Wrapping up SHOT

I was looking forward to crossing paths with my photographer friend, Oleg, when I was at SHOT.  We DID manage to meet both Tuesday and Wednesday, when I tagged along as he visited existing and prospective clients.

He worked HARD!  He carried his camera bag as well as a bag full of printed materials showing some of his work.  I volunteered to carry his second bag for a while.  And, I KNOW it weighed 300 lbs...or something like that.

Nice seeing you, Oleg!  Here he is, chatting with a client.

What's Wrong with Me?

On the prior post, I noted that many vendors at SHOT, and other trade shows, use attractive woman to entice the buyers.   I did, in fact, donate to a cause when I was at SHOT.  Below, is the booth bunny who was gracious, passionate to his cause, and grateful for my contribution.

It is/was a good cause.  I didn't win.  And, I don't mind..........much.

Booth Bunnies: SHOT

Typical of many trade shows, some vendors hire very attractive booth help.  Their objective is to draw you in and, at least in some cases, get you to spend money!  These people were delightful, charming, and knowledgeable.   My thanks to them for letting me take their photos.

As I look at the photos now, lighting can be a challenge.  I didn't use a flash.   So, the shadows were caused by lighting on the show floor.

Guarding SHOT

I wasn't feeling well when I was in Vegas.  So, I was dragging my backside Wednesday afternoon.  I noticed a chair...all alone.  Next to it was this woman: the security guard.  I asked if I could sit and she said, "of course".  We had a lovely conversationn about cameras (her late husband had several), her kids and grandkids.   Born in the Philipines, she has been a US citizen for over 40 years.  

She has a GREAT smile and a face full of life.

MMMM....wondering now if she was worried I was going to die on her.  I was coughing a bit!

OK...not really a "People", but....

Maggie has done a wonderful job keeping my parents active.  She walks them 2-3 miles each day.  And, my mother won't believe you if you tell her Maggie is just a dog.  She is much more.

More from SHOT 2012

Cowboy hats create a shadow problem!

SHOT: 2012 Lunch

I spent some time in Vegas at the SHOT show.   Lunch table companions.  LOVE the mustache!

The Beginning: A First Step of a Journey

I guess every blog, like every journey, begins with a first step.  So, this is my first step.  I have tinkered with the idea of blogging for some time.  Reading posts from friends and acquaintances have been inspiring.   But, I struggled with what my blog would say. 

This last week, I had an idea.   This blog is the beginning of that idea.  As I travelled, I looked around and saw the faces of people.  I didn't see Republicans and Democrats, nor Lutherans, Methodists, Catholics, Wiccans, Agnostics, Atheists, Muslims, etc.   I didn't see blacks, Hispanics, whites, Asians.   I just saw people.  I realized it is too easy to label someone in some nice, neat, category.  But, in so doing, we can forget that there is a person there.  A person who may have family, fears, stresses, joys, and all the pitfalls, turmoil, and happiness of life.

So, this blog will consist of very few words.  But, it will consist of photographs of people I have met.  There may be nothing special about these people.  They may not be friends.  Nor, enemies.  They are, just people, with hopes, dreams, disappointments, successes....with lives.  

I want to express my sincere thanks to each of them for permitting me to photograph them.  May they, and you, the readers, have a wonderful life.  And, remember, that we are all, Just People.

So, with that.  My first posting.   A photo of my future, 26 years from now.