My Uncle, Barry

I'm not one to post most of my personal life on my blog. I like to keep it mainly about the photos, because that's probably why you're here.

However, I'd like to use this entry to pay tribute to my uncle, Barry Girard, who passed away on December 31, 2007. It was unexpected, but I know if you asked him, he would tell you he lived a full life. He traveled all over, met and befriended amazing people, listened to good music, was an incredible chef, and was the best uncle my brother and I could have asked for.
For my 13th birthday, he took me on a trip to Mackay, Idaho. He had lived there for a time in his life and wanted to share the incredible beauty and experiences with me. It was on that trip I took my first "real photos". (By real photos, I mean not holding the camera out in front of my face with some friends for a whole roll.) I guess I began taking time to think about my compositions, not just "look, snap, wind, repeat".. We developed all of the film the minute we arrived back in Chicago. He told me he was impressed with the shots I was able to get with my very unimpressive camera. I still cherish those photos and the memories of the trip.

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Over last Christmas, I had a quick shoot with Barry and his dog. He loved the photos and I'd like to end this entry a couple of them: