Those Magnificent Men and Their Flying Machines

Last weekend, I was honored to be asked to hang out with some fabulous men at a small airfield near my home -- Campbell's Field.  No, my husband didn't mind.  They were the most awesome men and had such amazing stories to tell.  They spoke of their planes intimately, as they would a lover.  Why?  Because flying is their passion, their love.  One gentlemen is 82 years old and suffers from cancer, yet he refuses to let his age and chemotherapy treatments affect his love for flying.  He flies every weekend, weather permitting, and often during the week.  He built his plane from a kit.  He said he tweaked a few things so that she would fly smoothly for him.  He performed a few stunts which took my breath away.  Nothing keeps him down.

Two of the other men recounted their stories of World War II missions.  They flew as part of the Memphis Belle crew and were asked to have their photos taken with the stars of the movie.  That photo hangs in the restaurant across the street, along with framed newspaper stories about them and other flight memorabilia.

All of the planes on the field are vintage.  One of them has been rebuilt from the ground up, with each trivet carefully measured and set into place by hand.  No machinery manufactures these planes. The material covering the wings was stitched by one of their dear friends and each stitch is perfectly placed next to the previous one.

If you ever get up my way, call me, I will take you up there.  They love visitors.  It gives them a chance to tell their stories and relive the days of old.  They might even take you for a ride.

Kate

This past Sunday, I had the privilege of photographing Kate.  Kate was absolutely precious and had the sweetest disposition.  Even though it was a bit chilly outside, she was playful, only getting fussy when it was time to eat...but don't we all?  :-)

My regular assistant, Edward, was tied up on other projects, so I took my youngest son Jared with me to work as my assistant.  While he is not schooled in all things photo, he does take orders...I mean, direction pretty well.

Below are samples from Kate.

Franklin

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to photograph a precious little boy.  He was the sweetest baby and did remarkably well during his first "photo shoot".  I hope I have the opportunity to photograph Franklin as he grows.  Isn't he handsome??

Adults and Teens

It's been a while since I've posted anything, which is bad.  However, the reason I haven't posted anything is because I've been so busy with photography projects, which is good!  Sounds like a bad episode of "Hee Haw" doesn't it?  That's bad.  I'm so thrilled that my photography business has been...well....busy.  Since my last post, I've added a new gallery to my website, rearranged some photos on my home page, added new photos to existing galleries, I've been researching photography grants, researching SBA loans (yuck - but a working photographer needs funds for new equipment), am taking some exciting continuing education classes and shooting like crazy! In addition, I'm working my full-time job as a legal secretary and trying to keep the home under control AND get ready for the holidays!  I've been meeting lots of interesting people, which I enjoy.

Being a photographer affords me some really great opportunities to visit places I haven't been or to revisit those places I like hanging out.  The other perk is that I get to hang out with cool people along the way.  Below, are some recent photos...would write more but I've got some additional photo shoots to schedule!  Hope to write more next time.  For now, admire the beautiful people!  :-)