Ricky Davis 1/2/26 Ricky Davis 1/2/26

Chattanooga Lookouts and At&T Field - Minor League Stadium on Film

Chattanooga Lookouts and AT&T Field - Kodak Tri X Film Photography by Ricky Davis of TRD Photography

I grew up in Chattanooga going to Lookouts games at Historic Engel Stadium but in 2000, the Lookouts moved to AT&T Field. I don’t have as many “nostalgic” moments at AT&T Field, simply because I wasn’t a kid anymore going to games with my dad. However I did get to take my kids to games at AT&T Field over the years. Next year, the Lookouts will be moving to a new field here in Chattanooga, so I decided to stop by and take some photos from outside AT&T Field to capture the stadium as it is today.

One of the cool experiences my kids got to have at AT&T Field was being honored on school night where lots of local schools had their kids in a parade before the game. One of my favorite experiences though was my youngest daughter and I were at an early special game on a Wednesday. I unfortunately was holding my camera taking photos of the game (photographer, go figure) when I foul ball was lined towards us. It was headed for my youngest daughter but I reached out to shield her with my left hand. Unfortunately it bounced off my hand (but luckily it didn’t hit my kiddo). Someone else grabbed the ball and she was pretty disappointed. An usher came up to her and gave her a ball which made her day. It’s moments like that that make memories, especially for kids. Baseball is one of those sports that just offer those one of a kind moments.

One of the special things about baseball is the history, and how new chapters continue to be added. The Lookouts have legends, and more are made as the years go by. Some of the Lookouts legends from my childhood may have never made it big in the majors, but they are still legends to me. One of my favorites was Scott Pose. Then you had Brian Koelling, Calvin (Pokey) Reese, and Steve Gibralter. Pokey had the longest major league career of those guys.

At AT&T field though, there have been three different Major League Teams the Lookouts have represented. The Dodgers, the Twins, and then back to the Reds. In my time at the AT&T Field, I’ve gotten to see Corey Seager, Byron Buxton, Jose Berrios, and others wear the Lookouts uniform. I haven’t gotten to see them but a couple of times since they went back to the Reds due to schedule, but the Reds prospects have been stacked.

So for several years after Covid, I just couldn’t seem to work time in to go see a game. It was strange going back and seeing how things have changed with the digital age. When I used to go, I always got my tickets at the ticket booth, but now so much has gone cashless and digital. It’s weird seeing our national past time grow and change with the times. It’s easy to look at the changes and wish for the past. But there’s still so much beauty in baseball.

There’s just something about the sound of bat hitting the ball just right. The dust from a catchers mitt after a fastball strikes out the other teams cleanup hitter. The air even smells different when it’s spring and baseball season is upon us again. I have a lot of great memories from AT&T Field, and I can’t wait to make some new ones at the new stadium. I’d love to hear some of your favorite memories from the park if you got to watch a game there.

Here’s a few more photos that I got to take that day. All were shot on Kodak Tri X Film.

Ricky Davis 12/22/25 Ricky Davis 12/22/25

Hope is Coming…Scenes from the South

Hope is Coming - Religious Sign series - Scenes from the South - St Elmo, Chattanooga, Tennessee. Photo by Ricky Davis of TRD Photography. Kodak Tri X Film Photography

One of my absolute favorite series that I started working on this year has been my religious sign series. It’s something that I should have started years ago. Just the response I’ve received from it so far this year and the amount of amazing conversations that I’ve gotten to have with people about it, it’s been astonishing.

Recently here in Chattanooga, there has been these “Jesus is Coming- Repent” signs popping up everywhere, and I mean everywhere. Many places I’ve seen 2 or 3 of them on the same poles. When I’ve seen them, I’d been out shopping with family or on the go and didn’t have my film camera at the ready. So this past Sunday I had a photoshoot that morning and I planned to go hunting some of these signs down afterwards.

Needless to say I was driving to my shoot and lo and behold I came across this beauty. I made a U-Turn and stopped my car in a driveway so I could hop out and take this photo. What I love about it is it could be taken a couple of ways. You could say “Obama is coming. Repent” as if saying that with the idea that Trump may try to run for a third term, Obama could be cleared to run for a third term. The other way, and the way I like to read this is “Hope is Coming-Repent.”

What is hope? It’s different for different people. For a lot of people in these uncertain times, hope is all we have. I just wanted to share this find with you guys. I hope you guys find it as thought provoking as I do.

Ricky

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 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 10/4/19 Ricky Davis 10/4/19

Food Talk with Chef Allie....

Food Talk with Chef Allie…

Ricky - So you are like a badass chef, what got you interested in the world of cooking?

Allie - Thanks! I have actually been cooking my whole life, and started in a restaurant the day I was old enough to work. My first library book was when I was 8, and it was a Cuban cookbook that I made caldo y pollo and Cuban bread. This year is my 20th year cooking!

Ricky - Wow! I didn’t realize you had been cooking that long! That is amazing dude! What is your favorite style of cuisine to cook?

Allie - I like to learn about culture and cuisines from the farthest reaches of the earth. When we are schooled in America (and a lot of Europe) we are taught French technique, and it ends up that most finer dining food is driven by that base. I decided that I would like to be educated in different ways, to expand both mind and palate. Currently I make Gujarati Indian cuisine, and I’ll say it’s my favorite. My cooking partner’s mom and dad are immigrants from Gujarat, India; she will come and teach me the heritage recipes of their family.

Ricky - That is amazing to get to learn from her first hand. You’ve been traveling the world for awhile now and you share a lot from those adventures, both food and other experiences. Where have you enjoyed visiting the most so far?

Allie - That is a hard one to pick! Some of it is dining at “the best restaurants” in the world, and some of it is learning how to make poke with a local on Easter Island. I’ve been lucky enough to experience some really badass things in my travels. I also find that the greatest food experiences can come from just anywhere, with a bit of research.

Chef/Model Allie - Photo - TRD Photography

Ricky - That sounds awesome! If you could be a chef anywhere in the world, where would you wanna be?

Allie - I would want to learn in India from an auntie and in South Korea. Also the cuisine of islands is fascinating because they are a microcosm of cuisine that is both indigenous and influenced heavily by colonization.

Ricky - That’s cool. I can definitely see those places fitting your personality as well. What else are you passionate about besides cooking?

Allie - Well, travel is a close second! In a creative aspect it all circles around food. I love to learn and decidedly look forward to being hungry! I collect antique Japanese knives, cookbooks, and memories. The last bastion is making art in the form of photography/modeling. I of course hold out for you though. Nobody gets the idea and captures the emotion like you do.

Ricky - Man, that means alot! You and I have a different kinda connection that the typical model/photographer relationship. I think my favorite shoot still is hanging out vibing to records while we were shooting film. It was just so raw and honest. You’ve got quite the record collection! How important is music in your life?

Allie - That one was way epic!! Especially the extra special Polaroids! And man, I can’t believe I forgot to talk about music. I wake up with a song in my head every day of my life, and music fills my day and my soul always. I am currently on a 3 year classic country kick that speaks to me in a profound way. I love death metal, funk and soul, psych rock, blues, punk- just so many things! Often times I will say I love music only slightly less that food, which is like 110%

Chef/Model - Allie - Photo by TRD Photography

Ricky - I was kinda surprised you didn’t bring up music earlier. What would be your 5 albums if you were stranded on a desert island?

Allie - What a ditz moment! And a heavy question hahaha…So London Calling by The Clash, Hung at Heart by The Growlers, a Marty Robbins compilation, Whisper Supremacy by Cryptopsy, and Changes by Charles Bradley. All essential and spanning the spectrum some so you get a taste of everything. The year I turned 19 I listened to London Calling every day! And about 5 years ago I got hooked on The Growlers and burnt it up. Also an essential set of songs for life by Charles Bradley- especially his rendition of Changes. And naturally a nice bit of that silly classic country from Marty Robbins, who’s vocals are like cool water on a hot day.

Ricky - Good choices dude! You and I recently had a conversation. You mentioned briefly earlier in this about modeling. Some folks may not put two and two together, but you used to model under the name of Miss Voodoo Valentine. Recently you and I were talking and how you explained it to me was there were two parts of who you were, you and her. You went through some things and she just kind of fell away. And Allie was who was left. I thought it was beautifully said. Who is Allie today?

Allie - It was definitely a tough moment in my life. To me modeling is to make art. It is fun to make pretty pictures, sexy pictures, whatever- but in my head the valuation system is about creating something with gravitas and emotion. When I came through that bad stuff in one piece, I was at a point where I could finally reconcile the way I look outwardly and who I am on the inside. I suppose having a nom de plume had been a vehicle for me to go forward with whatever art I wanted and not have to answer to anyone. When I came to realize who I am, I became comfortable with the whole me. In turn, the moniker was dropped and I left the magazines and sponsors and all that behind. I am a chef and in love with what I do; not to say I don’t love the folks that I’ve had the pleasure of meeting or the things I’ve had the honor to be a part of. I can be a model too, but it no longer defines a section of my person.

Ricky - I really like that. Allowing things to be a part of who you are but not defining you. I find that very inspiring because I see a lot of people who really draw their self-worth and identity from it. What would you tell people still in that place?

Allie - I would tell them to give themselves love and grace! There is no wrong in enjoying your visage, and your self-worth comes from your whole you. Accepting that it can come from being proud of a picture is wonderful, and as we walk our path in life they may find deeper meaning in what they create. Even if they don’t, appreciating who they are in every phase of life makes it worth living.

Ricky - I love that Allie! Dude, I wanna thank you so much for taking the time to chat. Where can folks who are up in Nashville go to experience your cooking?

Allie - My restaurant is called Tailor! It is a dinner party/tasting menu with some stories about the heritage of our Gujarati Indian cuisine. It is a complete honor to learn from Vivek Surti and his mom the rich and delicious cuisine of their family.

Ricky - Very cool! Hopefully some folks come by and check it out! It was an honor my friend!

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.

Native American Portraits - The Series - Amanda Starr

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.

Ricky Davis 10/10/17 Ricky Davis 10/10/17

Native American Portrait Series - Teah Plumlee - TRD Photography

Native American Portrait Series - Teah Plumlee

I was really stoked to finally get to meet Teah and get to work with her. I met her family earlier this year at the Murfreesboro Pow Wow, and Teah is actually one of the first dancers that I ever photographed last year at Red Clay while she was dancing, I just didn't know anyone at that time. She dances Women's Fancy Shawl.

Ricky - What Nation are you?

Teah - I'm actually a descendant of 4 nations through both of my parents but I have been raised according to the culture of my mom's people who are originally from the Old Cheraw District, Black Creek in the Carolina's. I am Lumbee, Choctaw, Mvskoke and Cherokee. It's a little confusing. I'm kind of a nation amalgamation but I'm enrolled Cherokee.

Ricky - Wow! That is really cool man! Being part of all four nations I bet could be overwhelming at times. Have you ever thought about this history of the different tribes and just be wow? I came from all of them?

Teah - It's actually pretty fascinating. I try and learn as much as I can about each but I've always been taught that you are who you've been raised to be regardless of who you are ethnically. For example, it's only recently that I learned about my Choctaw blood. I think it's interesting but I wasn't raised in that culture so I respect it and will try and learn but I don't call myself Choctaw. I simply say that Choctaw is a part of my ethnicity the same as with my German blood. I think it's pretty cool to feel connected to so many people.

Ricky - That is such a great point! Our heritage is a part of us, but especially when you have so many different ethnicities it would be impossible to represent each culture. How do you feel about the current treatment of Indigenous people in mainstream America today?

