A Conversation with Joshua Ricker

Ricky Davis January 11, 2021

A Conversation with Joshua Ricker

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Native American Portraits - The Series - Amanda Starr

Ricky Davis January 2, 2018

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.

Model Kendra Sumpter - Kodak Tri X - TRD Photography

Some Personal Highlights of 2017....

Ricky Davis January 1, 2018

Some Personal Highlights of 2017

Another year has come to a close. 2017 was an interesting year. Personally I met a lot of new people and made some great new friends. It was also a time where I did some experimenting, and explored some new styles. Some of you guys know that back in 2015 I started learning to shoot film, and this year I did a lot more with analog.

Allie -

I've known Allie for a good while. We used to do a lot of magazine work together back in 2012-2015. I hadn't gotten to see her since 2015 but I was gonna be in Nashville. I hit her up and was like you wanna shoot some film? We spent the afternoon hanging out listening to records and talking about directions. I didn't realize she had quit shooting and dropped her modeling name. We both really wanted to explore just doing a lot more raw/emotional work that stems from just hanging out and seeing what happens. That afternoon's work was insane and we've been working on a special project based around this style ever since.

Holly

I met Holly late last year but this past year, Holly has become one of my best friends. We've gotten to work together on a lot of photo projects. It's been an amazing ride so far.

Native American Portrait Series

This year has been amazing getting to work further on the Native American Portrait Series. I began the project late in 2016 but I got to do several new profiles this year and I'm excited that my final shoot of this year was an amazing session for this series that I'll be revealing soon. I actually have three interviews that will be coming out soon.

Candice - Polaroid I-Type - OneStep2 - TRD Photography

Polaroids

I started playing around with Impossible film back in 2015, but at the price, and the quality being pretty inconsistent I only shot it rarely. This year I played around with some newer Impossible film and it was night and day difference. I finished up the year by picking up at Polaroid OneStep 2 to go along with my SX-70 and 600, and I look forward to exploring Polaroid work a lot more in 2018.

Of Women & Monsters - R.B. Davis

One of the things I'm stoked about is I released my second book of poetry this year. It's a collection of darker themed poetry and so far it's been pretty well received. My good friend, Bex Bella is on the cover. If you're interested, my book is available here on my website for 14.95

Below are a few more of my favorite photos from 2017. Hope you enjoy it....

Lauren Dunham - Kodak Tri X - TRD Photography

Amanda Pocalypse - TRD Photography - Kodak Tri X

Brittney Berlin - TRD Photography - Kodak Tri X

Cali Cheyenne - TRD Photography - Kodak Tri X

Emily Northrip - Kodak Tri X - TRD Photography

Daisy Mae - Kodak Tri X - TRD Photography

Mischa Anne - Kodak Portra 400 - TRD Photography

Michaela Christine Miller - Kodak Tri X - TRD Photography

Nina Covington - Kodak Tri X - TRD Photography

Native American Portrait Series - Aspen Yahola - TRD Photography

Ricky Davis October 16, 2017

Native American Portrait Series - Aspen Yahola

I met this amazing young lady at the Mt. Juliet Pow Wow this year. It's so inspiring when you see the younger generation taking pride in the heritage and culture.

Ricky - What nation do you belong to?

Aspen - Mvskoke (Muscogee) Creek Nation

Ricky - Growing up in this society, have you had any challenges because of your culture?

Aspen - Yes, especially at school.

Ricky - How long have you been dancing? What style of dance do you do?

Aspen - I have been dancing since I was 4 years old. The style of dance I do is the jingle dress dance.

Ricky - What's does dancing mean to you personally?

Aspen - Dancing is my happy place. I love to go out to Powwows and dance also because I can share my culture.

Ricky - What is it like growing up and trying to stay true to your culture and fit into your surroundings?

Aspen - Growing up hasn’t been the best for me especially in the society we live in today. I get picked on and made fun of daily and get bullied all the time. Yet, I make sure it doesn’t get to me because I want to stay true and stay with my culture and my family proud. I also want to be part of the generation that stands out and brings people together and let everyone know that us Native Americans are still here.

Ricky - How important is connecting to your culture to you?

Aspen - Very important. I want to show that I am who I am and be proud of it!

Ricky - What needs to happen in our country for better relations between First Nations people, and mainstream America?

Aspen - What needs to happen is for people not to be racist and for people to be nice to each other.

Ricky - What would you like to see in 10 years that has happened to better those relations?

Aspen - In 10 years I want to see the world a better place and for us as Native Americans to be safe again and not have people invade our reservations and for us all to have fun and for people not to bully and make fun of Natives as little kids and I want everyone to be the true them!

I want to give a special thank you to Cindy Yahola, Aspen's mom, for allowing her to be part of this series. I sent Aspen's questions to her through Cindy and she answered them. Cindy is the organizer for the Mt. Juliet Pow Wow which allowed me to come up and setup a spot to do the Native American Portrait Series this year. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity!

Native American Portrait Series - Teah Plumlee - TRD Photography

Ricky Davis October 10, 2017

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.

No Photoshop/No Makeup Shoot - Holly - Ricky Davis

Raw - No Photoshop/No Makeup Shoot - Holly

Ricky Davis May 15, 2017

RAW Shoot with Holly

I first met Holly and her boyfriend Jeff last fall for my Native Portrait Series. They both have become two of my best friends. Recently Holly and I got together to do a raw, no photoshop/no makeup shoot. These are some of my personal favorite shoots to do. To this point most of my raw shoots I've done digitally, or a combo of digital and film. With Holly's I shot both, but these photos are all from the film portion of the shoot AND this is the first RAW set that I've shot outside of the confines of the studio as well. The ultimate goal with these shoots is I want to give people a glimpse from another perspective. So many times we've become caught up in a certain look, or with an ideal of who we are or what we have to look like. There's nothing wrong with makeup, but I think it's important to not allow your identity to become shaped by what products or style that's in at a given moment. Beauty is in who you are.... Below is more photos from the set as well as what Holly had to say about her shoot. Photos are Kodak Tri X 35mm film pushed to 800.

"I had to talk myself into doing a raw photo shoot. The concept is foreign to me, as I rarely leave the house without makeup. On my way to the shoot, my most intrusive thought was about how these pictures were going to be something I would cringe at when it was all said and done and that what little confidence I had would be crushed. Ricky got started and I was telling him all of these fears while he was working. He started laughing and turned the camera around and I felt silly for having doubted his eye for art. I feel more powerful for having done this, as it's another fear confronted and conquered. " Holly

A Different Path I Walk....

Ricky Davis March 11, 2017

A Different Path I Walk....

I saw this photo this morning and the profoundness of it's words really resonated with me and a lot of thoughts that I've had for awhile, but have never really attempted to put into into words. I felt duly impressed this morning to sit down at the keyboard and try to bang a few letters and see what becomes of them.

The first place that my mind drifted to when I saw this was towards religion. I think a lot of us probably had the same thought pattern on seeing it. Over the years I've had struggles with religion because on one hand in trying to build a relationship with the Creator and on the other you hear the voice of religion an it's not always the same. Religion is about control. The Creator is about a relationship. So many of us have been hurt because in religion it becomes about putting the Creator into a box of our own understanding. In Christianity alone, you have numerous denominations that read the Bible and fight over which one reads it correctly. Inside those denominations, you have a multitude of churches and some of them read it differently and have varied church experiences and put others down for not being as conservative or as liberal as their own. Inside church families, individuals read the Bible and see things differently on a personal level, and judge those that don't see things exactly as they do.

You can't put the Creator into a box! He is a mystery. The whole point is He reveals Himself differently to each of us according to our own understanding. We have to realize that and understand that because someone doesn't see things exactly as we do, doesn't mean they are lost or are wrong.

Beyond religion or Spirituality, each of us is on our path in various professions and interests. Just because others do things differently doesn't mean we are wrong or they are wrong. We're all made to be unique and diverse and we need to celebrate and encourage that. Our society has become so full of hate and negativity, we've each got to re-evaluate our own mindsets and become the change we would like to see, with the understanding that others may see things differently.

Myself, I love what I do as a photographer, but one of the most important things to me is I want to do more work that means something. I enjoy doing series and portraits that just have something to say. I enjoy my other work and will continue to do it, but I hope to bring you a lot more in the way of sharing photos and stories that I think are important to tell. I plan on getting back to writing a lot more (which is actually why I began photography in the first place back in 2009) and sharing a lot more on my blog that's not just photo related. I hope you'll be interested in seeing what this thing becomes. I hope that you'll think about what path you're on and try to have a respect for others in their journeys as well. The same respect you'd like shown to you from others who have a different path and could be looking sideways at you.

Native American Portrait Series - Holly & Jeff

Ricky Davis February 17, 2017

Native American Portrait Series - Holly & Jeff

It's been longer than I would have liked in this series. I met up with Holly & Jeff to do a portrait session and interview to share their stories. I want to thank Lorie Reedy for putting Holly and I in touch for this project. I'm blessed to have gotten to meet them and become friends with them. I hope that you enjoy their story and it gives a further understanding into the stories, hardships, and culture of our indigenous people here in the states. Not much is cut and dry and each person has a story.

Holly Lynn - Native American Portrait Series - TRD Photography

Me - Holly, you have an interesting story. Up until a couple years ago, you knew very little about your heritage. Would you care to share a little about what led up to your discovery a couple years ago?

Holly - Sure, yeah! My mom told me all the time when I was little that we were native, but that our nation had almost completely died out and that we were some of the last of the tribe. I grew up surrounded by Native art and certain customs that my mom picked up from her grandma. That was all I had to work with.

A couple of years ago, Jeff took me to the Chattanooga powwow because I'd never been. And I saw the arena director(who turned out to be Lorie's husband, Jimmy!) had on a medallion with the seal of my nation on it! So I caught him and talked to him, told him my story. He probably thought I was nuts, considering that we're the fourth largest tribe in the US. I started researching, learning everything I could about my own family. I come from two chiefs, a judge, and several councilmen. And I had no idea until a couple of years ago. I'm still learning, I'm working on the language, customs, etiquette.. There's a lot to work through.

Me - That's really an amazing story and just a huge blessing that you ran into someone at the powwow that was able to give you that place to jump into and discover more about your tribe and into your families heritage as well. Being raised the way you were, with thinking that most of your tribe had died out and having some customs and art in your house growing up, but in our conversation you told me you were raised more "white" right? Yet you're learning as much as you can now, what has that been like?

