Experiencing Texas
July 20th, 2009 | PersonalWe had one free day in Dallas so we decided to experience Texas the best we could. First, Choon Ean, Jasmine and I checked out the Sixth Floor Museum. Located on the sixth floor of what was formerly known as the Dealey Plaza from which Lee Harvey Oswald allegedly assassinated the late President John F Kennedy. This is one of the top ten things a visitor must do, especially if you are a history buff. There were plenty of artifacts, photographs & videos to chronicle the event. Well worth a visit.
The big bonus was “A Photographer’s Story” an exhibition of Pulitzer Award winning photographer, Bob Jackson. His photograph of Jack Ruby shooting Lee Harvey Oswald at point blank range, forever seared into our minds the JFK assassination. I was impressed by the breadth and depth of his work and his journalistic instincts that was shown throughout his career. When he covered the assassination, he was only 3 years into his job.
The exhibition showcased some of the unused frames of Bob’s captures. You could see he was thinking as he snapped away. This is what Bob said in 2008, “The Pulitzer Prize image will last a long time. I was just on a pretty routine assignment that turned into an historical event. I was just fortunate to be able to cover it. In the end, I want to be remembered not just for one picture, but for a career where I tried to do my best on any and every assignment.”
Won’t it be cool to interview him for WedShooter.TV?
After the museum, we headed to Fort Worth Stockyard, about 40 minutes from Dallas. How can you experience Texas without being to a rodeo & some good old cowboy food? We had some steaks and calf fries a.k.a calves’ testicles. In all fairness, we had no idea what it was until we finished most of it. “It’s calves’ testicles, a cowboy delicacy” said the waiter. Nope, he wasn’t kidding! Well, all you need is creative cooking techniques and willing stomach 
The two-hour rodeo show was fun. I had always wanted to see one. These guys paid U$65 to compete for the night and most of them didn’t last more than 2 seconds on the back of a bull! Boy did we had fun. Signing off now as I am getting ready for a week-long workshop with Joe McNally at the Santa Fe Photographic Workshop. Here are some shots we had in Texas.
The Sixth Floor Museum, a must see in Dallas
Right outside the building from which Lee Harvey Osward fired three shots that killed JFK
Calf Fries, my friend
Choon Ean’s reaction when we found out what we had just put into our mouths. Too late, the whole plate was almost gone by the time we found out.
The national anthem was sung by an 11-year-old and the flag bearer stood still.
This is the most dangerous sports I’ve ever seen.
No bull! You’d better run!
Trying out some panning shots.
a bunch of kids chasing after a sheep!
Signing off with another panning shot!
July 20th, 2009 at 12:45 pm
Great to see that you’re having a good time there! Choon Ean’s expression is sooo her! haha.. How did you get the low angle shot for image no.13?
July 20th, 2009 at 1:27 pm
Grace: There were some gaps at the fences. So I squat real low, stick the lens through them and shot low
July 20th, 2009 at 1:31 pm
Excellent rodeo images. Very well done.
July 20th, 2009 at 2:08 pm
love the flag bearer shot!!!
July 20th, 2009 at 2:22 pm
Choon Ean’s expression really funny…LOL. Got to kacau her when I see her next time.
I was also wondering as well how you got those low angle shots…thinking it is definitely dangerous to be inside there.
July 20th, 2009 at 2:39 pm
Nice Rodeo Pic. from the low angle, look like you were inside.
July 20th, 2009 at 3:09 pm
Hahaha! Choon Ean’s expression is priceless!! Ditto to what Grace said. Good to see that you’ve all managed to take a day off your hectic schedule to have a look around. Have fun at the workshop!
July 20th, 2009 at 3:15 pm
Wow, when it has been fried and covered in batter it definitely doesn’t seem to look that bad (the bull punya test-it-cle). Reminds me of a time when I ordered a bag of fried stuff which look similar to that but ended up being chicken backside =.=”
I see that you are having loads of fun there in US
July 20th, 2009 at 3:48 pm
Great work…You can get amazing pictures anywhere you go….Looking forward to seeing your images for many years to come.
Vincent
July 20th, 2009 at 4:52 pm
Aweesome!!!!!!!!!!! This is nice!
You got GUTS man….sticking the camera thru the fence! No pain no gain right?
July 20th, 2009 at 9:20 pm
Great shots, Louis!
Did you tripod any of these shots, other than the panning ones? I love the perspective and pov.
Cheers!
July 20th, 2009 at 9:29 pm
Thanks guys. I felt inspired after spending time with Cliff & Huy, and admiring the work of Bob Jackson. I am serious.
Harjit: not tripod. Shot most at ISO 3200 with 24-70mm. I was on a break, not assignment. So that was all I carried.
July 20th, 2009 at 11:31 pm
Wow Louis thts awesome, hehe New Orleans Oyster, a must try If I were to visit. love the rodeo scene full of anticipation!!
July 21st, 2009 at 12:09 am
Gosh, for a moment there, I thought you were in the pit. Glad to know that Jasmine, Choon Ean and you are enjoying yourselves over there.
July 21st, 2009 at 12:22 am
Wow… Awesome! I lived in Austin for 4 years and never went to a rodeo!
July 21st, 2009 at 2:06 am
Bro, did u go down to the ground to take the wide angle shot~ really look nice la! looks like a near shot.. very brave to go near the bulls~ hehe
July 21st, 2009 at 9:44 am
Woooo… it’s cool, awesome!!!
July 21st, 2009 at 12:18 pm
great photos here, love the last pic, a sense of movement in the photo and the sepia just adds to the timeless effect.
Glad to hear you are having a great time in the States.
July 21st, 2009 at 7:51 pm
Great shots of the rodeo. So how was the Calf Fries?
July 21st, 2009 at 10:07 pm
love choonean’s comical expression, as always! ahhh so good to see u all having a good time there
July 22nd, 2009 at 11:15 pm
when in texas do as the texans do …. how come you weren’t on a horse louis? haha!