Teah - Yes it would. I've had the honor of being chosen as a representative of one of the former Native organizations in this area. While a part of my responsibility was to educate, I could only educate to the extent of the culture I know. As to the current treatment of Indigenous people, I would like to say that I think that things have changed dramatically over the years but I'm afraid that's not really the case. It wasn't until 1910 that my mom's grandmother was actually listed as Indian on any federal census. Until that time, due to politics and bigotry, the entire family were counted as mullato. Those who owned land were heavily taxed and many lost everything they had due to the greed of others. When I see what's happening with many of our people today, those who are still being pushed around and even physically harmed simply for trying to protect what is rightfully theirs and all for the sake of money and power, it hurts me to think that we're still where we are in the eyes of so many others. I feel that until we can come together as a people no matter our backgrounds or tribal affiliations and stop fighting amongst ourselves we won't be making many steps forward. There's such a long way to go, and God never intended for his creation to be so divided.

Ricky - I completely agree! That's interesting to me that you bring up mullato because I've actually been trying to research my ancestry and back when I was actively doing it, I traced back to where my great great great grandmother listed herself as mullato and there was no more info on her. The history of the 5 civilized tribes is so sickening and I've talked to several people here today that still get bigoted remarks thrown at them on a regular basis. We've not come near as far as we would like to pretend. Today being Columbus Day, what are your views on changing it to Indigenous peoples day, and how would that change make you feel?

Teah - We refer to that as paper genocide. When you study the historical damage done to our people at the hands of such men as Walter Plecker, it's easy to understand how so many of our people have no genealogical paper trail at all. Many of the indigenous people of Virginia are still suffering the affects of this. I think that any opportunity to better educate others with true and accurate history is always a step in the right direction. Columbus was a murderer, rapist and slave trader who Americans celebrate because of the lies they've been taught to believe. The man deserves no respect or honor and the myth of his so-called discovery should have been corrected years ago. People are under the impression that this is a relatively new movement when in all actuality, attempts to make these changes date back to the early 70's and possibly prior to that. I understand that people can be very defensive about what they believe to be the original history of this country because it's all they've ever known but as time goes on, true facts and evidences can come to light and we have an obligation to right those wrongs. I would feel proud to know that there was a day dedicated to the first people of this land. We've made so many contributions that people aren't aware of. I mean most people never consider that when they pop a piece of gum in their mouth or pop a bag of popcorn, they have Native people to thank for that. Many don't realize that our entire system of government is based on the example of the Iroquois. These are contributions that should be recognized.

Ricky - Absolutely! I've discovered that basically most history we learn in school is crap. The "victors" wrote the accepted history and we are taught that this is the way it was. When in truth, much like the paper genocide that's made a lot of our records disappear, the true history starts to disappear. The movement against Columbus has been going on for a long time, I remember it from the 80's when I was a kid. But now with social media many are seeing it for the first time. We are being shown truths that many aren't comfortable with because it goes against what we were taught. What do you think the best way to show people these truths are?

Teah - I think that we need to take advantage of every opportunity we get to educate others who aren't aware of the truth, and do it in a peaceable way. As a Christian I've faced opposition many times when trying to show what I believe to be the truth to others, and i've found that most just don't want to hear it because they've become comfortable and satisfied with what they've been taught and are content to believe it rather it's wrong or not. That's also why it's so important that we make sure to have our facts straight as well. With so many lies out there it makes it hard to know what's truth and what isn't. People need to understand that just because we may view things differently or our culture isn't the same as theirs we are still people and we deserve the same respect that everyone else does.

Ricky - I completely agree. I've found that when you come at people in a hostile way, any chance that you have to help educate them or discuss things reasonably, goes flying out the window. You bring up another interesting question. I've known that you are Christian, and your family have been amazing ambassadors of your faith, not in just talking about it, but you can see that you guys are different than a lot of Christians. I know that as Cherokee, we adopted Christianity early on into our introduction to it. How does your Christian faith mix with Native culture? For you, how does it work with ceremony and Christianity?

Teah - Despite how some may feel, I believe following Christ and imbracing your culture meshes together perfectly. God made each of us individuals and, to quote one of my favorite movies, "He loves wondrous variety". No matter what your beliefs when it comes to culture and religion, it all goes back to your point of view. For me, I feel that we should try to give glory to God in everything we do. So when I dance, for example, I do it for Him, as well as for those who can't. I've heard some try to claim that Christianity is a European religion that was forced upon us by white settlers and missionaries, but that simply isn't the case. Yes, what the settlers called "Christianity" was forced upon indigenous peoples with violence and abuse, but what they were teaching was not God's teachings. They were dogmatic views full of hatred and bigotry, not the teachings of love and compassion that our Creator actually gave to us and every nation long ago. God's command is love, everything else is trivial and honestly doesn't matter in the long run. That's what my family and I try to teach whenever we can. God made each us different with different backgrounds and different stories, and as long as we do what we do with love in our hearts, there shouldn't be any conflict.

Ricky - Very well said. Many years ago, I was reading a book of quotes that were documented during meetings with Native Americans. A missionary had been speaking and an elder stood after some time and said "we believe this Jesus must have been Indian, for these teachings are things we've always done." I'll have to go find the full quote. Many of the beliefs that I've learned, I too can see how they mesh as well, but I also respect those that really have a hard time with Christianity because I totally get where they are coming from as well. I really respect how you guys walk your faith. You brought up dancing, how long have you been dancing?

Teah - I do too. Sadly, the spirit of those hate-filled men and women who tried to impose their lies on others with brutality still lives on in many people's hearts today. I feel sad for those who are victims of their victims, but I feel even worse for the ones who teach them. I cannot fathom what would drive and twist someone to become so evil. I've been dancing for as long as I can remember. My mom says, "Since I've been able to walk" but as far as exact dates i'm really not sure. I was brought into the circle before I could walk and my family held a giveaway. When i could I was taught first to dance traditional cloth. When I was about 6, I asked to dance fancy shawl. I was not allowed to dance fancy until I first learned from an established dancer who agreed to teach me and bring me in and then only after I had learned the history of the dance.

Ricky - That is awesome how you were brought into dancing, and dancing fancy shawl. What does dancing mean to you personally? I know you mentioned earlier that you dance for Him and for those who can't dance. What does dancing mean to you, and what goes into dancing that people don't see at the Pow Wow?

