its made me more grateful for the little things. Its taught me to slow down and appreciate what’s in front of me. It’s made me more hyper aware of what’s going on around me because I want to protect her as much as possible. It’s such a huge responsibility to be given this precious gift to love, nurture and raise. Motherhood has literally been a blessing and a lesson but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Ricky - I love this! I'll tell you it was a blessing for me at our session seeing you and your daughters bond. Doing what I do, I've seen some parents that just haven't had that connection with their little ones. Do you think that your struggle with conceiving and starting a little later than a lot of people has given you a different perspective on being a mom?

Rachel - Oh absolutely. I struggled with depression not being able to conceive. We had “unexplained infertility” so not knowing what the cause was and not being able to fix it was really hard. Watching your friends and family members have babies was tough. Don’t get me wrong, I was extremely happy for them but it broke my heart that it wasn’t happening for us. I was at a point where it was really affecting my marriage and I had to take back control. I sought out help. Best thing I could have done. I had to have the mindset that it just wasn’t gonna happen for us and that I needed to be ok with that. We bought a house and adopted a third dog and everything was good. 2 years after giving up and moving on with our life we got pregnant. It was definitely a huge surprise. We were finally given what we had wanted for so long. No way did I want to be 35 and pregnant but that’s how it ended up and I’m absolutely ok with that. I definitely try not to take things for granted because I know she’ll only be little for so long. I’m literally soaking it all in. Like how lucky am I to finally have her? She’s my whole world and I’m so blessed! All of the struggles definitely give you a different mindset. Becoming a mom later in life definitely makes me more focused, in the moment and appreciate what I have.

Ricky - That is so amazing man. I definitely could see it in you guys interactions. On the web sometimes you see things circulating about tattooed parents, and here in the South especially, you can get some stares with being tattooed. How has your experiences been as a tattooed mother?

Rachel - So far so good. My daughters first year being earth side we didn’t really go out much. But this past year we been adventuring out more and to be honest I haven’t really been paying attention to other people because I’m so focused on my daughter. Occasionally I’m surprised by someone coming up to me to say that they admire my art work or to tell me they hope to have that many tattoos one day. I love those moments because they’re unexpected. Hopefully my daughter won’t have to experience anyone being negative towards her mother because of my tattoos. If that happens I’ll use it as a learning experience. That we should be excepting of people no matter what they look like. Very much like that quote about not judging a book by its cover.

Ricky - I love that take on it! Teach our children if negative experiences happen rather than getting upset if they do. I want to thank you so much for being a part of this project and letting me meet and take some photos of you and your little one. Any last words for other folks out there that may be struggling with starting a family?

Rachel - Sure... more or less I want them to know they’re not alone. So many of us women (men to) go through this and suffer in silence. It’s ok to talk about it and share your experience. I don’t want to be yet another person who tells them it will happen when you stop trying because those words are said way to often and really don’t make anyone feel better. I’d rather say I understand and support you. Just breathe and take it one day at a time. Try not to let it consume you and always lead with a positive outlook. But most of all, you did nothing wrong and it isn’t your fault.

And thank you Ricky! Willow and I enjoyed our time with you! Hopefully we’ll get together again in the future

Ricky Davis 1/2/18 Ricky Davis 1/2/18

Native American Portraits - The Series - Amanda Starr

This past year I got to go to Mt. Juliet Pow Wow and do some photographs with some of the dancers for this Native American Portrait Series. I'm still working on connecting with everyone that I photographed that day for their interviews, but recently I got to chat with Amanda a little bit about her story. I hope that you enjoy it.

Ricky - What is your nation?

Amanda - My mother's family is Eastern band Cherokee and my father's is Western band Cherokee.

Ricky - That's really cool! What is the the dynamic between the Eastern & Western bands? I've heard various stories. Is there still tension somewhat or not so much?

Amanda - You mean like the difference between them?

