School, Portland, and Beyond....

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

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

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.

Tattoo Model - SCARAHXO Photo - TRD Photography

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)

Tattoo Model - SCARAHXO Photo - TRD Photography

Tattoo Model - SCARAHXO Photo - TRD Photography

Tattoo Model - SCARAHXO - Photo - TRD Photography

Tattoos and Small Town Life with Kellie Hall

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?

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

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!

Main Line Ink Presents May the 4th Be With You - Star Wars Tattoos & Art Show

May the 4th at Main Line Ink

Recently I sat down with Jennifer Edge, tattoo artist & co-owner of Main Line Ink. Over the years Main Line has brought quite a few different themed events and shows to Chattanooga and this May 4 will be no different. This will be the third year of a Star Wars themed even being either May the 4th or Revenge of the 5th. Edge and I discussed some of their plans at the shop for this years event.

Ricky - Hey Jennifer, so you guys at Main Line have a pretty cool event coming up on May 4th. What's it about?

Jennifer - Our artists have drawn up custom Star Wars flash tattoos celebrating Star Wars! We also have a few local artists setting up outside selling their paintings, photography, and jewelry.

Ricky - That's really cool! You've done this for several years now right?

Jennifer - Yes we love having special event days! Inviting our community to come check out some art, grab a tattoo, and some treats from Mad Priest Coffee! We have Space Drinks this year!

Ricky - I think that's killer. It's really awesome to step outside the usual box and do things to support art and bring the community together. What's your favorite Star Wars film and character?

Jennifer - A new Hope is my favorite. I remember seeing it for the first time as a kid and believing in hero’s a little more after that. Too many good characters to pick just one. I have always loved Luke!!

Ricky - That’s awesome! Back where it all started. Saturday it’s calling for rain. Is this a rain or shine event? What about the artists outside?

Jennifer - It is rain or shine. The artists outside may have tents. You’ll be setup inside. I hope you guys will come out and have a great time!

Tattoo Artists that will be tattooing Star Wars Flash are Main Line Ink’s - Kitty Konniption, Kay Boak, and Main Line apprentice Gracie Harrison as well as Guest Artist - Azha Sanders.

Local Artists/Vendors - Morgan Koch, Jasper in June, & TRD Photography.

Drinks by Mad Priest Coffee.

Below are some samples of Star Wars Flash available

If you’re having an event and would be interested in me sharing a little bit about it, feel free to contact me. I’d love to help get the word out.

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

Native American Portrait Series - Michael Brenton Morrison - TRD Photography

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! 

Native American Portrait Series - Michael Brenton Morrison - TRD Photography 

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. 

Shoot What YOU Love....Part 4 "So you wanna be a photographer"

Shoot what YOU Love...

I think I briefly mentioned this in an earlier post but as I debated on which subject to come next, after a conversation I had tonight, I knew this was the next subject. Look, if you take anything I talk about, I hope that you'll hear this, and shoot what you love.

Probably my most frequently asked question that I get is what's a good camera to start with, and typically, it's because someone wants to get a cheap dslr so that they can be a family photographer and either quit their job or make good side money. My advice, don't get into photography for the money. Get a camera and go out and shoot the things that you love. If you start by shooting the things that you love, you'll develop your eye, you'll create your style, and if it comes to it, people will reach out to you to hire you or you'll have developed your style to reach out and apply for jobs.

Photography for me started out as a hobby. I just took really random photos, typically it had to do with nature or sports. In 2009, I had written a small book and wanted photographs to go along with it, and so I literally stumbled into working with models. It was for a specific project and I had absolutely no idea it would take off. I love what I do, but modeling/boudoir photography has really become my main gig because it's where things took off for me.

For a lot of professional photographers, photography is a job and they stick to their style, and that's that. However for some of us it's also still a hobby of ours on the side and we like to experiment. For a commercial photographer, it's such a structured area that they may do modeling work on the side to be more creative. For me, I work with people so much I like to do outdoor photography on the side or do different styles of people work that is more in-line with what I like to look at, like b&w film photography.

I think it's imperative that when you take up photography, do it as a creative outlet and something to enjoy. Don't take it up just thinking about a quick buck. It's not. You may have just paid a few hundred dollars out to get your kids photos taken, and think that photography would be a great way to make some cash but you've got to look at not only our equipment costs, and overhead like studio/taxes/insurance/etc, but the time to actually learn to shoot and edit at that level, etc. It's an industry where things are constantly changing and you've gotta stay on top of all the new trends, and then you've got people popping up charging twenty-five bucks a shoot, and you'll never cover expenses that way.

Please don't take this post as trying to discourage you. Photography is a wonderful thing and quite honestly, ANYONE can do it. We can all pick up a camera and take a photo, and that scares some photographers with an influx of so many people doing it. If you look at Pinterest, there's a lot of really pretty photos, but if we're honest, tons of them look all the same and there's not really much distinguishing them from each other. So If you pick up a camera, and shoot the style/subjects that you love, you'll develop your style. You will give it your spin and it won't be those photos that look like a hundred others out there. They'll be yours.