Teah - Dancing means so many things to me. In a way it's like an escape. Sometimes it feels like you're in an entirely different world, but one you've known for your entire life. It's hard to describe what it feels like because you're in such a state of focus but you're also letting yourself go at the same time. Dancing, especially in Fancy Shawl, is such a wonderful outlet for expressing yourself. It just gives you a wonderful feeling. Fancy Shawl in particular was originally created as a way for women to be able to express themselves and dance with more freedom. Up until that point only men could dance in such a way, in fact women were not even permitted to dance in the circle with the men for a very long time; They had to dance outside. The women who broke away from these traditions, deciding to throw their shawls over their shoulders and dance in a way similar to the male Fancy Dancers, and eventually make the move to dance in the circle alongside the men, they took some very bold risks, much like the women during the Women's Rights Movement. When I dance, I want to honor what they did.

The main thing with dancing is to remember why you dance and not to let yourself get wrapped up in the competition, which many tend to do. It's so much more than winning money or showing off.

As far as what goes into dancing behind the scenes, there's an awful lot of sewing and practice. This dance is extremely athletic and takes a lot of work. It's very important to keep fit and healthy, so often before a pow wow i spend a lot of time running and lifting weights and eating a little more protein. The regalia is no easy task either. There's been a rise in dancers doing what is referred to as old style fancy, which is much more simple style of regalia and closer to how the original fancy shawl dancers dressed, but because I dance contemporary style, it requires a lot more sewing and other work because it needs to look flashy and stand out. There's a lot of intricate applique, and the dresses are usually sewn differently, often with a flounce which takes a lot of skill to sew correctly. Usually my own regalia is a team effort between myself, my mom, and my grandmother. I come from a long line of wonderful seamstresses and quiltmakers so each of us have some experience with sewing. Each of us have our own strengths and weaknesses as well, so where one of us lacks skill, the other typically picks it up (my grandmother usually helps with the flounce and sleeves; she's amazing when it comes to intricate needlework and eyeing things) Because we all work on it together, I feel that whenever I dance, I'm carrying them all with me.

Ricky - That is so amazing! Myself, I never knew so much went into dancing behind the scenes until I went to the the Murfreesboro Pow Wow early this year with Holly & Jeff and she was telling me some about it, but then I heard her talking to so many of the mom's who were helping sew for their kids. That part of it I had just never thought of. That's awesome that you put so much work and effort into your dancing. I want to thank you so much for your time! What is one thing that you wish people knew about what it means to be Native today?

Teah - I guess what I would want people to know is that even though we're all different, we're also very much alike. We all came from one place, and no matter how we look or speak or believe, we're all the same deep down. We have feelings, we have dreams, we want to love and be loved just like everyone else does. It's hard to be a Native American in today's society because there are still so many stereotypes and myths that surrounds us. If I could tell the whole world one thing, being a Native American woman, it would be to ask that, instead of profiling us by what you've heard taught or read in books or have seen in movies, look at us for who we are; we're people. Living, thinking, spiritual human beings, and we just want peace for the world like everyone else.

Ricky - One more question I wanted to ask and you just reminded me with your answer. In regards to Native American women. In our country, and in Canada, there is an epidemic of murdered and missing Native American women. It doesn't get any attention mainstream media wise that I've ever seen. What is happening and what can we do to help spread the word to get this to stop?

Teah - I couldn't say for sure what is or why it's happening. There's such a long history of crimes against Native women, and children too, and many of those stories get "lost in the shuffle" too. I think it all goes back to that stereotype of Native peoples being worth less than others, that we're uneducated and primal in our decisions and culture, so many people don't see these atrocities as needing to be publicized because, in a sense, we're just not worth the time; we don't matter as much other people do. With women especially, it takes a lot more to prove ourselves as individuals. We're often so maligned by the media, made out to be some sort of object for men to gain or a weakling that needs to be rescued or protected. The images created by the media have taken such a toll on women as well as Native people in general that we're not viewed in the same way as others.

Thanks to social media outlets we now have so many ways to spread the word about these horrible crimes, but we have to take advantage of them. It's up to us to make sure people are made aware that these things are happening and that they need to stop. One of my mom's favorite quotes is, "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." (I'm not positive about who said it originally, but it's usually attributed to Edmund Burke). If we remain silent when we know that there's evil being done, then we're really no better than the one's who do the act themselves. It's so terrible and it needs to be stopped. No one deserves to be treated this way.

Ricky Davis 10/5/17 Ricky Davis 10/5/17

Native American Portrait Series - Michael Brenton Morrison - TRD Photography

Native American Portrait Series - Michael Brenton Morrison

Recently I had the honor of getting to go up to the Mt. Juliet Pow Wow, thanks to Cindy Yahola and Holly Johnson. We were able to setup a booth to do portraits of some of the dancers for the Native American Portrait Series that I've been working on. The series is based off breaking down some of the stereotypes and misconceptions about what a lot of people think of Native Americans in our society today. At my studio shoots for this series, I take photos of people in both their regalia and their everyday clothes. Many of this country's First Nations people walk around everyday and you might not even know. At the Pow Wow, it was said that it's like walking in two worlds for Indigenous People today. One world is our culture and tradition, and the second is modern society. It's learning to walk in both with balance that is key.

One of the dancers that I got to photograph and talk with is Michael Brenton Morrison. I first heard of Michael from my buddy, Wes Collins. Wes had many praises about Michael both as a Traditional Men's Dancer, but also in the respect and honor he has seen from him towards Cherokee culture.

Ricky - What nation do you belong?

Michael - My family belongs to the Eastern Band Cherokee nation

Ricky - Does your dancing hold personal meaning for you? Does it hold personal significance to you in dancing traditional?

Michael - Dancing to me means that I can get out there and dance for those who danced before me, those who cannot dance, and of course those who give me the right to dance. But most importantly I dance for the creator and that he may always blesses me with the strength of a warrior to carry on thousands of years of tradition.

