I always told myself it was my interest in the past because I absolutely love history but I've realized it's basically a journey to monitor the goods that are offered to take note of when "MY" childhood toys start showing up for others to gaze upon and wonder how any normal human child could pass the time with such dull, unfulfilling and basically boring articles of entertainment. Well, its starting.
For some reason the whole situation reminded me of my dad telling me that they played "kick the can". Looking back, it took me a couple minutes at the time in my early age, I eventually realized they were just kicking a can around. I thought "what the hell"!!
I propose that there should be a "No goods are allowed in an antique shop unless it is at least 50 years old (at least where people can see it)" rule. This would give me a very small amount of time to apprehend and accept the fact of the inclusion of said goods from "MY" generation without the equivalent of a slap in the face as I received (and also to explain what "goods" are to the current generation).
These thoughts of my childhood (and a recent picture) brought me to a particular day when my family took a trip to the big city,,, Wichita. What prompted the visit I cant remember, but we drove by the building in the picture below. This is a parking garage in downtown Wichita. It's no longer used and hasn't been for years. My memory is that one of us kids asked what that building was (you have to admit, it still looks kinda cool!). My parents answered it was a parking garage and after some negotiating it was decided that my dad would drive us to the top and back. Sweet!! The experience reminded me of Pike's Peak after I had eventually experienced both. While driving down the ramps I was scared shitless thinking that brakes were going to fail (I think my mom was screaming this), we would go over the edge, etc. It was so cool!
I hate to see small pieces of history become dilapidated and abandoned. It feels like a little part of my experience is gone, at least physically. For those that were able to experience the vortex of this experience just this shot will make you smile.
Chris
As luck would have it, I ran into him today walking down Douglas and said "Hello!" I asked if he remembered me taking his shot last week and if I could get his name. He said no. It hit me that, he may not have known that I was taking his shot! After a little more conversation I told him I was thinking about posting his shot online and asked if that was cool. He asked "How does it look?" I said "It's a good shot but you're not smiling". He said "Good".
They said they were on their way out of town and in my surprise of actually being "asked" to take a shot neglected to get their names. I did get them a business card and they said they would check it out online at the local library. I hope they get a chance, best wishes you guys! There was another gentleman on the bench I also snapped a shot of (not quite as friendly, a local gent I've seen before), soon to come in my Street Photography gallery.
The Ambassador shot is just that. I really like how they cleaned up the neighborhood in that area, it looks great! I havent had a chance to stay yet but maybe one day. Until next time,,
Happy Shooting,
Chris
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Of course it looked nothing like this back in the early 70's where my memories live but time takes it's toll, and not just on houses ;) but focusing back on memories..........
When I stayed with Grandma and Grandpa I always, ALWAYS woke up to the smell of breakfast, a heavenly smell when you're young and hungry. My grandma could whip up a full breakfast hot and steaming in 6 - 8 minutes. I'm not joking,, Eggs, toast, bacon and a side of "cream of wheat". She was magic in the kitchen to me, a kid.
My grandma used to dress up as Frosty the snow man! She would telephone my brother and I as "Frosty" at home, haha! Of course we always doubted Frosty's true existence but sure enough when we went to grandma's, there he was!! She would be dressed up with cotton balls and an old worn out hat and suit coat just like the show.. Priceless. My grandma was a special person there is no doubt.
I had my debut on the harmonica in this house. I played "Heart of Gold" by Neil Young. I must have been around 7. I still love that song and I'm sure that my performance was dismal to say the least but with everyone gathered around and clapping I thought I had found my calling, until I didn't hear anymore harmonica songs on the radio. Brief career.
This was also the place where my brother and I had our first "You'll shoot your eye out kid!" experience. My grandpa bought a minibike... that did not sit good with mom! Before I knew it the minibike disappeared. It was fun for the brief period that it lasted but she was probably right! My grandparents didn't have the fence you see above and they also owned the lot beside this one so we had a lot of running room on a country cul-de-sac. Lots of memories.
I encourage you all to take some time to revisit some of the places you've lived, take some shots and "time travel".
The best (smell of frying bacon) to all of you, Chris
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I remember running across this toy, still many years ago, when helping my great grandmother move and remember my mom telling me I used to play with them when I was young. I remember thinking WTH! (it was probably more like, man I was a nerd!) This shot took me back to when times were simple and there was one TV in the house.
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Most of my future street shots will be here, on my website blog. Typically there is something that drives me to take a photograph so I should take the time to explain, right? I love walking the streets of ICT, as well as many other cities so I am going to do my best to keep you (and me) entertained with a photo and a story.
I've walked by this garage MANY times this year but they have brightened (and cleaned) things up lately!
The shot below was taken just around the corner of the same building. While I was taking it I had a construction worker approach me almost instantaneously and at first I was defensive based on his approach. He actually asked me if I wanted him to remove the wheelbarrow. I kind of laughed and told him that was why I was taking the picture! He looked at me funny and I said flowers,,wheelbarrow,,,? He got it but then he explained the painstaking art of the tile layer.
His depiction made it evident that the colorful tile work around the Ambassador Hotel was no simple process. I wont pretend to know the details based on our brief discussion but it was very impressive. Go check it out, they also have a killer Disco Ball!!
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http://www.expertphotography.com/top-20-photography-websites-2012
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According to Charles he worked at the Spaghetti warehouse for several months prior to it closing down. He's been living on the streets ever since and had some amazing stories to tell about the inner workings of the city where he camps at night. I thought I'd heard it all, lol. Who knows the truth of what he laid out but when I asked if I could take a pic this was his reaction.
]]>One of my favorite activities when I get some spare time is visiting other photographers sites from around the world. It's amazing what technology allows us to do these days. I store some of my personal work on Flickr and as a result I've joined several groups and browse other photographers work from time to time and believe me, there are some amazing artists and photographers out there! The same holds true for other photo hosting sites as well but for now here are a few on my short list of community based sites, check them out!!:
http://www.flickr.com/explore/
With Flickr you can join and add contacts. Contacts allow you to follow your favorite photographers.
500px has undergone several changes the last few months and they're setting up areas that are geared for day to day shooting and not just high level portfolio storage. It's a great site with some out of this world photography. I particularly enjoy street photography, check out http://500px.com/85mm Thomas Leuthard does wonderful work and even has a couple free eBooks for those interested.
Photoblogs is an excellent place to find new friends to follow. Very interesting!
http://www.photoblogs.org/hall-of-fame/
And of course there is always Google+. Picasa is the storage solution for Google+ (Facebook alternative). Google+ has really taken off with photographers. You can create photo circles that house your favorite photographers and just have those people show up in your feed. I like Google plus but you do need an account to get in and start viewing. Make sure you look me up!
https://plus.google.com/u/0/115468417044574595144/posts
There are MANY more sites but these are the few I visit on a regular basis. If you have a favorite leave me a comment so we can all visit!
Happy Shooting!
Chris Albertson
http://www.chrisalbertsonphotography.com/
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I'm looking forward to more senior shots this year so make sure you give me a call to book a session! Also take the time to browse my new site and give me some feedback.
Happy shooting! Chris
Hello everyone! I'm finally consolidating my portfolio, galleries and blog all on one site... thank you Zenfolio!! I think the user interface is much more user friendly and I already know the "behind the scenes" work is much more pleasant.
I walk around town a lot and most of the time it's the same old scenery. Every once in a while its something different and a little bit of ice was just that. It's been such a mild winter... I hope you take the time to drop me an email and let me know what you think. I've been messing a lot more with low key, lots of contrast shots, what do you think??
As my great friend and the legendary Lonnie would say,,, Peace Out..
Chris........
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