Holly - I was definitely very lucky, especially to have met someone so welcoming.

When I was growing up, my father was a tyrant. He is extremely racist, he mocks other races and culture mercilessly. I think growing up seeing his antics made me very conscious of what I'd been deprived of, which was basically my entire identity and knowing about my nation. I was definitely raised white and I resent it deeply.

Learning everything later in life sucks. It's hard. It's so easy to misstep and offend someone just by being ignorant of some obscure rule. You get laughed at, you aren't seen as native, you're basically an outcast to most of the tribe. But I think there's an upside in that you can't take who you are for granted. There's too much time and effort and heart put into discovering who you are and what the community means to you. People raised right don't have this bizarre and meaningful journey they had to take to find their folks. I'm glad I have that.

Me - The journey definitely has it's own merits and really brings about a different admiration and respect of the things you learn. Being raised "white" but learning our cultures later in life, we've seen things the other way and I think we appreciate what we're learning and makes us treasure it more.

You and I talked a little bit about this at our shoot. I shared how I've been super nervous about talking about my heritage because I don't know specific details because of the things in the census and how I've not wanted to be seen as "that white guy", with you really connecting with your people later in life, how did you go about connecting with them in a respectful way. I know meeting Jimmy at the powwow, but I'm sure you were just wanting to learn and digest all that you could as fast as you could. I know that you have to slow down and not get in a hurry as well because you want to show that your truly care and are respectful. How did you balance that?

Holly - One of the big things I've learned and am still learning is that sometimes you have to just wait to be taught. I may have a million questions but there are only certain ones that are appropriate and there are only certain people I'm able to ask. Ricky, I can't tell you just how blessed I am that my mentor is also one of my closest friends. That makes a huge difference. She knows my heart, my motives, and how obnoxiously curious I am about EVERYTHING. Getting to know her before I started asking the sensitive questions was a big reason I'm where I'm at in my learning. You've got to have a teacher that understands how precious you consider the traditions and language and religion to be.

Having said that, I have definitely asked the wrong person the wrong thing at the wrong time and been just absolutely humiliated. It's just one of those things that happens and will continue to happen for probably the rest of my life. Haha.

Me - I definitely think patience is the key. Similar to you, someone I consider to be my mentor has become probably my closest friend. Learning that time and patience is key is something he's being working to teach me. Anything worth something takes time to achieve. What is something that you have learned so far that has surprised you?

Holly - My biggest surprise was how alive our culture and religion still is. We have our superstitions and myths that are still told to children in the Mvskoke language, we have our traditional clothes. Our religion is thriving, I've still got a long way to go there. Having come from knowing nothing to where I am now, the biggest shock to me was the superstition surrounding owls. They're shape shifters, bad omens.. I love owls and it made me sad to learn this.

Me - Wow, That must be tough for one of your favorite animals to end up being a bad omen. I've learned a few things in regards to my culture that have been a surprise as well. That is wonderful that you're learning and being open to a different belief system, religion wise. A lot of people are raised that THIS is the only way to believe, that when you get shown a different way, it's hard to be open to a new way of believing, a new way of looking at things. Were you raised with a different set of beliefs? If so, how have you worked with learning the Mvskoke religion with what you were raised?

Holly - My father was a tyrant, he forced us to go to a Pentecostal church of god when I was little. I can remember being terrified of the pastor because he was always shouting, people passed out and spoke in tongues.. I had a constant fear of going to hell. It was miserable. The Mvskoke religion is still very new to me, I love going to stomp dances and I feel powerful and humbled all at one time when I'm with my people.

I just shed Christianity last year. It wasn't a gradual thing, either, it was like I woke up one morning and just did not believe in Christianity.

Me - Man, I can really relate to what you're saying. I was raised in a Christian church, and a very strict family. It wasn't like a tyrant type thing for me. Church wasn't something I was terrified of, for me personally I just saw a lot of hypocritical things. I spent a lot of my time in the woods and I was just always at peace with God until I quit spending so much time in the woods. When church became my only connection to God, i struggled tremendously. I would either be extremely religious or a screw it all mentality. I never could connect until this past fall after I met Wes and he recommended Russell Mean's book and it reminded me of a lot of the beliefs I had on my own as a kid

Jeff Johnson - Native American Portrait Series - TRD Photography

Me - Jeff, in talking I was really impacted by your story. You are part of the Iroquois Nation. What tribe do you belong to again?

Jeff- I am Onondaga, we are the "Keepers of the Fire" for the Iroquois confederacy. The Onondaga nation is located in central New York State.

A little background on the Iroquois and the Onondaga. The Iroquois (we traditionally call ourselves Haudenosaunee) is a confederacy because it is composed of 6 (originally 5) separate tribes: Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, and Seneca nations, later the Tuscarora. The Onondaga are called the Keepers of the Flame because we are the center, both geographically and traditionally the seat of government.

Me - You were raised on the reservation when you were young, how old were you when you left? Why did your family leave the reservation?

Jeff - I was 5 when my family moved off the reservation. The reason was a personal choice that my mom and dad made for the family. We moved to the town that butted up against the reservation, Akron, NY, and lived there till we moved here to TN when I was 13. What do you remember most about growing up on the reservation? We visited my grandmother and other relatives regularly and it was always fun to visit. From my early years living there, my most vivid memory is living in a trailer with no running water, so we got water from a communal well and had to use the outhouse in all kinds of weather. When the weather was too extreme, we had a 5 gallon bucket that we could use haha.