Ricky - That is a beautiful answer. I've heard different answers but I've heard some older dancers really talk highly of your dancing and doing it for good reasons.

Michael - Really now? That's enlightening. I try to dance the old way and not let the modern contemporary ways get to me.

Ricky - Yes sir. It shows man! What has life been like growing up Native in this culture in America.

Michael - To be honest, growing up Native in this American culture hasn't been easy at times, especially due to racial bigotry and stereotypical questions. At times people would ask me do I live in a tipi or do I get free things from the government. My answer is always No.

Then there's always the "you aren't native. You're just a 6 foot Mexican." Which cracks me up

Ricky - How have you handled being faced with some of the racial issues you've had, especially with being younger and how would you try to explain to people who may be reading this that think race isn't an issue anymore?

Michael - I listen to the stories that my mother and father told me from when they were younger and the stories they tell me is truly saddening because when they were growing up it was a bad thing to be native. Now in my generation everybody wants to be native. The issues I've dealt with are nowhere near as bad as my parents.

Ricky - Very true. The stories from even the last 30 to 40 years ago are horrible. It blows my mind how humans can treat other humans in such ways. I had thought things had improved greatly until some of things that happened last year at Standing Rock. What were your views about what happened there?

Michael - Hmm that's an odd situation there to be honest. Some of the family was up there and it was blown put of proportion. That land was theirs that was part of the agreement yet lies and deceit over rules again. However, with that being said. I feel that media made it worse. I blew into something that should not have happened.

Ricky - In which way do you think that it got overblown? From the things that were happening to people or about the things the dam was saying the water protectors were doing or all of it?

Michael - Well people fall for greed and become a lover of things as in the Choctaw language a "Nanihullo" And when that happens life become in danger sometimes even destroyed. For what though? When we cross over we cannot carry those things. That is what i mean when i say things become overblown too fast.

Ricky - Awesome, I just wanted to make sure it was clear. You serve in our military correct? What branch of service?

Michael - US Army

Ricky - Thank you for your service man! There is a long relationship with Native men serving in the armed forces. What led you to enlist?

Michael - Well for starters from the time i was 6 years old I wanted in the United States Military. I knew that I was warrior, and that I wanted to earn the right to be called one. I have a long history of family being in the Military.

Ricky - What are your feelings with the protests during the Anthem?

Michael - Man, men and women have fought and died for our rights, man will say oh that's our 1st amendment but I don't care. Show respect for those who died for their right to be an idiot. It truly annoys me. People do it because they think its cool. Its not cool at all.

Ricky - I can definitely respect that man. What are some things you wish people knew about being Native. You mentioned that you get asked stereotypical questions a lot. What are some things you'd like folks to know about Natives in our culture today.

Michael - Haha. I'd tell people that we don't live in tipis, we don't scalp people. I'm not an alcoholic, I don't even drink at all. We also don't worship a buffalo either.

Ricky - It's crazy, so many just assume each tribe basically lived the same ways. If someone is wanting to legitimately learn more about Native culture, what ways would you suggest they learn? How can they be respectful and not come across how so many do?

Michael - Instead of assuming answers, just ask questions and we will answer them. Of course be respectful but also don't be afraid to ask.

Ricky - Very cool man. I want to thank you so much for taking the time to be a part of this project again. I appreciate it!

Michael - You're welcome!

A little note on the photos - The B&W work that I'm doing on this series is done with Kodak Tri X film. My goal was to do the series completely in film only, but at Mt Juliet I also did a number of digital shots as well, and I really want to add a little of that color in as well.

Ricky Davis 3/22/17 Ricky Davis 3/22/17

Beauty Redefined Series - What is it?!?!? - TRD Photography

Beauty Redefined Series - What is it?!?!?!

I'm giving you a break from photos for a post. As you might have noticed, the past several days my posts have centered around what I call the beauty redefined series. Last summer I started shooting for a series of photos that I wanted to do a couple of things with. 1. I wanted to share peoples stories about different elements of their life and 2. In light of those stories, I wanted to construct a broader view of how we look at our fellow people. From the first part of the series, listening to people share their stories and struggles, I learned so much.

A lot of the series that really interest me revolve around the concept of beauty. I think it's an interesting concept for a few reasons. Honestly I think beauty is one of the words that we all know what "it" is, but the definition differs from person to person. It's ingrained in our heads, in our cultures. It's this ideal that we strive for but never quite achieve and in my mind it's because it doesn't exist. There can be no clear cut definition of what beauty is. It differs from person to person. Freedom is another similar kind of word. We all have a different take of what freedom is. We're told that we live in the land of the free, but how far does that freedom actually go? Beauty is something that's preached, but what does it actually entail?

A lot of times we're taught that beauty and ugliness go hand in hand, and it's true, you can't have one without the other. However we're taught to look at outward appearances and judge them. I think ugliness isn't anything appearance based. It's in our actions, in our emotions. Hate & brutality, greed, these are things that define ugliness to me personally and I feel that beauty is in our imperfections. It's in our differences. It's what makes us, us.

The Series for me is something that is a continually evolving project. I'm learning from each person that I've gotten to work with. My goal is to share the stories and the differences, and each of us has a story. My goal is to tell those stories, touch on issues of our time, and my goal is to photograph the individuals in a way that it's not about the identity of who one is, because these stories could belong to your neighbor, your brother, your sister, your co-worker, the person you pass at the grocery store, the guy you nod to that's coming out of the bathroom.... These stories could be any of us. And that's the point.

I'm about to start shooting round 2 of the series. If you'd like to be considered I'll be organizing an upcoming date to shoot round 2. It's all shot in studio on 35mm film. To be considered you must email me your story and why you'd like to be part of the project. We will take several photos but only one is used for the series. If your story is sensitive, you are more than welcome to use the handle of anonymous when we share your story. I realize that some are more of a private nature. We hope you'll share your story with us. If we don't receive your story, we won't be able to set anything up for this series. No photoshoot experience required. Male and Female welcome. Signed release required at shoot.