Ricky - Like the inter-band relationship. I've heard some people tell me that some of the Western band has been somewhat upset at Eastern band because of the removal and the Eastern band stayed. I've only heard a few people say that and I was curious.

Amanda - I honestly don't really know. I have heard that in the past the 2 bands did not get along for various reasons.

True be told I'm only in the last few years been able to start really learning about the Cherokee culture. It's been hard because a lot of people look at me and question if I have the right to be there.

My parents weren't raised native so I have had to fight really hard to learn what I know and earn my place in Native society.

Ricky - I can understand that. I've heard that story a lot from Native people who have been kind of lost out in society and are being called back and trying to learn. The important thing is you're out there trying to learn and do it respectfully. When did you become interested in your heritage?

Amanda - I was a little kid about 10 I think and there was a powwow going on in my town so my parents decided to go check it out and I feel in love and wanted to learn how to dance too. So my dad started talking to some of the people that were apart of the powwow and the rest is history.

Ricky - That is awesome! So you started dancing soon after? At that point, your parents weren't really part of the community in your town? What changed after that Pow Wow?

Amanda - Yeah the following year I started dancing. Unfortunately there's not really a native community were I lived just a few people here and there. We became good friends with a couple of people that were close by and by the time I was about 13 I was traveling around to powwows with them. My parents really couldn't afford to travel so going with friends was the only way i could go to powwows with the exceptions of the few that were close by.

Ricky - That's awesome that it meant that much to you at that age to become so heavily involved. When did you start learning more about your culture beyond the dancing and trying to become more a part of the Native Community?

Amanda - Once I staring getting to know people I started asking questions trying to learn as much as possible but I was an adult before I started getting really involved in the community and more traditional aspects of the culture.

Ricky - That's cool. What inspired you to go deeper in learning?

Amanda - Because it's a part of who I am and I truly believe you have to know where you came from to get to where you're going.

Ricky - I agree! How is it being a parent and bringing your son up knowing being involved in the culture?

Amanda - It's great! I also have a daughter that is almost 20 years old. It's amazing to be able to watch them learning and grow with knowledge of their culture more so than I got to. For my son who has high functioning Autism, real ADHD, and sensory deficit so I think being involved in powwows helped him tremendously with his social skills and to over come some barriers that he otherwise would not have been able to do.

Ricky - That is really cool! And dang dude, I would not have guessed you have a 20 yr old daughter. I know your son dances, does your daughter?

Amanda - She did up until 2 years ago when she started working her job really wouldn't let her have weekends off to powwow, but she has decided she wants to come back and dance again. So I'm going to be making her a couple of new dresses and new beadwork for her to come back in. So maybe sometime next year.

Ricky - That's so cool that you guys dance as a family. What does dancing mean to you?

Amanda - It means the world to me, it's a part of who I am. It makes me feel good to dance because I'm carrying on a tradition and helping to insure that it stays alive.

Ricky - What is it like being Native and living in our society these days?

Amanda - It can be hard because the people I'm around on a daily basses aren't Native and have no idea about it. So I have to listen to ridiculous questions and comments. I sometimes even feel out of place. On the flip side I've been able to teach people what it really means to be Native. The truth of what our ancestors went through and our people still go through. It has it's good days and bad one.

Ricky - That's awesome that you've been able to really help bridge the gap a little bit and help teach. What is some thing you wish more people knew about being Native in this day and age?

Amanda - That we're real people and we're still fighting some of the same battles that we've been fighting since Europeans arrived and it's time to stop.

Ricky - Amen! Very well said! So much of what's happening today is still being so quiet and not talked about. I want to thank you for taking the time to do this. One last question. What can people do to learn more and see what is going on today and help First Nations people in their fight?

Amanda - Take the time to ask questions and actually listen to the answers. Pass the information along to others don't just pretend it's not happening. Stop cultural appropriation.

You very welcome I enjoyed doing it.

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