Me - How did leaving the nation, in part to spirituality, impact you growing up? I know you mentioned that you and your siblings took longer to convert to Christianity, why do you think that was?

Jeff - When I was born, my mom was practicing our native religion centered around the Longhouse. My dad is white and from a very large family. One of my dad’s brother-in-laws, uncle Randy, was a trucker and preacher and spent my early years trying to convert the family to Christianity. When I was 7, I believe, my parents converted and we started attending a small Baptist church in Akron and a few years later I “became saved”. I was raised in a Christian home and never really revisited the Onondaga religion. I have very few memories of the Longhouse and the ceremonies that I went to as a very young child. Your story has been pretty unique from the people I've talked to so far.

Me - How do you process having lived two different cultures, and what are your goals going forward? What do you envision your calling to be among the people?

Jeff - As I mentioned earlier, I was born into the native culture and raised a Christian. I always knew I was native but didn’t try to reconnect with the culture because Christianity isn’t really compatible with my culture. So many Onondaga traditions have religious connections and I struggled to keep Christianity prominent. Recently my grandmother and great aunt died during a personal spiritual re-evaluation and I felt the native disconnect strongly with their passing. They were the matriarchs of my native family and their passing left a void in me. So now I rely on my mom to help where she can. I have also been going to Powwows and connecting with that culture. I really would like to start learning our language. My grandmother spoke it and now that she is passed, I want to carry some of her legacy on thru the language. The language is taught in schools on the reservations but being here in the south and having no speakers to talk with and learn from, it will be a challenge.

Me - How difficult has it been to reconnect with your people and culture?

Jeff - My mom is living in Chicago and most of my native family is still in NY and none are here in TN so I am a bit on my own down here. Ceremonies are performed on the reservation in NY where the longhouse is located. It has been difficult to say the least. Whenever mom visits, I try to pick her brain. She is on her own journey to reconnect and has been a major influence in my journey.

Me - That's powerful man! I find it encouraging that you're working towards re-connecting as you can and seeing that your mom is as well. I recently talked to another mother who faced a lot of racism and worked to hide her heritage and she's working to re-connect in large part because of her son. It's inspiring. There has been a firestorm of news on the Native front, with the DAPL and Standing Rock. We've seen horrific acts of brutality and racism, that I personally didn't realize we were still capable of. When we talked, you mentioned that you had experiences in NY off the reservation. What were some of your experiences?

Jeff - The south has a very different view of natives than where I grew up. Off the rez, natives could be treated like any other minority, with distrust and sometimes outright malice. Being half white and half native, I never really fit into either world. My relatives accepted me as I am, but the rest of the world only saw me as part of the half they were not. I had a hard time making friends kept my circle small. Even around here, many people love to claim native heritage but don’t have any idea what it means to live native, the good and the difficult parts.

Me - With the DAPL, what are your thoughts on the fight both their in North Dakota at Standing Rock, as well as the new fights sprouting up around the country at various other pipelines where companies are violating reservation lands, and just the Earth in general?

Jeff - It’s amazing to see such a huge gathering of nations coming together in a show of solidarity with the Standing Rock Sioux. It has now spread to other areas like the Sabal Trail pipeline in Florida and other places. I think that it has opened a dialog of tribal rights, sovereignty, and empowerment across all tribes and native people. It may very well prove to be a turning point for those of us that the United States has tried so hard to forget about. The horrific treatment of the people that were already here when the Europeans arrived, the genocidal policies that the government put into place and the continued malicious indifference of the United States government are things that have been swept under the rug for far too long. My hope is that the nations are able to find the voice that lets the world know that we will not be forgotten nor ignored when it comes to treaties and ancestral/ceremonial lands long broken and forgotten by the U.S. I’d like to think that protecting the only earth that we have to live on is a duty of all humanity but we know that the almighty dollar continues to set policies and that must be changed. It’s 2017 and we still have policy makers who deny the science of global warming.

Me - I've been really inspired seeing you and Holly's posts and taking part in events in our area in an effort to raise awareness and make a difference in our area to protect the earth. For people just now seeing things for the first time, having their eyes opened to our government's policies towards the indigenous people of this country, what can they do to make a difference?

Jeff - I think one of the best ways to make a difference, is to learn all you can about your culture. Be ready to counter the misinformation, ignorance and outright lies that people will bring up when they find out you're native. Get involved with the native community where you can. Connect with others and you'll probably find someone who has gone thru or is going thru the struggles you face.

Holly - The people just now coming in on this battle should probably do some extensive research on what has happened so far and what is going on today. They are drilling illegally and continue to push against the environmental studies being done at Standing Rock. For everyone that can't up and head for the frontlines, donate to one of the several gofundme accounts set up by and on behalf of the camps and the people battling legal issues. I imagine that the priority right now would be the legal fund, but I may be wrong. And I've read and heard that they beg people not to send any more clothes, that they are inundated with clothes at Standing Rock.

If you want to make a difference in your local community, attend native-run events and find ways to interact respectfully. Don't try to act or dress "native", just be yourself and go talk to folks. There is always something to be learned from good conversation.