Ricky Davis 3/21/17 Ricky Davis 3/21/17

Beauty Redefined Series - Zack - TRD Photography

Beauty Redefined Series - Zack -

" My fitness journey started 5 years ago while noticing all of my family members getting diagnosed with some sort of illness. Whether it be obesity or diabetes, almost every family member had one or another, if not both. I know some things can occur without our prevention, but I also knew that poor eating habits, lack of exercise, & lousy excuses didn't contribute to a healthy lifestyle. I remember one morning it just hit me that I wasn't going to be another family member that didn't care about ones health.

So I went full force. I didn't have much money at the time so I remember eating plain chicken & broccoli (5 meals a day). My daily schedule was waking up at 4am every morning to do fasted cardio, work 6am-6pm, have night classes to finish my degree from 6:30pm-9pm, then after all of that, get another workout in with the weights. We're talking 18 hour days.

These decisions didn't just develop a healthy lifestyle, it completely opened the doors to new opportunities for me. It made me mentally & physically stronger than I could have ever imagined. I knew if I could commit to bettering myself starting with healthy decisions, then I could take that commitment & determination onto whatever I chose to do in life. "

Zack

Ricky Davis 3/16/17 Ricky Davis 3/16/17

Raw No Makeup/No Photoshop with Brittney Berlin

Raw No Makeup/No Photoshop set with Brittney Berlin - TRD Photography

Raw Shoot with Brittney

Back in 2015 I decided to do a few raw, unedited shoots because I really love the message that it conveys. How you are beautiful as you are instead of you're beautiful because someone with photoshop skills. A lot of people really loved the images that came from those sessions. Some did the shoot sans makeup, others wanted to still wear their makeup. I've been wanting to do some more raw shoots because honestly, I want to do more work that actually makes a statement and isn't just "cool" to look at. I recently got to do a no makeup/no photoshop session with Brittney who is a model and hair/makeup artist here in Chattanooga. Because the whole "no photoshop" thing means different things to different people, the only thing done to these images was putting them into b&w. I also want you to read what Brittney had to say about her session as you check out these images... Read below.

Raw Photoshoot - No Makeup/No Photoshop - Brittney Berlin - TRD Photography

" A few years ago if you asked me to do a photoshoot without make up, my hair unfixed, and the photos would be untouched meaning not at all edited I would have refused. In fact I wouldn't have even let anyone see me like that! I was very caught up in what society views as beautiful and I was trying to obtain that standard."

RAW - No Makeup/No Photoshop - Brittney Berlin - TRD Photography

" I'm not going to lie, going into the photoshoot I was nervous. It's something I had never done before but I was still excited. I was having a lot of fun with the photoshoot but as soon as Ricky showed me the camera screen for a sneak peek of what it was looking like a huge smile came across my face and a feeling that sparked inside I can't really explain but I immediately got pumped! It was so empowering. Here I was with my hair a mess and no make up on to hide behind and I loved it! "

Multi-Exposure - Raw No Makeup/No Photoshop Shoot - Brittney Berlin - TRD Photography

" It boosted my confidence even more which I didn't expect to happen. I left the shoot feeling so good about myself and what I accomplished. Being able to look back at where I was and how I felt about my self then to now holding the confidence and love for myself and being comfortable doing something like this it a pretty remarkable feeling. " Brittney

RAW No Makeup/No Photoshop Session with Brittney Berlin - TRD Photography

Ricky Davis 9/5/16 Ricky Davis 9/5/16

Ryan Oyer Band - So Far, So Good - Coming Soon.

Ryan Oyer Band - So Far, So Good - September 23 2016

Earlier this year I got a message from Ryan discussing his band's new EP coming out this fall. We were discussing album art and I asked about shooting it solely on 35mm film. Ryan thought it was a great idea and informed me that they actually recorded the album on analog as opposed to digitally.

We got together in Chattanooga down at the Tremont Tavern and we shot the album art using Kodak Tri X film and a taped together Canon Ti camera (I've since upgraded)

The album is slated for release on September 23rd this year and there's a big release show planned at the Granfalloon here in Chattanooga. Tickets can be grabbed here . http://www.granfalloonchattanooga.com/calendar-of-events/2016/9/23/ryan-oyer-band-cd-release-party

Be sure to check them out and support! Ryan's a great musician and the cd is SICK.

Check out Ryan at www.ryanoyer.com

Here's a few more shots from the shoot.

Ricky Davis 7/27/16 Ricky Davis 7/27/16

Minolta XG1 Find and Test.....

Minolta XG1 Find and Test Roll

So last summer when I first started to learn to work with film, I had picked up a Minolta XG1 off of ebay. It came in, in horrible condition and literally fell apart after three rolls of film. The sad thing was, the photos I took with it were really awesome. So I've had an eye out for one at a decent price ever since. Last week I found one at a local yard sale for twenty bucks. It appeared to be in great condition, so I picked it up. So far I've tested one roll of film so far over several modeling sets.

The first tests were with my pal, Jennifer Edge. She's a tattoo artist at Main Line Ink in Chattanooga. I had a portrait session lined up with Jennifer but we threw in a few fun shots on the XG1. With my style of work, I like to have a good time with it. Jennifer gets my irreverent side. ;) As far as the camera, it's been awhile since I've worked with a manual focusing camera and several of her shots came out really blurry. Kind of the consequences when you have bad eye sight.

This second lady is Josey. I was attending a shootout this past weekend with the plan of trying out the Minolta as well as a new (to me) Canon EOS 1N. My first shoot of the day had been rescheduled but I wanted to make sure my new gear was in working order, so Josey came early and let me try it out on her. Again, in the studio lighting, the XG1 was a little soft of focus, but that very well could be nailing down my settings. Josey's set did turn out abit more crisp as I'd had time to get back in the groove a little bit.

This third lady is model Avery Blansit. We took this photo at the shootout on Sunday with natural lighting. The Minolta was considerable crisper with the natural lighting, which again, is probably just brushing up on my settings and getting the hang of it again.

