Joe Loudermilk - Performance in Black & White Imaging

My last post was entitled 'Story of Will' and featured photos taken by Will's father, Joe Loudermilk.  As I had mentioned, Joe is my brother-in-law who has had an interest in photography for many years.  Before the digital age, Joe had his own darkroom where he processed his 35 mm camera photos and was self taught in the dynamics of photography.  He applies that knowledge to today's technology wherein the digital camera, computer and editing programs have become his darkroom.  It is here that he develops his photos into a unique style in detailed monochrome.  Joe's architectural profession assists him with his eye for composition and layout that escapes the ordinary in a photograph.  He "sees" an image and encapsulates it into a style using black and white in detailed technique.   

While Joe was here last summer, you would find him with his trusty camera looking for such images to shoot that can be found on a ranch.  The horse photo shown below is one such result of Joe's magic with black and white turning the ordinary into extraordinary.  (Click on photos to enlarge)

The same could be said when his eye sees a promise of beauty in a piece of  broken farm equipment that had outlived its usefulness and now lies in ruined metal.  His discovery of an abandoned vehicle that once carried owners and supplies on the highways of yesterday is now found hidden in a wooded setting.  

On the family's travels through Oregon, Joe spotted a grain storage facility in Condon and had to stop for a photo shoot.  Also pictured below is an image he took of wedding dresses on display in a city window store.  

These are just a few of many diversified photos that are on Joe's website for you to browse through.  There are different categories in his Gallery, including "New Image of the Week".  Gallery selections range from Architectural - to Landscape and Nature - to Places, among others.  Also included is the documentary on William, which was covered in my last post.  If you want to find out more about Joe, you can check out his biography listed on the site.  His website, beautifully done, offers an extensive variety of printed images.   The link is:   www.loudermilkphoto.com/

Joe states:  "I love creating the emotion of the performance when I am post processing my images.  Think of all the different ways a piece of music can be performed by a different artist.  The same is true when developing an image.  But you also need to have a good image/'score' to have a good performance."


I leave you with a quote from John Gay - "We only part to meet again."   Until Monday, February 2, Come! Visit me at The Turn-Up Patch....

The Story of Will

Welcome to my first post of 2015!   I can't think of a better way to start off the new year then to introduce you, dear friends and readers, to Will.   I have been wanting to do a special piece on this extraordinary boy and his family.  I did introduce you to Will's father, Joe Loudermilk, in a July 2013 post featuring his photography.  
 * (The corresponding link is referenced at the end of this post.)

My brother-in-law, Joe and his family paid us a visit this past summer and we had a great time getting reacquainted making up for the years in between.  As it happens in life, children who were once so little are transformed into growing youth, processing into their own identity and carving character through circumstances that present opportunity and challenge.  My nephew Will and his family were faced with more than the average challenge that we meet up with in life.  Will has cerebral palsy caused at birth that left him with a loss of fine motor control affecting his body and speech.  What he lacks in motor skills, he excels in determination.  He comes by his name naturally... WILL!  Short for William but long on the definition of the word will - meaning to have a drive, an aim, a purpose, a resolution, an intent, a volition.  This description is part of Will's internal spirit that is made up of the stuff that makes champions.  

Paladin is another word that comes to mind.  No, this is not about the old western TV series called by that name.  Rather, this word signifies deep meanings and speaks of noble courage, being a defender, guardian, protector, shielder.  All of these qualities are active in the care and encouragement of a loving mother, father, sister and brother.  Will's family champions a champion, pulling together as a supportive team to enrich his quality of life. They cheer-lead, applaud, value and embrace him, making a difference in his experience of daily living.  An intelligent boy, Will's interests are many, ranging from Starwars to Paleontology (study of fossilized prehistoric plants and animals).  He displays keen wit and loves a good joke in the enjoyment of humor.

Joe captured some moments on camera of Will with our border collie dog, Bud.  The two became best pals instantly with Bud constantly pestering Will for attention and affection.  I had a hard time deciding what photo to use of the three that Joe took of these moments.   All three show such heart, I had to post them all for you to see.  (Click on photos for enlargement)

Joe did a documentary story in pictures of his son, simply entitled "Will".  In his own words, he begins with a description of Will but it is through his photographs, you come to know the heart, mind and soul of a champion family.  The picture featured below is taken from the documentary.   I hope that you look deeply into the essence of these very moving photos captured by a Dad who uses his talent in photography to tell a story about family love for their son.  Link:  http://coachingforphotographers.com/coaching-for-photographers-cerebral-palsy-documentary-photography-by-joe-loudermilk/

I found this simple quote by Jack Dempsey that really exemplifies what a champion is - 

"A champion is someone who gets up when he can't" 

* Referenced link post: http://www.turn-uppatch.blogspot.com/2013/07/and-so-god-made-photographer-part-ii.html


Come, visit me next time at The Turn-Up Patch on Monday, January 19th, when we shall continue to explore Joe's artistry in monochrome photography....