When I was 9 years old, I found a Life magazine that was only black and white photo's, Beatle's, Rolling Stones, monk setting himself on fire, little girl running down road burning with napalm, Vietnamise man being exicuted, and other assorted pictures. I loved the black and white photo's, they spoke too me. My dad had a 35mm nikormat that he bought in the Korean war, I asked to use it and he gave it to me. I bought a roll agfa black and white film, went on the canal by my parents home and went on a photo safari. I thought I was shooting pulitzer prize winning photo's. I sent the film in and when it came back not one picture came out, I was in tears. Film speed, aperture, shutter speed, whats that? I bought a book on basic photography and have been shooting ever since.
The only place I have ever found that will quiet my head. Photography is spiritual place for me. When I look through a len's , that's all there is and I love that feeling
Outlaw Dance Society
Hood River Oregon Meadow
Bridge over troubled waters
Just for me it seems that I have been on that bridge far to many times and for far too long. Then again I always have liked the path with the most adventure, {well that is the lie I told myself}. I would come to a fork in the road, my choice led to the bridge over troubled waters, some would say "Self will run riot", today I know that statement is true for me.
I have made some very poor choices in where and who I tried to cross with. I really never should have made it on 3 different journeys, again my poor choices, but choices I made, but did not need to. In hindsight I see where God gave me ways out. He would send someone to help guide me. But I have to listen, pray, pay attention. The messenger could be a "bum, drunk, liar, cheat, pastor, family, or often a child". I have had messengers from God that got me on the right path across, yet they went and died on the very same path they saved me from taking.
I know that I am blessed, God sent a life raft for me and countless others. It is a safe place to navigate the river. I am so grateful for the people God put in my river of life to help and teach me, and guide me in the river. I love the people I have met in that raft. We are sometimes tormented souls, but I sure like the places we go and the things we do, and the life we share.
God Bless,
Peace and love to all,
Michael Brooking Photography
Agony Road..........
Every one of us at one time or another have our walk on this road....this girl is an addict. Today it's xanax, yesterday vicodine tomorrow whatever kills the pain......school teacher once, prostitute today........pray for her and everyone who has a problem whatever it may be. I have been down that road, on more than one occasion. Once you get off don't go visit the neighbors on that street, just stay the hell a way.
Michael Brooking Photography
The Path of Letter Blue
This photo makes me think of the path that two very talented artists, free thinkers, musicians and my friends "Snap Jackson and Esteban Aguila" are on. Making their way down the path of life and helping themselves and many other friends along the way. They may not know but they have helped me and I am grateful they are apart of my life.
I love the rule of paying it forward, helping out........the world would be a much nicer place if we all helped each other.............just a thought....peace and love
Michael Brooking Photography
A Room For Everyone
Infrared photos are what I love the most........what you see in the same place is changed by what you can't see...............does it say any thing to you???
Michael Brooking Photography
Mike Zuk, My Friend, a great Dad, a Blessing
I met Mike over 20 years ago, he moved in down the street from my mom and Dad. I am about ten years younger than mike, but I was leading him to the bridge over troubled waters, I was a bad influence in some ways but all ways had a good time. Long story short, Mike was on my ass to do something with my photos, I would show hardly anyone. I always saw what I could have done better and was very critical of my work. Fast forward to about a year ago, Mike and my life took different paths, but I believe God brought him into my life in the nick of time. Still was doing very little with my photography, but one day I uploaded about 20 pics on flickr and told mike to check them out..........he called me 3 hours later and asked me to come by. When I got there he put dvd in his computer and painted black started to play, then my photos, all black and white became a slide show on the screen........they looked different, actually good.....I was amazed.
Mike had been trying to get me to do something with my work for years, and he finally succeeded. Well the flood gates have opened and I started shooting musicians playing at the Blackwater, trying do be a little different than other photos I had seen......I am self taught, so I don't believe in rules. I love being around artists, they make you think.
Mike helped me out of the hole I was in, got me excited about something I love to do. He helped me with my website and showed me how to make it work for me, which I was not doing. He has taught me the best way to use the internet,. but best of all he has been here for me as I am for him. So check him out, need a web page of your own he is the man...mikezuk.com
Love you Bro much thanks
Michael Brooking Photography