I'm super stoked with the camera and I'm excited to continue to adjust to it. I couldn't be happier with the photos I've gotten from it so far. Not too shabby for a yard sale find.

Ricky Davis 12/30/15 Ricky Davis 12/30/15

Pack of Wolves - Live at Mayo's in Chattanooga - TRD Photography

Pack of Wolves - Live at Mayo's - TRD Photography

I don't do a ton of concert photography, actually I think it's been about a year since the last show that I shot, but recently I was asked to do a set for local Blue band Pack of Wolves. I was a little nervous on it because concert photography isn't a specialty of mine, but I was stoked because I actually shot some of the show on film as well. Pack of Wolves is a powerhouse band and I was really stoked to get the honor to shoot them and their new lineup. While I did get some pretty sick shots on film, most of what I'll be sharing from the show I shot with my Canon 6D.

I hope you enjoyed the photos. If you'd like me to shoot your show, feel free to shoot me an email at trd@trdphotography.com I'd def like to do more concert work in the future.

Ricky

Ricky Davis 12/10/15 Ricky Davis 12/10/15

"What Makes You Feel Beautiful?" - Jessica W.

"What makes you feel beautiful?"

The definition of beauty gets a lot of play in our society today. You're too fat. You're too skinny. You have stretchmarks. You've got wrinkles. There are arguments over what is beauty, what's not and how evil it is to not know the difference.

The only thing is beauty doesn't really exist. There are no set ramifications because we all have a different perspective of what it means to us. So the only real definition of beauty is what our definition of it is. That's the only one that truly matters. How we view ourselves, instead of how the world views us.

Along that line of thinking, I plan to work on a series. What makes you feel beautiful/what makes you feel unbeautiful?

I asked my good friend Jessica about what makes her feel beautiful.

"Learning to love myself has made me feel beautiful , looking in the mirror and loving what i saw staring back at me is one of the most beautiful feelings in the world." Jessica

Me - "What helped the most in teaching you to love yourself and being able to look in the mirror and loving the person looking back at you?"

"Self acceptance. My hips will always be curvy my chest isn't the fullest,my teeth aren't straight and I have double dimples on my cheeks but these are the things that make me ME." Jessica

How you see yourself is everything. Notice the perfect imperfections, but know that we all have them. By learning to love ourselves as we are, we can learn to love others for who they are as well....Until next time...

Ricky Davis 9/5/15 Ricky Davis 9/5/15

First Minolta XG 1 Experience - Street Photography in Chattanooga - Photographer Ricky Davis

Test Run with Minolta XG 1 - Chattanooga, TN - Photographer Ricky Davis

Recently I shared some film that I shot in Nashville. I've still been shooting some film as I can, and I recently scored an old Minolta XG 1 camera cheap! I decided to put a battery in it and see what I could do. I popped in some expired Neopan SS film.

Originally my idea to test the camera out was to take it on the worlds longest yard sale with me. I got it out to shoot a couple rat rods that I saw, but having never shot this camera before, the shutter sounded like it was sticking. That frustrated me and I put the camera up thinking all my shots were going to be overexposed.

I put the Minolta up, but a few days later my Canon 6D made a similar delayed sound on the shutter, and I saw that the photos were still coming out normal, so luckily I decided to take the Minolta back out and finish up the role of film to see what it would do.

So I commenced to round two of taking the test run and I wasn't disappointed. Because of the shutter sounding delayed, I just decided to walk around Chattanooga one morning for an hour or so and just capture what caught my eye. One of the things that really catches my eye though is street art. I love graffiti, sculptures, anything. And anyone that knows me, knows anytime I come across Zero's work, I gotta get a shot of it. I'm just a huge fan.

Here are a few more of Zero's work that I came across that morning....

Another thing that I really love is seeing sculptures and statues, and looking for different angles. By looking for different angles and such, how the light plays off of them and such, it's really fun to see what moods and emotions they project. Here are a few street sculptures that I found.

And here are a few more random photos that I took in Chattanooga that day. I was really surprised by the Minolta photos. They were by far my favorite shots that I got back in that batch of negatives, which included some work that I did while I was still on vacation. I'm really stoked to use the Minolta more, and I recently did another set using Portra 400 film with the Minolta and I'm awaiting those negatives to come back in from processing. Hope you guys enjoyed. Next time I plan on definitely doing some more street portraiture as well with it to see how it handles.

Ricky Davis 8/31/15 Ricky Davis 8/31/15

WWII/Vietnam Veteran Master Sgt. Cletis Bailey, Air Force - Photographer Ricky Davis

WWII & Vietnam Veteran - Master Sgt. Cletis Bailey

Meeting Mr. Bailey has been one of the most pleasurable experiences that I have had. This man is so good natured and friendly. His was a very interesting story and actually spans two of America's biggest conflicts as he served not only in World War II, but he also served two tours in Vietnam.

"I was drafted and took my basic training in Camp Blanding, Florida. About seventeen weeks of intensive training and pretty soon I found myself in Germany. I was assigned to the 84th Infantry Division and that was at the tail end of The Battle of the Bulge. I think I joined up with them in Belgium and then we went into Germany, up on the Roer River. We kinda dug in there and waited for the crossing. It had flooded. I joined as a replacement. Later on, when the situation had normalized, we made that river crossing and headed on into Germany. :

"Being in infantry, we did a lot of walking. The main activity that I was involved is was there was three of us after we finally took this town. We had lost 8 or 9 men taking that town. It was well defended with German paratroopers. After we had finally crossed the field, there was three of us assigned to go back across that field because we was short of ammunition. I didn't volunteer for that either. I didn't have a chance to back out. So anyway, we made it but there was a German sniper firing at us all the way over there. You could see the bullets hitting in between us. So one of the guys said I ain't about to go back over there. We'll get killed. But with all the stuff happening over there, tree bursts and mortars we'll surely get killed if we'd stayed over there. So we made it back across the field. But with all the shelling coming in, when we were heading out one of the guys up ahead got decapitated. "

"At the end of the War I was at the Elbe River. I came back to the States in 46, and stayed in the reserves for a little bit. I was working in Chattanooga but all of my friends had gotten out or left, so I decided to get back in the service. I went and got a little better education and then I was able to get in the Air Force. I still keep in contact with two or three guys I served in the 84th with. One of them was talking about when we shared a hole on the river. The Germans were across the river and they'd take shots across the river. They called us 'Roosevelt's Henchmen'. They say 'Roosevelt's Henchmen we're going to annihilate you.' So that was interesting. The was my introduction to German soil. That's where I earned my combat infantry.