Me - We found out last night that President Obama will not grant Leonard Peltier a Presidential pardon. What are your thoughts on that? President Obama has had a lot of policies and promises made to our native people, including those at Standing Rock. What kind of job do you think he ultimately did towards the indigenous people?

Holly - I have really mixed feelings towards Obama. I think he did wonderful things, I love the ACA and the possibilities beyond it. But he made promises to support native folks in their battles against corporate greed that he just completely disregarded until veterans showed up at Standing Rock. That really got my goat, we needed his help and he failed TERRIFICALLY.

As far as Mr. Peltier.. I'm going to be candid and say that I see his case as a lost cause. That would mean a huge admission of wrongdoing by the United States that they aren't going to give. They offer no explanation and no apology for what they've done to him. It's a violation of his rights, both as a citizen of the US and as a human being.

Jeff - I agree with Holly, I too have mixed feelings about Obama. He could have been such a huge advocate for natives, especially after the promises made at Standing Rock. But in the end it was just lip service. He made great strides to bring equality and worked at leveling the playing field, but really dropped the ball in the 4th quarter for natives.

Mr. Peltier will need a miracle to reverse the gross injustice done to him. He has everyone from Popes, Nelson Mandela, and international human rights organizations on his side and it has not swayed the US. I think that Obama was his best chance and that too has been denied.

Me - I appreciate you guys so much for doing this. It's been such a pleasure getting to know you guys and hopefully people will read your words and maybe see some things differently.

Holly & Jeff - Native American Portrait Series - TRD Photography

Beauty Redefined Series - Jolee - TRD Photography

Ricky Davis February 2, 2017

Beauty Redefined Series - Jolee - TRD Photography

"I have always had a solid definition of beauty: everyone is beautiful. It's simple, and it gave me an outlook on life, that enabled me to see every person, with the same eyes: To not judge someone by their skin color, their clothing choices; or by their scars. There is beauty everywhere.

It wasn't until recently that I realized, I was not applying this logic to myself.

If I could see the beauty in every one and every thing around me, why would I not allow myself to see it in me?

I began to listen to those who love me, for who I am. Through this; I learned to love my self, and my body. Every scar, every dimple, every imperfection. I have learned to see my own beauty."

Jolee

Downtown Chattanooga - Nov 2016 - Smoke from the Wildfires covering the city in haze.

Holiday Weekend Sale - 30% off Prints

Ricky Davis November 26, 2016

Huge Holiday Weekend Print Sale

www.etsy.com/shop/therickydavisgallery

Instead of a one day sale for Black Friday, or Small Business Saturday, or Cyber Monday...I've made a four day sale for 30% off some of my prints. You'll find an array of different landscape, travel, and film photography that I've done. If you have favorites that aren't listed, feel free to message me and I'll take care of you.

I also want to thank all of you that have supported my work over the years. Your kind words and encouragement means the world. Sometimes it can get difficult being a local artist, but your support really makes a huge difference.

This weekend, checkout other local businesses and support local. They are people that actually care and appreciate your support.

Native American Portraits - The Series - Wes Collins - Photographer - Ricky Davis

Native American Portraits - The Series - Interview with Wes Collins

Ricky Davis November 15, 2016

Native American Portraits - The Series

Intro

This is the first post in a brand new series that I'm working on. Before I share with you my interview with Wes, I wanted to share a little about the inspiration behind this series. Native American history has been an extremely important part of my life since I was a little kid. Before I even started reading, the books I picked out at the library to be read to me were American Indian history. When I first started learning to read, that's all I checked out. Fast forward to 2009 and my opportunity to do photography. Ever since I began photographing, I always knew at some point I wanted to be able to photograph Native Americans, much like Edward Curtis. I had no idea how I would be able to achieve it, but I wanted to photograph and share their stories. Much about what we have been "taught" to believe about Indians has been pop culture like old John Wayne movies, or just out and out lies and myths to discredit their culture. To me personally, my mission is to share with you some amazing people, and share their stories and thoughts of what makes them who they are and hopefully show you that we are all human beings. It's time to come together.

Ricky

Interview with Wes Collins

I met Wes because I recently attended a Pow Wow at Red Clay State Park. I went to the Pow Wow because I had missed it the last few years and I knew I wanted to get back. Since I attended my first Pow Wow back around 2005/2006, they have always been a really special thing to me when I've gotten to go. When I first started taking photos, I took some at a Pow Wow and honestly, they sucked. It was being laid heavy on my heart that I needed to reach out about my desire to do a portrait series, that it was time. I went to the Pow Wow and took some photos on film of the dancers in the Circle. Outside of the Circle, I had hoped to talk to some people about maybe letting me take a portrait, but everyone was always talking to someone and I didn't want to interrupt. After I shared some of the photos from the Circle, I was honored to hear from some of the dancers that I had photographed. I've been honored to get to know Wes a little bit, and I hope you enjoy his interview and that it opens some eyes.

Ricky - What kind of experiences did you have growing up in the South as a Native American?

