Warren Paul Harris Photography Blog

Rainbow in Plano

I’ve certainly gotten more than my fair share of grief as a result of carrying a camera everywhere I go, but it pays off frequently enough to justify the ridicule.  Yesterday, as I was making my way up the surface streets in Plano (due to being stuck with a rental car and no toll tag) I noticed what I thought was a rainbow off the the east.  I thought “no way” – as there had been no precipitation  and the temperature was 106 degrees…  But as I made my way north on Midway and kept looking between buildings as I passed them, sure enough, there was a freakin’ rainbow!  Hot damn!  So now I had a mission.  Find something interesting to put between myself and this amazing freak of nature.  So off I go, weaving through traffic to try and reach my destination before the clouds to the western horizon can interfere with my target.

Sliding sideways into the gas station off the service road, I jump out of the car with the engine running, adjusting the camera settings as I go, and line up the water tower off Parkwood and Windhaven Pkwy with the rainbow to the northeast.  And this is the result.  Of course I had to find a couple more vantage points to shoot from, but as usual, the first location and composition turned out to be my favorite shot.

So this is why I always carry a camera.  And so should you.

The view out our window

Finally, after all these years (almost three), I have finished sorting, culling and editing my Tuscany collection.  We photographed Tuscany in October of 2007 and I have finally completed the process of getting all the images ready for display.

So if you point your browser to warrens-tuscany.com (or just click on the image to the left) you can peruse the galleries of images from our trip.  There are just over 400 images in the galleries and all are available for purchase in various sizes.

Currently, a sampling of these images are on display at Market Street in Frisco Square, right here in Frisco.

We covered a number of highlight cities on our trip:

• San Gimignano: Lovely walled city on a hill, overlooking verdant, scenic, rolling hills northwest of Siena.  We stayed at an Italian villa just outside the city.
• Volterra: Another walled city on a hill, halfway in between San Gimignano and Siena.
• Perugia: The prime reason for our trip was to attend the Euro Chocolate festival, which is held here every October.  If you love chocolate, this is THE place to be.
• San Lucignano: Off the beaten path is this lovely small walled city on a hill.  We discovered it by simply wandering the countryside in our Smart Car.
• Cortona: Where we had the best meal of the trip.  Lots of photo opportunities in Cortona as well.
• Castellina in Chianti: Gorgeous city, lots to see.
• Radda in Chianti: Also a lovely stop for a few hours.
• Siena: A large city with a lot of history and a breathtaking plaza, great for people-watching.
• Florence: More art per square foot than any other place on earth, this is a dream come true for any art lover.
• Cimque Terra: Arguably the crown jewel of Italy, this cluster of fishing villages on the coast are renowned for their colorful buildings, crystal clear harbors and photo opportunities.

Adjustable lightweight boom stand

Just to share some useful information on getting good deals on studio equipment.  In my search for gear for the studio, I invested in several types of boom stands before I found the ideal stand for the money.  This stand is not only solid, but light weight.  In addition, it comes with the best sandbag for ballast on the market.

I have several of these in my studio and they immediately became my favorite stands after I bought the first one.  Click on the image or the link below to buy this stand from Amazon.com for a heck of a good price.

CowboyStudio Premium Pro Boom Set W501

with Light Stand, Boom & Weight Bag

Today will be a busy day, getting everything ready for tomorrow’s ribbon cutting.

Join me and the Frisco Chamber of Commerce for our Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting tomorrow, July 20th at 10:00 am.   If you can’t make it in time for the ribbon cutting, drop by and visit later on.  I will be in the studio until noon or so. We will have bagels, coffee and the like available for visitors while you familiarize yourself with our studio.

Book a session, get a new head shot for your business cards, or just spend some time browsing my work.  Hope to see you tomorrow.

Frisco PD Glass Sculpture

6/30/2010: Added several images of the Hall Office Park sculptures taken last week.

6/26/2010: Update posted to this gallery as a result of re-shooting the Central Frisco Fire Station last week.

