A Peterbilt Prototype in Infrared

Antique truck, south central Georgia 

 

A field of cars stashed randomly alongside a highway in south central Georgia looked too good to be a junkyard, but not good enough to be a used car lot. The star of the show appeared to be a rusty 1920s era truck parked up close to the highway where everyone passing by would be sure to see it. I didn't see a "For Sale" sign, but surely that was the point of the display.

I couldn't find a logo or nameplate, but from the shape and length of the hood and the dishpan headlights one might wonder if this could have been an early prototype of the Peterbilt semi-tractor!

The photo of the truck was made while I was beginning work on a book about the lost barns of Rock City (a project which unfortunately has yet to be completed, although I have most of the photos).  As best I can tell from my notes, the location was U.S. Highway 19 in Taylor County and the date was October 29th, 1996. At that time I was planning to photograph the lost barns (barns which had been lost from Rock City's records) on black and white infrared film, so that's what I had in my camera. I used a Canon EOS A2 (great camera!) with a Canon EF 28-105mm f3.5-4.5 lens and scanned the negative with my Minolta DiMage 5400 scanner.

Photograph and text copyright 2022, David B.Jenkins.

I post Monday, Wednesday, and Friday unless life gets in the way.

Soli Gloria Deo -- For the glory of God alone

My book, Backroads and Byways of Georgia, is now out of print, although copies are apparently still available from Amazon, and possibly other sources. The second edition is now in the editing stage and is scheduled to be released on December 6th.

The Vine that Ate the South

Abandoned chicken house, U.S. Highway 19, Lumpkin County, Georgia

 

Most Southerners are familiar with kudzu. Imported from Japan and China in 1876 as an ornamental plant, it was widely promoted from the 1930s to the '50s for erosion control. In fact, my father, who was somewhat of a visionary and always interested in trying new things planted it on our farm in southern Indiana in the early '50s.

In the South, kudzu aggressively takes over any piece of ground that is left unattended, covering trees, buildings, and anything else in its path. It kills other vegetation, essentially by smothering it.

The kudzu did okay on our land and took over one field, but did not thrive to the extent it has in the South. Two of my brothers bought the farm from our Dad and attempted to exterminate the vine. I think they mostly succeeded, but not entirely. Which means that subsequent owners will have to fight the battle all over again.

The photograph is from my limited-edition book Georgia: A Backroads Portrait. It  was made just north of Dahlonega in 2006 with a Canon 5D Classic digital camera. The lens was the Canon EF 24-85mm f3.5-4.5.

Photograph and text copyright 2022, David B.Jenkins.

I post Monday, Wednesday, and Friday unless life gets in the way.

Soli Gloria Deo -- For the glory of God alone

My book, Backroads and Byways of Georgia, is now out of print, although copies are apparently still available from Amazon, and possibly other sources. The second edition is now in the editing stage and is scheduled to be released on December 6th.

 

 

 

Sponsor a Child

 

A young Indian girl sponsored through Compassion International

 

When the Christian humanitarian organization Compassion International sent Doug LeBlanc and me to India and South Korea in 1992, it was for the purpose of photographing and writing about children who were, or had been, sponsored through that organization. We met children who were still in the program, and also some young adults who were launched in life and able to move forward on their own thanks to the education they had received.

Two of the most extensive and well-known sponsoring ministries are Compassion International and World Vision. Helping a child escape poverty and worse through a sponsorship that provides food, clothing, and education is a very worthwhile thing to do, and Louise and I have been honored to do it for many years. We invite you to check out these ministries and consider sponsoring a child yourself. Click on the links to go to each organization's web site.

(Olympus OM camera, 85mm f2 Olympus Zuiko lens, Fujichrome 100D slide film.)

Photograph and text copyright 2022, David B.Jenkins.

I post Monday, Wednesday, and Friday unless life gets in the way.

Soli Gloria Deo -- For the glory of God alone

My book, Backroads and Byways of Georgia, is now out of print, although copies are apparently still available from Amazon, and possibly other sources. The second edition is now in the editing stage and is scheduled to be released on December 6th.

A Construction Site in Madras

A woman carries a tray of mortar on her head at a construction site in Madras.

The people of India are intelligent, industrious, and patient, getting things done in spite of many obstacles. Most smaller-scale building construction is a combination of old methods and newer, but mostly basic, technology. 