Wes - I was raised in the rural area of the county with my grandparents, we didn’t have much and a lot of what we had was grown or made by my grandparents. My grandfather always made sure I knew how to hunt and live off the land as much as possible. He didn’t boast his native heritage and wouldn’t mention much about it, I only knew it as country living. While other kids in my school were going on vacations and spending summers in other states or areas, I spent my summers in the woods hunting. As I got older I really started noticing a difference. The other kids would tell the teacher what they had eaten for breakfast and when I mentioned that I had eaten squirrel dumplings that morning, I was taunted and made fun of. I remember one day I wore a bird skull necklace to school that I had made over the weekend. I had found the skull while hunting in the woods. I took it home where I bleached and cleaned it and I felt I was honoring the bird by wearing it. I was very proud to display it around my neck but still kept it under my shirt as not to upset some of the kids. When my teacher saw it, she got very upset and tried to claim that I was practicing witchcraft, I was very upset and embarrassed to say the least. She tried to have me suspended so my mother had to come up and talk to them. Where I was raised our families homes were all in one area, so at an early age I would go through the woods, with hunting rifle in hand, visiting all my relatives. This is how I spent my days. People would talk and act like I wasn’t being taken care of but it is basically like the adage “it takes a village to raise a child” all of my family took care of us. I may have been poor, but I never felt that way. Money had no value to us. Being close to nature and close to the Creator was of the utmost importance. I was not raised to be well educated, most families put an emphasis on school and I was raised differently. We were raised to stay close to nature and be more spiritual in life. We are an oral society so reading and writing isn’t our priority. My wife, Lisa, is even helping me to get across and interpret what I want to say. I do however encourage my children to continue their education but also try to develop their spiritual side so that my spirit will carry on through them, even though they are multi-cultural.

Ricky - What have been some of the misconceptions of Native Americans that you have experienced?

Wes - There are many misconceptions about Native Americans. Some people believe that we live off the government or receive benefits or special privileges . Some believe we are alcoholics or are lazy. Some believe that we are less than or inferior to other races. I believe in part because of us staying close to nature and not trying to be more educated or caring about money as others do. But this is not always the case either, we are all humans and we all are different in how we choose to live. We celebrate our culture but are not limited by it. Some of us choose to study and stay close to our heritage. Others choose to explore beyond that and branch out in different areas. I believe that we are very misunderstood in our beliefs and our spirituality just like any other culture.

Ricky - What are some of the difficulties of being Native in America?

Wes - Seeing people hurt because of misconceptions of our culture or belief system. Experiencing racism and hatred. Being passed over for promotions or discriminated against because you are considered less than.

Ricky - What are your thoughts on the DAPL?

Wes - Water is life and this is very important. I have actually started writing a poem about this.

I stand to fight with my war cry

My people have fought way too long to just survive

You try to wipe us from the face of the Earth

You people tell us the Crawling Darkness will tell us no lies

But it brings about only death and destruction

in its path It corrupts even our own

Take a look around Our Mother Earth is dying

Her blood is on our hands if we do not stand

The Hawk sent a vision to me

Showing me the Crawling Darkness beneath it

Starving hope from us

To the others lost in the wonders

Erasing us from their heads

Do you even know us

We are free but will we be free from you

Will you see me now

When the Crawling Darkness comes for your land

It will swallow you up and spit you out

The government with forked tongues

They ride their greed and lies

They have children with no minds

Spitting poison into our eyes

The cowards carry lightning in their hands

They thrust it into our souls but we still fight

To the end we still fight

Ricky - In your thoughts, what are some things that need to be done in our country to respect our earth more?

Wes - We need to rid our hearts of greed. There needs to be stricter sanctions on corporations that don’t take the proper steps to take care of our planet. We ourselves need to be ambassadors to the earth, and clean up our lakes and rivers. We need to stop acting like self-involved children and clean up after ourselves, appreciate nature and participate in more outdoor activities. When you enjoy nature you develop a love for it and want to do everything you can to take care of it.

Ricky - What's one truth about who Natives are that you'd like people to know?

Wes - Most are very spiritual and close to the creator and nature. They are kind hearted and always willing to help others.

Ricky - You dance at Pow Wows, and you and I have discussed this a little, can you describe what dancing at a Pow Wow means to you personally?

Wes - It is my way to connect with the creator. To feel the spirit within the circle as all of my brothers and sisters come together making us one heartbeat, this is how we connect. I dance differently at different pow wows, it all depends on how I am being led by the spirit. When I dance I go to a whole different level of being, like I am having an out of body experience. It is a very powerful experience.

Ricky - What's one thing you'd like people that go to Pow Wow's to know about them?

Wes - That it is a gathering for fellowship. When we have the intertribal dances that the spectators should participate so that they might experience the spirit as we do and feel the connection. Most feel embarrassed and are worried how they look in the circle but they need to move past that and open their minds so that they will be able to feel the spirit move through them.

Ricky - What's been your most rewarding experience at a Pow Wow?

Wes - Seeing others moved by the way I dance in the circle. Many have told me that they can feel my spirit and they have even had tears in their eyes from the way I dance, and that they had felt something that they had never felt before.

Ricky - One thing I personally have been curious about. At Pow Wow's, military veterans are honored in the entrance ceremony and many Natives have served our country. Where does that patriotism come from to a country that has done so much to Native's in history and even still today?

Wes - We celebrate the Veterans because they have sacrificed as many of our ancestors have, to fight for a country that we believe one day might be worthy of their service. Whether or not they believe in what the government stands for, this is their home and regardless of those in power the land belongs to the people.