As most of you know by now, I spend a fair amount of time studying and photographing Frisco, Texas.   Partially because it’s where I live, but mostly because it’s interesting.  Frisco is an architecturally diverse city with a great many intriguing buildings, parks and public art.  Over the years I’ve shot a number of projects for The City, Frisco Square and numerous local publications.  My old gallery went the way of the dinosaurs when the website got the “big facelift” earlier this year and, since I’ve been adding a lot of new material lately, it seemed like a good time to create a shiny new gallery.

So here’s the new smattering of images from my collection.  Needless to say, this is maybe 1% of the sum total of images in my library.  If you love this City and have an interest in any of these images – or something you don’t see here… Let me know and I’ll see what I have in the archives.

This will change over time and be rebuilt every time I have a significant number of images to add.

Rusted Farmall Tractor

Undergoing a few changes around here to try and create individual identities for some of my themes.  A new site is now complete for my Desolation collection of images.  DesolationImages.com is now active, although not complete, as more images will be posted in the coming months.

Take a look at DesolationImages.com if you want to see what this is all about.  And by all means, if you know of locations that fit the theme of abandoned buildings, rusted automobiles, wasteland areas, etc., let me know and I will investigate.

If you love Pink Floyd (and if you don’t exactly what is wrong with you?), then you should know who Syd Barrett was and what makes him such an important part of history.

Barrett, the book is in production, waiting for enough registered buyers of the book to justify printing costs.  I have been registered since I first heard about a book on Pink Floyd’s founding iconic genius, Syd Barrett.  You should too, as your interest in this tome could be the registration that flips the switch to start the presses.

So here’s the information, all you have to do is click.  Easy enough, right?  I mean I have done all the work for you…

Cooling down at Frisco Commons

Most people who know me can can attest to the fact that I am never without a camera.  For the sole reason I don’t want to miss capturing that magic moment that happens right when I don’t have a camera…

Yesterday, on the way home from the studio, I thought it would be interesting to see who would be crazy enough to be out in 98 degree heat at Frisco Commons, one of the City’s flagship public parks.  This slideshow is the result of acting on a hunch.  The story is on the Neighborsgo website under my profile

As the temperature climbs to triple digits, Frisco residents seek out options to stay cool – and frequently, wet.  Frisco Commons Park on McKinney Rd, built in 2004, and updated with a new water feature, fits the bill nicely for a growing number of residents.

With the mercury at 98 degrees yesterday, Frisco Commons had an unusual mix of kids taking advantage of this feature.  As a rule, the participants at the water park are 9 or 10 years old and under.  But with Monday’s temps edging in on 100, a squad of teenagers descended on the water park for some much-needed cooling off as parents of the little ones wisely watched from the shade.  One mother commented it was “nice to see the teenagers at the park.”  Everyone needs to find a way to stay cool in the Texas heat and Frisco Commons is a fun place to accomplish exactly that.

We finally made the pilgrimage to Gilley’s Dallas last night for the Big D Opry show and what a show it was.  Wrapping up a seemingly endless stream of CW talent was Buddy Jewell, a stellar performer and all-around, unassuming, nice guy.  Charismatic just begins to describe Buddy Jewell, who spent the balance of the evening hanging out and schmoozing with old friends and new, while the rest of the night’s entertainment rocked the house.  Buddy is an impressive figure.  Tall and broad in a wide brimmed black hat, he’s hard to miss and easy to talk to.  The consummate performer, Buddy took a leisurely pace through several of his hits, delivering big-venue performance to the scaled-down crowd at Gilley’s.

Buddy Jewell at Big D Opry

Jolie Holliday MC’d the festivities with her characteristic down-home style and humor – and the help of local celebrity Luke Barr.  As we expected, Jolie graced the enthusiastic crowd with a number of her songs interspersed through the night’s performances.  (Not as many as we would have liked to hear, but it was a big lineup.)  This is a girl we need to keep an eye on.  Great things are likely to be right around the corner for her.  If you see Jolie appearing in your area, make it a priority to get tickets.