These workmen were building an addition to the church we attended while in Madras. Notice the concrete mixer and the water barrel on the right. In the center, a brightly clad woman carries a hod of mortar on her head to the men who are laying block higher up. A careful look will also show that the scaffolding is made of bamboo: strong, light, and plentiful. And definitely low-tech.

(Olympus OM camera, 85mm f2 Olympus Zuiko lens, and Fujichrome 100D slide film.)

Photograph and text copyright 2022, David B.Jenkins.

I post Monday, Wednesday, and Friday unless life gets in the way.

Soli Gloria Deo -- For the glory of God alone

My book, Backroads and Byways of Georgia, is now out of print, although copies are apparently still available from Amazon, and possibly other sources. The second edition is now in the editing stage and is scheduled to be released on December 6th.

 

Beauty through the Years: 57 Years of Loveliness

 

My verdant wife: Louise at 24. An accidental double-exposure.

Yesterday was our 57th anniversary. 57 years with one of the loveliest of women. 

        A thing of beauty is a joy forever.

        Its loveliness increases: it will never

        Pass into nothingness. -- Keats 

 

 

On her 20th birthday

 

At our farm, with a baby donkey. 2004

 

Louise at 67

 

 

Louise at 77

 

Photographs and text copyright 2022, David B.Jenkins.

I post Monday, Wednesday, and Friday unless life gets in the way.

Soli Gloria Deo -- For the glory of God alone

My book, Backroads and Byways of Georgia, is now out of print, although copies are apparently still available from Amazon, and possibly other sources. The second edition is now in the editing stage and is scheduled to be released on December 6th.

 

Early Morning Flowers at the Hindu Temple

A young Hindu woman chats with her friends as she

strings flowers into garlands for a temple ceremony.

 

Old-time newspaper photographers used to say that the key to great pictures is "f8 and be there!" But where is there? I don't know. You'll have to work that out for yourself. But I can tell you that if you're enjoying a leisurely breakfast at your hotel in Madras as the sun rises and the streets begin to come alive with people, you're not there. There is out on the street, taking advantage of that lovely light and the relaxed, early-morning mood of the people.

Some photographers prefer evening light, but I've often found my best pictures early in the morning. There's a different, softer quality to the light, a calm freshness in the air, and both people and nature seem more relaxed and approachable.

(Olympus OM2n camera, 35mm f2 Olympus Zuiko lens, Fujichrome 100D film.)

Photograph and text copyright 2022, David B.Jenkins.

I post Monday, Wednesday, and Friday unless life gets in the way.

Soli Gloria Deo -- For the glory of God alone

My book, Backroads and Byways of Georgia, is now out of print, although copies are apparently still available from Amazon, and possibly other sources. The second edition is now in the editing stage and is scheduled to be released on December 6th.

Madras Street Photography

Looking out through a courtyard gate in Madras

 

Much of life in Madras is lived out on the streets in a kaleidoscope of constantly swirling colors and movement.

I was sheltered from the view of passersby in this photo, but usually I'm out on the street in the midst of the action.   

An American with a camera in a third world street or marketplace is conspicuous and there's nothing I can do to change that.  Everyone knows I'm there, so I don't try to sneak shots. If I'm furtive, if I try to hide in the shadows and pick off shots with a long lens, if I appear indecisive or uncertain, I will be greeted with suspicion.  So I accept the fact that I'm not going to get fly-on-the-wall candids and go with the flow. I work in an open, straightforward, and businesslike way and concentrate on what I can get. Which can often be pretty good. People in other cultures are usually gracious, hospitable, and patient with strangers who observe the basic courtesies.

 

(Olympus OM camera, 85mm f2 Olympus Zuiko lens, and Fujichrome 100D slide film.)

 

Blog Note: Sorry to miss Monday's post. Last Friday, Saturday, and Sunday were unusually difficult days.

Photograph and text copyright 2022, David B.Jenkins.

I post Monday, Wednesday, and Friday unless life gets in the way.

Soli Gloria Deo -- For the glory of God alone

My book, Backroads and Byways of Georgia, is now out of print, although copies are apparently still available from Amazon, and possibly other sources. The second edition is now in the editing stage and is scheduled to be released on December 6th.

 

Portrait of a Shopkeeper, Madras

                                                      A small businessman in his shop, Madras 

Resting his arm casually on his soft drink cooler, jars and baskets of cookies and candy lining the shelves behind him, the shopkeeper was friendly, but serious, reflecting my friendly but serious approach to him.

