The President's Photographer

This is one story that you may not read in your local paper or see on the local news. Monday evening, the world of photography lost one of the greats, Cecil Stoughton.

Unfamiliar with Mr. Stoughton? Well, you have most certainly seen the iconic images of his work. He was the White House photographer during the Presidency of John F. Kennedy. In fact, Stoughton accompanied President Kennedy to Dallas on that horrible day in 1963. And, was in the hospital at the time of Kennedy's death. Following the tragic death of the President Stoughton was taken to Air Force one where he captured one of the most famous images of our time. The image of Lyndon Johnson taking the oath of office on Air Force One with Jackie Kennedy, widow of President Kennedy next to his side.

The world of photography has lost a giant but fortunately his images will live on forever.

Welcome, Little Man!

Several weeks ago you may remember I wrote of the importance of taking pictures and that in time of loss how important it can be! For a time of reflection there is nothing better than to spend time looking back and enjoying pictures of loved one's...

Well, I am here to tell you that taking pictures is a wonderful way to welcome someone into this world! Yes, today my nephew, Tim and his wife, Laura welcomed their son, Blake into this world. Blake made his debut around 1:30 pm today and what a debut it was! We welcomed him to our lives on a day that many Americans were busy electing the next President of the United States. Although, Blake was much more interested in striking a pose for his great uncle Thomas.

The pictorial story of young Blake has begun. And, the importance of this may not be felt for months and most likely years. But, we will look back on this day and remember the importance of taking pictures of the most precious times.

So, little man welcome to what you may find is a crazy place but know that you will be loved and cherished by all those around you.

Forgotten Influence!

I have given a lot of thought over the last several weeks to my early years and how those times influenced the person I am today. Like many kids, childhood memories are filled with happiness and thoughts of easier times. And, with a few exceptions, I am no different.

In my last post, I wrote about an email I received from an individual that I do not know but, it started a chain reaction of thoughts of why I have become the person here today. And, there is one small period of time that I just came to the realization had great influence on me. That was my senior year in high school. During that last year of (what seemed to be an endless 3 years) I wrote a term paper on someone that many think is the most influential photojournalist of the 20 century, David Douglass Duncan. I remember researching this incredible and talented photographer and looking at what he loved to do and thinking that I hoped to find that passion in my life. Duncan, was commissioned a United States Marine where he became a combat photographer. After the war Duncan's career headed in the direction of a leading photojournalist where he gained great notoriety. His career and life had become a great influence on me although, I was unaware at the time.

"Forgotten influence?" A distant memory brought up by a random email from a complete stranger? Who knows, but I can say that Duncan had a lasting influence on that kid in 12 grade.

Why Street?

I am often asked why I enjoy photography and my answers for the most part remain the same. But, today in an email, I was asked why do I enjoy street photography and what is it, exactly? I laughed quietly because just over a year ago I was asking myself those very same questions. Well, at least the "what is it" part?

So, in order to answer the question I took a minute to think....Truly, any genre of photography comes with the photographers own interpretation. That's why it is such an intriguing art form. Street is no different, a glimpse of what the photographer sees at a particular moment time. I think what intrigues me the most is the unknown. Not knowing what else is going on around the subject. Shooting street actually creates this great rush! A sense of control over time but actually having no control at all. But, creating this mirror of everyday life on the street.

I think that one of the best ways to describe street photography is serendipity which is "the effect by which one accidentally discovers something fortunate while looking for something else entirely". (source: Wikipanion)

I suggest to anyone that art is best viewed with an open mind and open spirit. Street photography is no different.

The Photo Person!

The butcher, the wine guy(or gal), the fishmonger, we all have them and we use them. I guess you could say that they are important people in our lives.....But, have you ever included the person at the local photo lab? Honestly, I had not until today.
As most photographers do, I ventured down to my local professional photo lab today to have several prints made from a shoot yesterday. I got the ever friendly hello from the smiling faces of the sales people and proceeded over to the "self-service" photo selection processor. Not too sure that is the correct name but you get what I mean...After selecting my desired photo's and filled out the necessary paperwork for the developer, the technician walked in the developers office to ask when they would be ready. Thinking that I would get my standard it will be ready tomorrow answer out walks the head developer. He greeted me with a hello, Mr. Taulbee, how are you today. Do you need these today, he asked? Well, that would be great if you have time, I responded! He graciously said give him about twenty minutes and your prints will be ready...Now, in an age where customer service is a thing of the past, I am pleased to report that it is alive and well at Pitman Photo.

So, next time you visit your local photo lab think about including them to your list of people that help make things better in your life!

BLINDERS ON

As some of you know by now, my website is now available for the world to see. I must say that I was a bit nervous about this. It's a coming out of sorts. Before the website, I showed people my work in a 12x18 portfolio and was comfortable in that it was a one on one showing. Well, that's not the case anymore with the creation of my website. It is open for the world to see! And, yes be critical if they choose.

Honestly, I am not too sure what to expect. Of course, I am very excited about presenting my work for display but it's kinda like a horse with Blinder's On. Having no ability to see what's around me. Not being able to share with the viewer what I was thinking when I took that shot or why I choose that angle. All left up to the viewer's own imagination. But, that's what makes what we do so rewarding. The gift of imagination!

So, I say to all those out there who may come across www.thomastaulbee.com enjoy and view with pleasure...

China Bound

Well, it's official. 2009 is taking me to China for a photography expedition! This is very excited news.

This is a trip that has been in the works for years and over the last 6 months a good friend and I have been discussing the possibility of making such a journey...So, we decided that there is no time like the present. Our itinerary is far from being set but the stage is there for what plans to be a most exciting trip. A good friends' nephew spent several years in Beijing and surrounding provinces and is going to assist us with our travel plans.

I(we) want to see China like the locals. Staying in hostels and with locals, a nice hotel here and there. Food will of course play a major part of this adventure. I am a lot more adventurous than Paul but I am sure that I can convince him to take the "NO RESERVATION" approach to seeing China.

Photography will be a huge part of my trip. A lot of what I hope to shoot is "street" life but in a country like China it can be a challenge. Government control can be an issue. This is where local guides can be of great help. You can be assured we will retain locals to help us out.

There will be a lot written about this in upcoming months! And, I may ask for suggestions, recommendations or just general travel tips to China. Thanks