A talent contest for female Country vocalists yielded some excellent performances by the three young women competing for the coveted prize.  First up was Amber Carrington, singing “Here Comes Goodbye”.  With one of the better performances of the night and smooth, beautiful vocals, Amber handily took the competition when the smoke cleared.  Up next, the youngest performer of the evening at 15 years old, was Lindsay Mendez, with her rendition of “When You Smile at Me”.  Lindsay’s performance was uneven, but give her a few more years to practice and refine her skills and we may be in for a treat.  Last, but by no means least in the competition was Rayla Ray.  Her performance of “Exactly What I Didn’t Want to Happen” was a show stopper and one of the best overall performances of the night.  What she lacked in vocal polish, she more than made up for with enthusiasm and flash.  Rayla owned the stage from the second she stepped onto it.  Sashaying from one point to the next and engaging the audience with zeal, we can expect great things from her in the future.  Keep your eyes and ears peeled for Rayla Ray.

A highlight for me was Shane Mathews, who exhibits the timeless look and feel of a younger George Strait, resplendent in his sparkling, bejeweled black jacket.  Classic is the one word that describes Shane Mathews for me.  I was transported back to a simpler time and place as Shane performed material that I grew up listening to – from the early days of Country.

Another brilliant performer of the night was John Arthur Martinez, who, luckily for us, made the trip up from Marble Falls to deliver his unique brand of Tex-Mex styling.  The highlight of his set was a song he wrote for his wife many years ago and the love he feels for his mate was unmistakable in his captivating delivery.  We really enjoyed his style and if another opportunity turns up to see him live, you can bet we’ll be there.

The King Bucks was another bright spot of the night.  They put on a great set, with Keith Kiloren being the highlight of their show.  He’s a character who not only plays guitar and signs, but exhibits the character of a classic rockabilly performer from yesteryear.  Great style and some excellent material.  These guys really look the part.  The King Bucks have the look of a bunch of country boys who hopped off their tractors and jumped in their well-used Chevy pick-em up trucks to get to the gig – And They Rock.

One of the features that made the entire event smooth as silk was the interchangeability of the musicians.  From one performer to another throughout most of the evening, there would be subtle changes in the backing bands, but few major alterations in the lineup.  The advantage of this arrangement is that you don’t lose continuity as a result of set changes.  The same drum set was used throughout and most other instruments (keyboards and amps) remained where they were.  This resulted in quick and seamless changes from one performer to another.  An exceptional lineup of musicians brought a consistency and quality to the evening’s performances.

Jenna Paulette, who put on her own solo performance in addition to doubling-up with Aubree-Anna was stunning in a frilly blue minidress.  Her performance needed to be pretty remarkable to take your attention away from her legs – and she pulled it off flawlessly.  You want to make sure you catch her show at the next opportunity.

Aubree-Anna.  Now here is a performer and a half.  This girl takes over the stage and just plain owns it from the first second.  Talk about “working it”.  She can sing, with a nice range of sweet to gravelly as the phrase requires, but the way she moves is a work of art.  Period.  Dressed in a sultry, slinky, full-length purple dress, this twenty-first century chanteuse knows she’s sexy and takes full advantage of it, slinking across the stage with some serious moves and style.  If you have the chance to see her, by all means get out to experience what D Magazine readers voted as the “Best Lounge Singer in Dallas”.

Star De Azlan, Brittnee Lee, Paul Eason and a host of other very talented Country artists all brought their unique style of the genre to the stage at Gilley’s Thursday night and it was an effort we all appreciated.