My experience has been that people in other countries are can be amazingly gracious and patient, and when I treat them with courtesy and friendliness I'm able to make excellent photographs and new friends at the same time.   

The key to making good pictures of people is simply to be natural.  Behave as if you have a perfect right to be there and go about your work in a pleasant, matter-of-fact way and most people will respond in a positive way. If you sense that your presence is not welcome, simply thank them and move on.

(Olympus OM camera, 85mm f2 Olympus Zuiko lens, and Fujichrome 100D slide film.)

Photograph and text copyright 2022, David B.Jenkins.

I post Monday, Wednesday, and Friday unless life gets in the way.

Soli Gloria Deo -- For the glory of God alone

My book, Backroads and Byways of Georgia, is now out of print, although copies are apparently still available from Amazon, and possibly other sources. The second edition is now in the editing stage and is scheduled to be released on December 6th.

Portrait of a Hindu Woman

Hindu woman, Madras

I don't do much foreign travel these days, but I've done a lot over the years and loved every minute of it. The Hindu lady in Madras was sitting by a construction site, perhaps the wife of one of the workers. She regarded me with great seriousness and dignity as I made her portrait.

As a photojournalist creating magazine features and audio-visual programs to help Christian and humanitarian agencies communicate their mission, I always looked for opportunities to make portraits.  Strong photographs of people add power to the message I sought to communicate because people are interested in people.  That's why we call it "human interest."  When someone from another culture is portrayed in all of his or her humanity, dignity, and individuality, both the subject and those who view the photograph are served.  As the great Edward Steichen, creator of the landmark "Family of Man" photography exhibit said, "The function of photography is to explain man to man."

            Photography bypasses the logical centers of the brain and communicates directly to the heart.  When the subject is someone from another culture, an incisive portrait can arouse in the viewer a deep awareness that this also is a person, a member of my species.  Different from me, yes, but part of my family.  More than 50 years have passed, but I still remember the first time a photograph connected with me in this way.  It was an Emil Schultheiss portrait of an African girl in the old Modern Photography magazine.  Her face plastered with ceremonial paint, she peeked at the camera from the corners of her eyes.  I looked into her soul and was hooked for good.

(Olympus OM camera, 85mm f2.8 Olympus Zuiko lens, and Fujichrome 100D slide film.)

Photograph and text copyright 2022, David B.Jenkins.

I post Monday, Wednesday, and Friday unless life gets in the way.

Soli Gloria Deo -- For the glory of God alone

My book, Backroads and Byways of Georgia, is now out of print, although copies are apparently still available from Amazon, and possibly other sources. The second edition is now in the editing stage and is scheduled to be released on December 6th.

Wading the Marsh

As an Indian woman wades through a marsh in Madras,

a flock of white birds flies gracefully up and across her path.

 

As you read this we will be leaving Spring Mill State Park in Indiana, where we have been attending the Jenkins Family Reunion, the first one since 2017. It was a great time.

When my parents were living it was an annual affair, held on or near their anniversary. On the occasion of their 65 anniversary in 1999 I think almost every one of their descendants was present. Counting spouses, around a hundred people.

Things became somewhat sporadic in this century, especially after 2010. However, my sons Rob and Don and some of their cousins have undertaken to make this a more regular event.

From here we plan to go to northern Michigan, then across to Wisconsin, Minnesota, and maybe, points west.

Monday evening:

Sorry this is late. But it is still Monday! We had no cell phone or internet service for the four days we were at Spring Mill, so we are both suffering from withdrawal. Also, I wasn't able to post the blog this morning, as I like to do. 

We had rather a long, difficult day of travel through a lot of road construction around Indianapolis and including some minor (we hope) trouble with the truck, and are now at a campground in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

(The photograph was made with an Olympus OM camera, an 85mm f2.8 Olympus Zuiko lens, and Fujichrome 100D slide film.)

Photograph and text copyright 2022, David B.Jenkins.

I post Monday, Wednesday, and Friday unless life gets in the way.

Soli Gloria Deo -- For the glory of God alone

My book, Backroads and Byways of Georgia, is now out of print, although copies are apparently still available from Amazon, and possibly other sources. The second edition is now in the editing stage and is scheduled to be released on December 6th.

 

Fisherman's Family, Madras

An Indian mother and her children, Madras

 

"Wannakil" --"hello," I said with a smile, right hand in front of my face with fingers up, palm slightly out in the South Indian gesture of casual greeting.

"Wannakil," replied the young Indian mother. She smiled, as did her daughter and the toddler. The little boy regarded me with an intelligent, quizzical look.