I feel like I really played a small role. We had lost so many men, that's why I was selected as a replacement because we'd lost so many men at the Battle of the Bulge. They are the ones the did it. It was tragic as it was getting close to the end and losing so many men. I loved the old timers. One fella that I had hunkered down with the night before taking one stinking town, he got killed. Another one told his buddy that he had a feeling that he wasn't going to make it. They called him Chief because he was Indian. He got killed taking this town. They told him to just stay back, but he said no. I've been with you this long. He had been with them a real long time. That's the way it happens some times. "

"In Vietnam, it was a lot different. I didn't have to go on any patrols or anything like that. It was a different story in Vietnam though. I had a desk job, I was in accounting and finance taking care of military pay and travel. I needed some information from personnel next door. I walked over there and was talking to the sergeant and got what I needed. I stepped back outside and a rocket came in and took off the whole end of the building. It killed him. That was pretty close. So you never knew when you were gonna get it over there. Whether you were at a desk or out with the infantry in the field. The rockets were always coming in. But I led kind of a charmed life over there. I'm glad to be here, I'm glad to be anywhere, I enjoy living. "

To finish talking with Mr. Bailey I asked him "with serving in both World War II and in Vietnam, what was the difference in the way that the soldiers were treated coming back from the war."

"That was a different story wasn't it? That war just wasn't accepted. So Vietnam Veterans just got the short end of the stick so to speak, they got mistreated. Through no fault of their own, we were just doing our job. It was a lot of politics I think. We lost a lot of men over there. I went to Washington DC and visiting the Memorial. I found Sgt. Dark's name, the fella that got killed, and I made an impression. "

I thoroughly enjoyed my time speaking with and listening to Mr. Bailey. He had so much life and zeal about him. He really brought a ray of light into my world and I hope that his story resonates with you and touches you as well.

If you know any World War II Veterans, Korean Veterans, or Vietnam Veterans, I would love to include them in my project and share their story. Please email me at trd@trdphotography.com

Ricky Davis 8/30/15 Ricky Davis 8/30/15

Spirit of 45- 70th Anniversary of V-J Day.

Spirit of 45 - The 70th Anniversary of V-J Day - August 14 2015

As those of you that have been reading a lot of my recent posts, I've begun work on a WWII Veteran Photographic Series. Recently a friend of mine shared with me information about a V-J Day event taking place here in Chattanooga, TN. I'm so glad that she did! I hadn't heard of the event but it really had an amazing impact on me.

Growing up I've heard of different events such as this, but this is the first time I've gotten to attend. I honestly didn't know what to expect. I arrived about forty-five minutes before the ceremony was set to take place because I hoped to get to talk to some of the Veterans. When I first arrived I met David Cox, who happened to be performing Taps on the bugle for this event. Not only have I never been to a military event like this, I've never really shot at ceremonies other than weddings. I also shot this entire event in film only, which was another first. I was just crossing my fingers that they'd turn out.

Having no experience at an event like this, I didn't take as many photographs as I would have liked. So many of the parts of the ceremony we were standing, with our hand over our hearts. Sometimes these days we become so embittered with politics and bi-partisan fighting that we have forgotten what our country was founded on, what our men and women in the armed forces have fought for. It can be enough to really question what the whole thing is about anymore, and to be honest, I've been guilty of that myself.

Midway through the ceremony I had such a surreal moment that really just made me stop and question so much. A singer stood up and started singing our National Anthem, a song that we all have heard countless times before. Shortly into the song, softly I heard a raspy voice from where the WWII Veterans were standing start to sing. Slowly, more voices joined in. The voices weren't loud, but they were passionate. It was such a haunting experience for me hearing these men that are all pushing 90 or round about singing about their love and commitment to this great country that we have. That one moment stands out to me as not only a highlight of the event, but a highlight in my life.

Originally I went to this event hoping to visit and talk with some WWII Veterans, and hopefully meet some men for my WWII Photographic Project. Both before and after though, I sat down and just listened. I listened to grown sons, one of which served in Vietnam, talking about their dads. One had brought framed flags and such that his dad had brought back from Japan. A local school attended as part of a field trip, and while a lot of kids were goofing off, I watched as this veterans son took the time to talk and show some of the kids these WWII relics and telling them stories of his dad, and I saw these kids eyes light up and take it all in.

I watched as many of the WWII veterans gathered afterwards in the heat, waiting in a line to say a few words to Medal of Honor Recipient Charles Cooldige. He was a celebrity among these American Heroes. Look him up and read his story. It's amazing.

So while I had planned on visiting, I took the day to just take it all in. It was such a privilege to see how happy these men were seeing each other and talking, at every turn someone was talking to someone else and waiting to give out hugs and pats on the shoulder. I feel so honored to be an American. Seeing these men, not fully understanding the sacrifices that they made for us, but starting to see a glimpse of that, really makes me want to do what I can to make a difference. I hope, I pray, that some of the stories that these men are sharing, that are out there will help make a difference in your life as it has in mine. Our country hasn't always been perfect, and it's not perfect now, but we are extremely blessed to be a part of it. And we owe the freedoms that we have, to these men and women. So next time you see a Vet, please be sure to thank them for their service.

If you know of someone that served in World War II, Korea, or in Vietnam - please send me an email to trd@trdphotography.com I would love to work with them on my Veteran project. Thank you!

Ricky

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