Free as a Bird-R.I.P. Billy Powell

Another of the members of the legendary powerhouse of 70's Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd has died. Although I have no photos, I have many memories of this band, (seeing them in their re-configured "reunion" line-up in 1987 and 1991) their eternal music and the one and only Billy Powell. Beginning as a roady for the band in 1971, Billy officially joined as keyboardist in 1972, adding his rockabilly style to the triple guitar sound Skynyrd became known for. A solid player, Billy was more then just a backing harmony to the all out raw sound produced by front members Billy Powell, Gary Rossington, and Ed King (later replaced by fated guitarist Steve Gaines). He became a prominent and essential part of the Skynyrd sound and his passing not only writes another page in the history of the the age of the monster bands, it also adds another black stain on one of the most tragic musical outfits in the history of rock. Loosing lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines and backing singer and sister Cassie Gaines in 1977, the classic era of the band ended, taking a 10 year hiatus until their return in 1987. Guitarist Allen Collins ironically was paralyzed in a car accident the year prior and was only able to be part of the grand return as a side show token honour, wheeled out just before Freebird to a somewhat shocked and saddened applause. He died of pneumonia in 1990. Bassist Leon Wilkeson was found dead of emphysema and chronic liver failure in 2001. Of all the members of the "Golden Era" of Lynyrd Skynyrd, now only Gary Rossington remains to hold the Confederate flag high. Billy, may you enjoy playing those opening notes to Freebird again...up there...back with the good ol' boys.

Michelle, Cory and Owen

Michelle, Cory and little Owen where guests for one of my studio "Expressions Sessions". A new offering since the cold weather settled in back in November. Although environmental/location portraits are still the specialty of LM, the larger studio environment I now have allows me to expand to offer this service to small families and children. Attempting to bring life into the smaller studio situation and not become static, relying on a repeated set of standard "poses" is the number one goal for me. By keeping the light, fun air LM is known for and using obscure camera angles and cropping, I think the "Essence" of the family can be brought indoors and not become a Sears Studio cut-out. What do you think?

The Return of the Dead

Say the name The Grateful Dead and blank stares from young or old are few and far between. The hardest touring band in the history of music have become not only a household name, but a myth, a legend and a culture of timeless proportions.

























Beginning from a psychedelic heritage painted by the equally legendary Haight-Ashbury and Ken Kesey's (One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest) Merry Pranksters. Spearheading the Hippie movement in the fertile backdrop of late 60's SanFrancisco, their communal home at 710 Ashbury became the seed that grew into a devoted following unheard of then, or now. Since iconic singer/guitarist Jerry Garcia died in 1995 the remaining members have carried on the together, and apart and through conflict, separate projects (Ratdog, Phil and Friends, etc.) and 2 new names (The Other Ones, in 2002 and now simply The Dead). Hoisting the embers of the euphoric celebration that was and is the tie-dyed, high flying, free expression exploring, group hugging and openly caring community of Deadheads of all class and creed from coast to coast. To attend a Dead show is like entering a kaleidescope, a beautiful, condensed escape from the day to day. Embrace it, or criticize it, just attempt to understand it before you pass judgement and, on this historic Inauguration Day, remember, everybody's number 1 man is also a fan. Hey, if Barack digs them, then that says something:-)



With so much good music, these two choices are more perspective than objective..,Enjoy:-)

The Parkinson's

As with many of my location portraits this somewhat unforgiving winter has blessed me with, the Parkinson's outing was a second kick at the cat, having to re-schedule from the blizzard like conditions the previous Tuesday. In between, we had a major freak thaw, flooding streets, homes and making it questionable whether we would get 'stuck in the mud' a second time around. Well, as you see, that didn't happen. Yes, the absolute knee deep winter wonderland surroundings of the previous week had gone down river, so I focused on less landscape driven shots. Like a nod to the success of yet another winter portrait, the snow began to fall during the session and we got some great pics. Thanks so much to Heather (my long time ad rep, former student and familiar face) for getting the "Fam" out and being good sports:-) Oh ya, and thanks for grabbing my one camera body when I went through the flood ice..couldn't of done it without you!

To Blog, or Not to Blog?

To Blog, or Not to Blog,

that is the question:
Whether 'tis nobler
in the mind to
suffer the slings and arrows
of outrageous fortune,
Or to take arms
against a sea of troubles,
And by opposing end them?







Since I began this blog back in 2006, my efforts have seemed to wane

From an excited high of 101 posts in the first year, to 59 in 2007 and only 39 in 2008, the fun, controlled chaos initially intended, as a lighthearted aside to my formal website www.lucidmusings.com has slipped. Blaming busy conditions as an out, as many photographers (and bloggers, in general) use to push aside complacency in their efforts, is not something I want to use. I feel I have to look at the reason for carrying out this often time consuming venture and bring it back into a regular production and consumption asset to Lucid Musings.
It's official...we're back...
and I intend on making this blog even better than first intended. In 2009, I will be not only blogging about my numerous shoots and business developments, but also adding my personal flavour with anecdotes of music, travel and family, making the experience once again a regular event and whats more, a celebration of the passion that drives Lucid Musings Photo.

Stayed Tuned...