Still smiling and with a question in my eyes, I tilted my camera slightly.  With a pleased smile, she nodded. They seemed pleased, even honored, to have me make their photograph.

"Nandri" -- "thank you," I said with a repeat of the salute-type gesture.  She responded in kind, we both smiled, and I moved on down the street in search of other opportunities to make brief but no less genuine personal contacts with the people of India. Photographing in more than 30 countries on five continents has taught me that people in other countries are can be amazingly gracious and patient. If you show them friendliness, you will most likely get friendliness in return.  

Whether this smiling young woman and her three bright-eyed children are actually the family of a fisherman, I’ll never know. But I’ve always thought of them that way, finding them as I did on the sidewalk in front of their home just inland from Madras City Beach. Perhaps they were waiting for their husband and father to return with the day’s catch.

Olympus OM camera, 35mm f2 Olympus Zuiko lens, Fujichrome 100D slide film.

Photograph and text copyright 2022, David B.Jenkins.

I post Monday, Wednesday, and Friday unless life gets in the way.

Soli Gloria Deo -- For the glory of God alone

My book, Backroads and Byways of Georgia, is now out of print, although copies are apparently still available from Amazon, and possibly other sources. The second edition is now in the editing stage and is scheduled to be released on December 6th.

The Women at the Well

The community well An early -- and better -- version of Facebook.

Strange as it may seem, there was a time before Facebook, Twitter, and all the rest of the anti-social media when people gathered and actually spoke to each other. For these women in Madras, India, it wasn’t just a daily chore to come to the community well to wash clothes or draw water for their families — it was the social event of the day. A time and place to catch up on the latest gossip, enjoy time with old friends, and sometimes, to make new ones.

With water that’s piped into our homes and available at the turn of a tap, we have come a long way from the community well — although in my own lifetime I have both pumped water from a well and carried it from a spring for our household use. (Yes, I have lived a long time, in case you're wondering.) 

But do the electronic communications that connect us to anyone and everyone meet our heart’s need for true companionship? Or do the women at the well have something many of us have lost?

See also my post The Lost Art of Porch Sitting.  

Photographs and text copyright 2022, David B.Jenkins.

I post Monday, Wednesday, and Friday unless life gets in the way.

Soli Gloria Deo -- For the glory of God alone

My book, Backroads and Byways of Georgia, is now out of print, although copies are apparently still available from Amazon, and possibly other sources. The second edition is now in the editing stage and is scheduled to be released on December 6th.

Moving On

At home in Pigeon Forge

 We have been in Pigeon Forge for about two weeks, camping at the Walden Creek RV Park, and will soon be moving on. We've been pleased with the park, and especially with our site, which is one of the nicest we have had so far.

The traffic is another matter.

we came to the Pigeon Forge-Gatlinburg area many times for weekend getaways in the 1970s when we were a young family, and always enjoyed it. But no more! The whole world seems to have discovered Pigeon Forge and has descended upon the place in innumerable cars and trucks and SUVs and motorcycles and RVs. The traffic is truly unbelievable. Let's just say we don't plan to come back. Been there, done that.

Today we're going to Chattanooga to have Louise's hip checked. It was broken last January and she is afraid she may have re-injured it. We also hope to see an audiologist, because her hearing aids are not functioning well.

On Tuesday we plan move back to the Raccoon Valley RV park just north of Knoxville for one night, then on Wednesday move on to Spring Mill State Park in southern Indiana, the traditional site for the Jenkins Family Reunion, which will take place next Saturday, August 6th.

As has been the case since my mother passed away in 2006, I'll be the oldest one there. Fortunately, no one treats me like an old man. My first cousin Sarah Williams and I discovered a few years ago that we were each other's oldest living relative. Mostly I'm okay with that, but if I want to know something that happened a long time ago in family history there's no one to ask.

Sadly, the four siblings immediately younger than I have all passed away, I miss them greatly. Only my two youngest brothers and I remain.

But this is a happy time. We have kids and grandkids and great-grandkids to enjoy. And we will.

Photograph and text copyright 2022, David B.Jenkins.

I post Monday, Wednesday, and Friday unless life gets in the way.

Soli Gloria Deo -- For the glory of God alone

My book, Backroads and Byways of Georgia, is now out of print, although copies are apparently still available from Amazon, and possibly other sources. The second edition is now in the editing stage and is scheduled to be released on December 6th.