Paul Eason’s band backed up most of the performers for the evening and they did a killer job of it.  I was especially impressed by Paul’s steel guitar player.  I’ve heard a lot of steel players in my time (raised on Country in the 50′s and worked as a Recording Engineer for 20 years) and this guy is exceptional.  I’m rarely impressed by steel guitarists, because there are only a few that are the best of the best.  This man is up there.  During one song later in the evening, Paul, himself is a top-notch musician, singing every song and tearing through some gorgeous guitar solos.  During one song Paul tore the roof off with a Flamenco guitar solo that was amazing.  This was a surprise from a Country band, but when you consider Paul Eason’s roots are from rock and punk and that he’s a self-taught Country player, anything is possible.  Paul Eason and his band rocked the stage all night long with several of their own songs in addition to doing a killer job of backing the majority of the night’s performers.  Great job, guys!

On the subject of Gilley’s, they have a good sized stage with all the trimmin’s.  There’s a huge dance floor with the requisite lighting and even a mechanical bull back in the corner.   Some of the features of this classic honky tonk were surprising, though.  Maybe it’s because I’m accustomed to Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth (I’ve shot and reviewed quite a few shows there over the years) or the rep that the original Gilley’s had, but it’s just not nearly as big as I had expected.  The absence of restaurant / kitchen facilities was a shocker as well, with Blue Mesa catering the gig.  Not that Blue Mesa is anything to sneeze at, but just not what I expected.  So if you’re going to make a night of it at Gilley’s… I’d advise you to eat first.

A partial list of the night’s lineup:

• Buddy Jewell    www.buddyjewell.com
• John Arthur Martinez    www.johnarthurmartinez.net
• Star DeAzlan    www.myspace.com/stardeazlan
• Jolie Holliday    www.jolieholliday.com
• King Bucks    www.thekingbucks.com
• Aubree-Anna    www.aubree-anna.com
• Brittnee Lee    www.myspace.com/brittneelee
• Erica Nicole    www.ericanicolemusic.com
• Jenna Paulette    www.facebook.com/pages/Jenna-Paulette-Official-fan-Page/102789633092855
• Luke Barr – Co-Host    www.lukebarr.com
• Paul Eason    www.pauleason.com
• Shane Mathews    www.myspace.com/shanermathews

June 5, 2010:

Photo gallery from the entire night.

June 6, 2010: Blog Complete

Concordia Cemetery's mountains in the distance

In May of 2011, I was on a business trip to El Paso when an acquaintance asked if I had seen this cemetery on my way into town. I had not seen it, and he proceeded to tell me how John Wesley Hardin was interred there and how the entire Cemetery looked run-down and forgotten – like the desert was trying, successfully, to reclaim the land – except for the Jewish section, which was lush and green and beautifully maintained. I simply had to see this for myself.

After finishing up for the day, I took some time off to rest, waiting for the sun to be low in the sky to achieve the effect I knew I wanted and headed out in search of this jewel of the Southwst.  My first impression of Concordia Cemetery was of the sheer scale of the site.  It is immense – and segregated into denominations / cultural boundaries, which I had never seen before.  I immediately located the map for Concordia and made a beeline for John Wesley Hardin’s resting place.  From there, I explored the grounds at random, taking advantage of the light as long as possible.  I was looking for the Jewish Section I had been told about and simply had no idea where it was until I realized the trees and bushes peeking up behind an enormous wall had to be my destination.  I made my way across the Cemetery and finally came to the wall.  Most of this massive boundary is well above my head, so I made my way towards the entrance, where the wall is lower and was astounded at the stark contrast between this section any other section of this historic site.  By contrast, the Jewish Section looks like the Garden of Eden dropped into the heart of the desert.

Another striking feature of Concordia is the use of vibrant blues and pinks on headstones and monuments. It appears to be painted onto a conventional tombstone for effect and can be found in abundance here.

Some of the fascniating residents of Concordia Cemetery:

• John Wesley Hardin
• Buffalo Soldiers
• Mexican Revolutionary Figures
• Chinese Section
• Jewish Section
• Catholic Section
• Mormon Section
• Masonic Section
• Masonic Veterans Monument
• Jesuit Priests Section
• Grand Army Republic Veterans
• Oddvellows Section
• Infant Nursery (victims of the Influenza epidemic (1917-18)

You can find the full gallery along with dozens of other at NecropolisCreep.net