Wild Dave and I arrived back in Junction at the Texas Tech Campus May 11, 2011 to prepare for yet another year of concentrated photography work during the Texas Tech Intersession period. Weather and land conditions appeared to be somewhat dismal but I had seen it worse, perhaps in 2001, so we were not daunted by the lack of potential flowering subjects and low water levels in the water ways.
Students began arriving on the afternoon of the 12th with Dave and I ready for our first class after dinner that evening. The class consisted of the usual % of gals to guys at 70/30 and all were excited to get started. Wild Dave’s and my introductory instruction period lasted for about 2.5 hours followed by comments regarding the next days shoot. The Junction Odyssey was about to begin!!
Andrew McInnes, graduate student from Texas A&M at Galveston, fires some shots at water level.
Over the ensuing two weeks our class evolved from a collective group of strangers to a tribe of twelve members with the goal of exploring the limits of our creative talents through the photographic medium. After over 1,500 miles of travel and visiting some 15 or so locations that are truly the crown jewels of photographic subjects in that region of the state, Junction 2011 ended as yet another successful adventure and learning experience. Late nights on the road, daily field trips and much time spent wading and shooting the riparian areas along water courses resulted in the class collecting many GB’s of images for review and personal files. Hard work and a close camaraderie created a common bond that is rare in today’s fast paced college environment.
On our three day field trip I made it a daily affair to grill up jalopena poppers for the class. Here we forgot to get tooth picks so were forced to cut and use mesquite thorns instead. They worked well! Photo by Wild Dave Halloran
Over the past twelve years I have had the opportunity to meet and become friends with many good and talented people. Most have been Red Raiders but too I have been honored with the presence of some hailing from Texas A&M, Texas State University, OSU and other great institutions of higher learning. All expressed their satisfaction from having had the class and I will remember each and every one with fondness.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all students who have come into my life over the past 12 years, both on the main Texas Tech campus and at Junction. Our brief time together has enriched my own life story and I hope you all feel the same. I wish each and every one a life of prosperity and happiness that you desire.
Adios…..
Wild Dave applies the light touch in removing a thorn from Cayla's finger.
Wild Dave decends from a windmill in preparation for a twilight photo shoot.
Lots of water travel when shooting the Junction Experience. Sometimes we dealt with an accidental dunking or two.
A blast from the past with this earlier class at Junction.
My final class, Junction 2011, on our three day field trip. Goodbye to a fine group.
A salute to the times that we had. Photo by Wild Dave Halloran
Ah Wyman, the fondness goes both ways. A memorable and moving experience. Thank you for investing of yourself into the lives of others – a truly honorable gift.
Life is much like a camera: you have to open the curtains to let the light in.
See you soonish. God Bless.
Wyman,
Thank you for teaching us. It was a true pleasure to be able to have the Junction experience. I have been proud to say I attended Texas Tech University for your class.
One of your OSU Girls!
Wyman, thanks for letting my Red Raider bride and a couple of Burnt Orangebloods join your group in Castell. I wish I’d taken a group photo of you and your class in front of the old German house. What an opportunity for those students to get to work with you and Wild Dave up and down the Llano River. I know how much you value legacy and it was very unselfish of you to have passed on the great Texas photographic imagery legacy to the next generation! So, remember this occasion not as an ending, but as a new beginning…for you and for them!
Looks like a great time!