Interesting Find

I love cameras. As a photographer, the camera isn't just a tool, it's my partner, my coworker, sometimes even a co-conspirator.

I spent the end of last week accompanying a photographer/artist/professor in the field while she made photographs using a field camera. If you don't know what that is, just imagine an 1800's camera, the photographer's head covered in a black hood trying to focus. It's the modern version of that. It uses single sheets of film, two negatives to a film holder, each exposed by pulling a slide out before operating the shutter.

During our three days together, I shot 233 images with my Canon digital camera. She shot about 20 images. Each shot took her at least 5 minutes to set up.

I got to thinking about it, and decided to pull out my great grandfathers old speed graphic camera. It's one of many in my collection, most of which I have never used.

In the 1940's the speed graphic was the standard for press photographers. Most likely the most famous photograph made with a speed graphic camera is Joe Rosenthal's image of the Marines raising the American Flag at Iwo Jima. He would receive a Pulitzer prize for that picture, and it would be the model for the Marine Corp Memorial in Washington DC.

I found grandpa's camera in the back of my closet, covered in a light coat of dust. As I was cleaning it, I found myself wondering about a name scratched into the leather cover on the face of the camera.

Its always been there, it's not a name I have ever associated with any branch of my family. I assumed that grandpa bought the camera used and it was the name of the previous owner.

This morning, on a whim, I typed in the name into an internet search engine. Paul III Tibbets. I thought it weird that the III would be in the middle of the name, if the gentleman was a  Paul Tibbets the third, why put it in between the first and last name. Turns out, it could be a W not III. If so, this just got really interesting.

General Paul W. Tibbets Jr. was the pilot of the Enola Gay on August 6, 1945 when they dropped the atomic bomb, code-named little boy on the city. It was the first time such a weapon was used.

Paul Tibbits name scratched into the leather case of my great grandfathers camera. 

I may never find the answer, but I love the question.

Cross Eyed Cow in 360 Degrees

I made a quick stop at Cross Eyed Cow in Oro Grande, CA today.

It's a great place to eat on Route 66.

FLY00401

Just Tested the new 360 degree camera at Dodger Stadium with my son.



I'm Pretty happy with the result. Need to learn how to adjust some settings.

New Project

I was contacted by a book publisher about six weeks ago and asked if I would be interested in writing a book about the National Training Center and Fort Irwin, California. 

Since I’ve been associated with the base in one way or another for over 15 years, I guess they thought I might know a little about the place. 

I’ve discovered several little-known facts about the post, and have met several Soldiers that were at the post in the past who have great stories to tell. 

The First Unit Crest Painted on Painted Rocks

Painted Rocks a Few Years Ago, and Yes That is Snow in the Desert

It’s going to be an adventure.

Photo Walk San Diego

A couple of weeks ago I signed up for a "photo walk" in San Diego. The event was sponsered by 500px and Redbull.

It was kind of fun, but I was a bit disappointed that we missed the Tai Chi club and the Star Wars Jedi training.

I did get a couple of good shots, but he Redbull Website didn't work and I couldn't enter the contest.

Bummer.

Back on Route 66

I headed down to Rancho Cucamonga the other day, mostly to find a new pair of sneakers. Maybe stop for some lunch before driving back up the Cajon Pass to Apple Valley. 

I found some acceptable shoes pretty quickly and made the decision to drive Route 66 back to the desert. 

One of the places I stopped was at Bono’s on Foothill in Fontana. The sign on the building said that they may be reopening, I really hope it’s true. 

I made a second stop at a place I have been wanting to explore for some time. The Wigwam Motel is a great reminder of what the Mother Road used to be. 

Wigwam Motel, Fontana, CA

It seems to be one of the better kept properties along the California section of the road. 

If you go by, make sure to stop in and visit with the desk staff, they were really nice and had a lot of good information about the area.

Stuck in Time

So, here I am, sitting in a sports bar at the San Antonio airport, experiencing yet another flight delay. My flight was delayed two hours and when I got here to check in, found out that I couldn’t make the connecting flight. Now I have been re-scheduled, and I get to hang out for three hours. What fun.

On the way to San Antonio, I had a two-hour layover, then ended up with a three-hour delay. Good Times.

Anyway, it’s great to sit at the window and watch all the people walk by. The down side is I sitting in a fish bowl, it’s a bit odd when sports fans stop and look past you to watch the tv screens over the bar. Guess I’ll get over it.

This has been a pretty good trip, even though it was business, I still managed to get in a little “tourist time.”

The best stop was the Mission San Juan, just outside of town.

Mission San Juan

Now I’ll give it to the Alamo, it’s a great historic landmark. But it’s in the middle of the city. My biggest disappointment was that the Guinness World Records Museum is right across the street. Kind of takes away from the seriousness and reverence that is deserved by those who fell at the Alamo.

The Alamo

The mission is one of the more visually interesting buildings I have been in for some time. It’s been quite a while since a location really captured my interest. The mission did. 

If you’re ever in San Antonio, be sure to stop by.