There is no better place to shoot flags (as in “with a camera”) than at the birthplace of the Star Spangled Banner, Fort McHenry, in Baltimore, Maryland. Remember that just a little more than 200 years ago the British were actually shooting at our flag – with big guns (cannons).
When I visit in Baltimore I often go for a walk at Fort McHenry. This particular day had one of those “postcard” skies, with fair-weather cumulus clouds against a bright blue background; so I went to Fort McHenry for a couple hours…with my camera bag, of course. Today I actually got to photograph two American Flags flying over the Fort at the same time and on the same flagpole. Read why below the photograph…
If you bring an American flag or buy a flag in the Ft. McHenry Gift Shop – a ranger will “run it up” the flagpole, let it fly in the breeze for a short while and then bring it down. You will then be a proud and patriotic owner because you have a flag that actually flew over Fort McHenry. They will even provide a certificate of authenticity for your flag stating that it flew over Fort McHenry. How cool is that?
In addition to art photographs I shoot plenty of pictures that will not be for sale as art prints but will become mementos of good times. I was invited by the incredibly talented vocalist, Cathy Gorman, to her (End of Summer/Welcome to Fall) back yard “Shed Party.” I wondered about the “shed” but was immediately transported back in time when I entered “that very special building” at the end of her yard; transported all the way to the 1950s and 1960s. That’s a period of music that Cathy shares when she performs. She is not “lost” in the 50s – but simply keeps that era alive and with her, and for us, as we all move forward.
Cathy’s “Rock & Roll Shed”
The evening was an incomparable experience that might be described as being in a scene akin to the “Jersey Boys” – but, through the magic of music and one special guest, taking us back to “Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers” of 1956. I had the opportunity to mix and mingle with Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Jimmy Merchant and his lovely wife, Mary. They were the most gracious “famous” people I have ever met. Jimmy exudes the confidence of a seasoned performer yet has the humbleness of a God-fearing man who truly appreciates the blessings which he has been given. He freely shares those qualities with those who meet him and listen to him perform.
Jimmy entertained us with narrative and songs from his “Teenager” days. That, indeed, took me a long, long way back. I was in third grade when “Why Do Fools Fall In Love?” soared onto the charts in January of 1956.
“Teenager” Jimmy Merchant – of Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers
The music I grew up with in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s will live on forever. It is still popular among folks of all ages. What is interesting to me is that I can’t remember or even name most of those songs if someone asks me about them. But when I hear them in a performance I can sing along using almost every word. That’s what a large group of Cathy’s friends and fans did on that special night.
The Gorman back porch became a makeshift stage. Cathy sang, then Jimmy sang and then “they” sang – far into the night. We weren’t really Lost in the Fifties – it just seemed like it at the time – and all the way home – and the next day – and…
Cathy Gorman and Jimmy Merchant
Many thanks to Cathy Gorman for hosting such a wonderful party and musical experience. And many thanks to Jimmy Merchant for being there and letting me (and others) rub shoulders with a living legend.
Jimmy, we loved your stories and your music. Thank you – for being you.
As Jimmy enjoys the “later” years, as many of us are, he has continued his artistic ways in yet another medium. While he still is a remarkable Rock & Roll performer, he is also a remarkable artist, with art works covering subjects from classical to the abstract.
You can visit them on Facebook: Cathy Gorman and Jimmy Merchant
Note please: the images above were captured with my iPhone and, therefore, not the quality I would normally share. That evening was too much fun to not share with friends and with Cathy and Jimmy.
Abstract Art Exhibit at the Ocean City Center for the Arts? Me? A photographer? Yup!
AQUA (upper right) and Space-Time Continuum (lower left) are my photographs.
I haven’t done any abstract art for presentation or sale in over three decades. But the last time I did I won a ribbon in the prominent Havre de Grace Art show. I did an extreme close-up of the inside of a large flashbulb. Remember those things? Y’know, flashbulbs, were the light source for “flash” pictures – long before the popularity of electronic flash.
A Q U A
When I learned that the Art League of Ocean City had “Abstract” as the theme for the October Gallery Exhibit I had to do a bit of thinking. Then, just like that Frisbee that kept getting larger in my line of sight, it hit me. Yes, I have some interesting photographs that fit the style. I enjoy taking objects that we see – and presenting them from a “different” point of view. So I entered two photographs for the exhibit and they were both accepted. Among dozens of local artists and Art League members – only one other photographer submitted – and one of her pieces was not accepted (not really an abstract). That is good to know, as a new member, that someone actually vets the submissions. Not quite the same as a “juried exhibit” but a good process, nonetheless.
Space-Time Continuum
My two submissions are shown above – but they appear much different in place. One (AQUA) being produced on stretched canvas and the other (Space-Time Continuum) being matted and framed for presentation.
Most of my recent photographs are available in my online gallery at www.USPictures.com.