Ricky - Are there any final thoughts that you'd like to leave our readers with?

Wes - We should all take a look at ourselves. We are all human beings and we need to take care of mother earth not only for ourselves but also for our children and our grandchildren. We need to think with our own minds instead of being led like sheep, always questioning authority and demanding to know why things are being done. Stand up for what you believe to be right, even if it goes against the popular decision.

The next excerpt is about me and is written as I like to do with a secret message within a message.

Now you have read me, but do you know me now.

Do I look broken to you or can you show me how to mend the pieces?

I look into the mirror and do I see a savage?

Do I see a beast or a monster inside of me?

All I want is to be set free.

Why am I nothing to you?

Why can you not see my pain?

When I walk amongst the stars will I not see you on the other side?

I am trying to save you and all you can do is deny,

while the crawling darkness lays dormant within.

Can we heal you from the inside or will you become a mindless slave of soulless bondage?

Life begins and ends with the hunter.

The lives he takes; he takes one by one.

The hunter then stands and gives thanks for the spirit he has taken.

Wanting the soul to be remembered for all eternity. The hunter feeds all.

Hoka Hey

Wes

Beauty Redefined Series - Post #5 - Andrew - Photographer Ricky Davis

Beauty Redefined Series Post #5 - Photographer Ricky Davis

Ricky Davis November 4, 2016

Beauty Redefined Series - Post #5

"I am transgender, my scars still tell people that. No one knows that when they see me or meet me, some even after talking to me still have no idea that I was born female. I'm like every other man on a three dollar bill, a masculine queer mess. I'm twenty five years old, I have been transitioning for six years, been on hormones for five years and had top surgery the summer of 2014. I was part of the last generation of Trans individuals who had to adhere to guidelines on our transition, instead of just informed consent for treatment.

I was my high school prom queen, I had good grades, great friends and amazing family. Two weeks after graduation I left though, moved to Orlando Florida and shaved my head bald. I started binding my chest in all the wrong ways, I was constantly making myself sick from the compression on my chest. I attempted suicide in 2010, wrecking my car and making a decision to come out to myself and my family. Fast forward a few years and I had started transitioning, dropped out of school in Orlando, left my boyfriend and moved back home. I worked constantly and saved up about half of the money for my surgery. I was declined insurance coverage for my "cosmetic" surgery after paying out two hundred and fifty bucks a month on insurance I was told, "covered that process". I paid out of pocket for everything, and quit that job. Now I sit pretty on my throne with my fiancé, two dogs, two cats, and my tarantula.

My goal is to be a man that uses his privilege for something more then false security, I want my privilege to help break inequality. My best belief that I practice is, never stop falling in love with strangers, otherwise you will never learn anything new." Andrew

Stay tuned next week for the next in the Beauty Redefined Series.

Beauty Redefined Series - Anonymous - Photographer Ricky Davis

Beauty Redefined Series - Post #3 - Photographer Ricky Davis

Ricky Davis October 21, 2016

Beauty Redefined Series - Post #3 - Anonymous

" So I'm fighting cancer. Which in and of itself isn't a big deal. It is what it is. But it takes over your body and changes it, inside and out. Things change that you never expected to change. You lose internal organs (for me, a radical hysterectomy). You pump poison into it to try and save you. You lose things that define you, like your long red curly hair. Your shape changes; sometimes you gain weight, sometimes you lose it. You bruise. A LOT. You look tired even when you're not; but lets face it.... you are. It feels violating to have your body betray you and what you felt as your femininity being taken away. I've had people yank off my hats; call me fat and ugly...and I've also had the reverse happen. I've been extremely private about my cancer; it's not public knowledge. But beauty; beauty is inside. But sometimes you need to feel it on the outside too, and our society is harsh about what it considers beautiful. I'm bruised, I'm chubby, I'm bald...but I'm still beautiful."

Anonymous

Beauty Redefined Series - Claire & Marty - Photographer Ricky Davis

Beauty Redefined Series - Post #2 - Photographer Ricky Davis

Ricky Davis October 14, 2016

Beauty Redefined Series - Post #2

"The beauty I see is the devotion I have for caring for a spouse who can't take care of himself any longer. In a world with instant gratification and throw away marriages, I believe there must be beauty in faithfulness...." Claire

We hope you enjoyed this week's Beauty Redefined Series post. Stay tuned for the next one next Friday.

Ryan Oyer Band - So Far So Good - TRD Photography

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

Ricky Davis September 5, 2016

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.

TRD Photography - Nashville RAW Artists - Verve September 27th 2016

Nashville RAW Artists Gallery Show - TRD Photography

Ricky Davis August 3, 2016

Nashville RAW Artists - Gallery Show September 27th 2016

Last week I was asked to show at the Verve Show at the Nashville RAW Artists show in Nashville, TN on September 27th. I'm really stoked about this event. I've got some big plans for what I'll be showing. I'll be debuting my series, Beauty Redefined.

I would love to have as many supporters come out and see this series along with all the other amazing artists at this event. With RAW shows, we must sell 20 tickets for the show to cover a portion of the venue's expenses. Tickets are $15 in advance, and $20 at the door.

