TexasGirl Photography

The Fair & Rodeo in my hometown is something I look forward to all year, especially now that I get to take my daughter with me. The continuity of this event across multiple generations (my Dad went when he was young) is something that I love, something so meaningful. This year, we almost didn’t go. I am learning that 12 year olds often don’t want to do much of anything when they have time off that they get to spend at home, and I’m constantly torn between giving said 12 year old her space to rest and be, and putting my foot down and saying no get up, we are going to DO something. The balance of motherhood certainly doesn’t get any easier: when they’re tiny, you long for a moment of peace; when they’re adolescents, you long for them to actually want to spend time with you.

But I digress.

After much discussion and bargaining, we went. It was pretty hot that day (unlike last year, which was like a little miracle since for once we were able to wear jeans and not be completely dehydrated), but hot is a relative term in Texas, and, all things considering, it wasn’t too bad. Somewhat scarred by my experience at the Austin Rodeo a few years ago (where they almost didn’t let me bring in a camera because it had interchangeable lenses – an odd rule I still don’t get, since I was using an old film camera for my own personal enjoyment), I brought along my Canonet and the Vivitar Ultra Wide & Slim that my Mom gave me for my birthday.

Similarly scarred by recent news stories about street photographers getting beaten up, I felt very exposed and uncomfortable, so I mostly resorted to hip shots. This is not my preferred way of photographing, and I’m pretty sure the results show it. As always, the memories matter more than the photographs, but this blog is a demanding beast, so I share with you here my favorites from the few rolls of film I have managed to develop. That little plastic Vivitar is a wonder!

All photographs Vivitar Ultra Wide & Slim and Kodak Tri-X

Results from the Canonet will be in next week’s post.