Taking Photographs At The Johnny Cash Festival

Each time I go to an event with my camera in hand, I never know what to expect.  I love to wander around and snap away at what I think looks interesting and there were a lot of interesting people at the Johnny Cash music festival.  I am naturally drawn to the different and unexpected and this festival didn't disappoint.  A lot of the women were dressed and made up, vintage style and I loved all of their looks.  It was as if you took a step back in time.

As soon as I walked in the gate, there were pin up contestants walking around with their number on a stick and even the "non contestants" were dressed perfectly.  I am not one to walk up and introduce myself right away since I am a little shy, but I did and asked these women to pose for me.  I didn't know them or anything about them but instantly I had visions of the beautiful varga pin up models and asked them to do a few poses for me.  Their hair and make up were perfectly put together and it's fitting since they are both stylists of pin up and hair design.  I imagined them constantly checking to see if their lipstick was perfect (this coming from someone who doesn't wear make up) so I asked them to look in the car mirror to check.  They both glanced in the mirror and I snapped this picture.

Also, I like to photograph people to look larger than life sometimes.  That requires me to get on the ground which doesn't bother me since I usually roll around in the sand or grass with the dogs to get an eye level shot of them.  This picture is the result of doing just that.

I don't see many photographs of me taking photographs so it's always interesting to see what I look like when I take pictures...well to me anyway since most of my friends always see me hidden behind a camera.  I consider myself a work in progress but I am having fun documenting what I see and sharing that with you.  A big thank you to the photographer, Rick Miller for allowing me to use these two photographs he took of me and to the very patient and beautiful models, Meredith and Noni.

The Johnny Cash Music Festival And Pin Up Show

Yesterday, I took a trip to the Ventura County fairgrounds to do some people watching and watch some live bands who play tribute to Johnny Cash.  If you like hot rods, rockabilly style, Johnny Cash, Pin Up models and sunshine...this was the place to be.

I took my camera with me and most everyone was willing to pose for a photograph.  In fact, a lot of the pin up models trying out for the competition were more than happy to strike a pose and do whatever I asked them to for a shot.  I had a great time taking pictures of these ladies and processing the photos to look like it was a step back in time.

The sun was out, there were great bands playing and everyone was in great spirits. A good time had by all.

A big thank you to everyone who took the time to pose for me during the day.  I appreciate you watching me mock up what I wanted you to do and doing it with enthusiasm and style.  I was pretty impressed at your willingness to kneel down to the car level in your 6 inch heels, pretend to check your make up in the mirror, turn around to show your stockings, pose in pin up style next to a car and do it all with a smile.  I am not one to tell people how to pose for a shot so I appreciate the natural style you brought to the photograph.

You can see more photographs from my time at the festival by clicking HERE

Where I don't belong

I've always been one to ask, "why not?" There has to be a reason someone would say no and to me, it needed to make a lot of sense before I agreed to it. I'm not a big fan of the word no.

Maybe that's why I like fences. Besides the fact they are pretty, there is always a way to get to the other side even if the entire reason for the fence is to keep you out.

When I was in 7th grade, I didn't have many friends but I always enjoyed playing sports. Why not try out for the school's flag football team? Who cares that I'm a girl? It's a good thing my mother didn't mind me pushing the envelope at a young age and agreed to take me to the football tryouts where it was very apparent that I was the only girl doing so. Being that I didn't have many friends at that age, I made the decision not to try out at the last minute, but it was my decision weather or not I wanted to do it. Four years later, I ended up being the quarterback for the powder puff football team in high school for two years.

I feel that we can do anything we set our minds to. Why not? It seems that the only person saying no to our dreams is that little voice inside of our head that is believing that we can't. If you feel that you can, then you should do it...whatever it is that you want to do.

Tonight I went out to enjoy a nice hot and steamy bowl of pho. It's one of my favorite comfort foods. On my way to a coffee shop after dinner, I passed by a barber shop. It wasn't just any hair cutting place, it was one of those, "men only" shops. I have always wanted to take a picture of men getting their hair cut! Not just any cut, but an old fashioned parlor where women aren't allowed. In fact, as I walked in wide eyed with a big smile on my face they knew instantly that I didn't belong. I knew I wasn't supposed to walk inside, but maybe that's what drew me in. Of course I walked in and didn't have a camera in tow. I asked if it was ok if I snapped a few pictures. He looked at me puzzed. After a long pause, he shrugged his shoulders and then said, "ok, why not." I was thrilled!

I ran back to my car to grab my camera and ran back to the shop. As I arrived, the same gentleman nodded his head to say, "be our guest." I was so excited! I started snapping away without thinking. After a few shots, the gentleman walked up to me and said, "um...you know, this is a male owned and operated store." I said, "that's fantastic!" He looked at me as if I wasn't getting the point. He than said, "well, men are only allowed here and woman are not allowed to come inside." I smiled and said, "you mean, I can't get my haircut here tonight?" I don't think he appreciated my enthusium with a slight hint of sarcasm. After that, he brushed his hands towards the floor, pointing to the door (very polietly, I might add) which meant that it was time for me to leave. I understood and left.

I love a barbershop. It's where men can gather and groom each other, talk about boy things and be together in their "manhood." So facinating. I think I will continue to wander where girls are "not allowed."

Sorry boys.

Don't worry, I will ask first...I think.

Most of the time.