To help support my part of the show, click the flyer above and click Buy Tickets. Choose TRD Photography as the artist you'd like to support and your ticket purchase will count towards my 20 tickets. I appreciate it so much! It'll be the first chance to get to take a look at this series.

Much Love,

Ricky

Moll Mag South Africa Interview with TRD Photography

Ricky Davis August 2, 2016

Moll Mag South Africa - TRD Photography Interview

Recently I did an interview for Moll Mag South Africa. It was one of the most fun interviews I've ever gotten to do. Be sure to check it out. Click the photo and go read it. :)

Ricky

Minolta XG1 Find and Test.....

Ricky Davis July 27, 2016

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.

Minolta XG 1 - Kodak Tri X - Tattoo Artist - Jennifer Edge - Main Line Ink - TRD Photography

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.

Model - Josey McGill - Minolta XG1 - Kodak Tri X - TRD Photography

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.

Minolta XG1 - Kodak Tri X - Model Avery Blansit - TRD Photography

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.

Sunset on the way to the top of Clingman's Dome. Travel Photography - TRD Photography

16 Things I Learned on Vacation....

Ricky Davis June 18, 2016

16 Things I Learned on Vacation...

1. Waiting to try to make it up Clingman's Dome to photograph the sunset until twenty minutes or so before is a bad idea....especially if you're out of shape.

2. Hiking in the heat of the day in 90+ degree weather plus ridiculous humidity, not a great idea...especially if you're out of shape.

3. I'm out of shape...but not as much as I was when I started vacation. :)

4. No matter how much you plan on catching up on some reading, you never get quite the amount done that you really wanted.

5. Having a cabin outside of cell phone coverage is a blessing...

6. 90+ degree weather and a hot tub....it still works.

7. Ratty A/C in the cabin, a bit annoying.

8. I am most assuredly not a morning person. As much as I planned on getting up at 6 am at the latest every morning to go out and shoot landscapes...it happened one day.

9. Sometimes no matter how much talent you have, or how you've perfected your craft, if you stay in your bubble, you're just going to be a blip on the radar of this thing called life.

10. I don't want to be a blip, I want to be an earthquake and shake things up a bit.

11. I have awesome friends that will come and hang out, even when they are bruised and burnt. :)

12. I wish I'd had more time to grill.

13. Elk love to eat dead leaves...

14. I'm not a fan of trying to take photos while my glasses keep fogging up due to humidity.

15. People don't like to email your assistant to get answers rather than continuing to ask you questions via Facebook when you tell them to email because you're out of town.

16. Sometimes you need to slow down and enjoy life and family a bit more.

Wreck of the Peter Iredale - Astoria, OR - 2015 - TRD Photography -

How you see the world...what is and isn't there? TRD Photography

Ricky Davis June 6, 2016

How you see the world?

The other evening I was driving back from an event in Middle Tennessee. I was looking around and along the way I saw a few images that stuck out to me that would have been pretty cool if composed right. Of course, I had taken the day as a chance to leave my camera behind just to have a breather. The thought made my mind wander though.

Have you ever seen photos that were just so beautiful that you wanted to go there to experience what the person taking the photo experienced? Back in 2013 when I road tripped to Portland, Oregon, and later back again, albeit a different route, I was excited to see the country and experience all these amazing things and places I've seen photographs of. My experience was rushed, but even so when in the moment, I was a little disappointed. Things didn't add up.

Fall Colors in the Smokies - TRD Photography

I've had several people talk to me about how some of my photos have made people want to experience places. They see a waterfall and want to sit next to it. See the coast and want to sit listening to the waves. It's interesting how a photo can illicit such emotion and just open up our visions of the entire scene. We can see it all in our minds eye. I'm no different. I see photographs and get jealous all the time that I wish I could experience these places. It's interesting for me though because having taken some photos, I've been on the other side of it.

At the Wreck of the Peter Iredale (the photo at the top) - I was surrounded by people, people walking in front of me, climbing on the ship, people walking along the water. There was no way I was going to get a clear shot. I knew the photo I wanted but I was seriously disappointed the day of because I didn't think I got it. It actually took about a year to get it cleaned up enough to where I felt comfortable posting it.

The Fall Colors photo (above) had a car parked beneath the trees. The waterfall photo below is one I've been asked about a good bit. People asking where it is because they want to see it in person. It's not a usual falls though. It was more the result of spring runoff, and dried up soon afterward.

Waterfall in the Smokies - TRD Photography

What I think it all boils down to is how do you see the world? Sometimes amidst all the clutter and garbage, there's beauty right in front of our face. Sometimes it beautiful places you can be so overwhelmed by everything there that it can all run together. You have to stop and breathe and learn to look for compositions. Look for the snapshots, whether it's in actual photography or taking mental images. Sometimes you see a grove of trees and as a whole it's just a lot of trees, but you compose it a certain way and boom, it becomes something else.

In photography, it's all about the eye. We are blessed to have people share the way that they view the world. As photographers too, we should count it as a blessing to sit back and enjoy each others work and see different ways of viewing the world around us. Not everyone sees the world the same way. It's amazing when you can see things from a different point of view, and realize what is and isn't there is all a matter of perspective.

If you feel like checking out some of my work available as prints - check out my gallery at www.etsy.com/shop/therickydavisgallery - new photos being added all the time.

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