Day 39 (Sat., July 16)

Today's assignments were worth it. I had a lot of fun and learned a little bit.

First, I was sent out to the Bentwood Country Club Partnership tournament. It was fun. This was only the third time I have shot golf. So, I am still trying to figure out what to do and how to do it. I looked at some golf web sites to get an idea. I think I can do the job, just as long as I can figure out where to stand. Today, while hanging out on the 18th hole, I was under a tree where I thought I would be out of the way. Then, all of a sudden a player hit a ball some 150 feet and I lost track of it in the sky. Next, I heard the ball hit the branches above me. Uh oh. I almost got hit and would have made the player mad for obstructing his game. Good thing he didn't hit me. That kept him focused because he had a birdie on the next shot. He was happy. I learned what a birdie is. I was happy. The first photo of the journal is that of his partner, who celebrated the birdie shot. The second photo is of someone not having such a successful afternoon. The man threw down his clubs in disgust as he said he had a "horrible time on the course today".

Next, it was drag racing time. As a photographer, sometimes you have trouble letting people live their lives w/o them acting and being stiff because the camera is right in front of them. Yesterday, while hanging out w/ the Taylors, I felt as if they were a little uncomfortable w/ the camera. But maybe it was just me. Today, however, we were all comfortable and I was able to get a more relaxed and natural feel the type of marriage the Taylors have. They are so good to each other. I can see how their marriage has lasted so long. They love each other and they share their interests. What more can anyone ask?

They raced each other and George won. It really wasn't much of a surprise -- he did drive the 550-horsepower muscle car. After the race, the two met back at their family setting and looked at their speed and times that was handed to them at the completion of their race. Then, Betty got off her car and went over to George's. She was proud of him winning and then did the most amazing thing. She reached in and kissed him then both said "I love you" to each other. During the kiss they got so close that the photo did not come out right, their faces were obstructed by the other. But it was beautiful to see their love. Afterward, they had lunch that was provided as part of the celebration. Betty wanted beans, which she heard were really good, but couldn't get any as that was the first thing they ran out of. She did, however, cleaned off the beans on the spoon while feeding some to her husband. It was really cool. So symbolic. It reminded me of the way a wife feeds cake to her husband on the wedding celebration. As I said before, they got comfortable having me around and did their thing. They played around so much w/ the beans that I was able to shoot all kinds of photos. It was great. Sometimes, you have a split second to capture a "real" emotion. Since they horsed around for at least a minute, I was able to move around and get close ups and other kind of photo settings. I even included their 70 Camaro in one of them. I love those photos because they tell you the story. This is a couple who has fun. They love each other. And they race cars together.

Being around the Taylors again was cool. They give me strength and they give me something to look forward to. I wish someday I can have a lasting relationship like theirs. It's beautiful to see that. That's one of the reasons why I got into photography. This field allows you to get deep and personal w/ people and what they do. Your job as a photographer is never the same. Even if you are covering the same topic. For example, yesterday I hung out with this couple at home. They shared their experiences, memories and life w/ me as we hung out five hours. Today, I still shot the same couple. This time out on the race track. Still got to hear their stories, memories and life, but to a different beat. With photography and journalism, you come across some of the most quality people you can imagine. It feels good to find the type of people who have quality. It makes the job worth while.

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