Blair Pittman, Terlingua, Texas, Big Bend Country. Shot with a Sony α900 and a Zeiss 24-70mm lens. Image exposed at ISO 100 at f2.8 for 1/125 of a second.
Hi everyone and welcome to today’s post. I would like to introduce you to Blair Pittman, award winning photographer, writer, and folklorist. For several decades he has been telling and listening to tales on the Terlingua Ghost Town porch. On a beautiful late afternoon I found myself next to Blair as he recited a few yarns about the history of the old ghost town. With my beer in hand I sat back and soaked in the afternoon sun. I could smell the desert stretching out before me. Life just seemed to happen that afternoon. I had already spent time with Dr. Doug and here I was ending my day with Blair. I retreated to the trading post for another beer and as I paid I saw a small display featuring two books by Blair; Tales From The Terlingua Porch, and More! Tales From The Terlingua Porch. I bought them both and Blair signed and personalized each book. In one book he wrote “To Bob – If it ain’t the truth, it otta’ be. Viva Terlingua”. And in the other he wrote “To Bob – See you on the porch”.
The two books are a special reminder of an incredible week I spent in Big Bend. Small and easy to read the stories take you into the heart and soul of this place. That day on the porch life just happened and I was lucky enough to be there when it did. I did not intend to shoot an image of Blair but like life it just happened. As he was talking he looked off in the distance and I just brought the camera up and snapped the shot. For me it captured a lot about this man; wise and grizzled, but kind and reflective. If you let it, life just happens. And that is the truth.
Thanks for stopping by today. See you on the porch.
Bob
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Great portrait of Blair, Bob. I met him — oh, gosh — nine years ago on my first trip to Big Bend National Park. He’s a legend and a great guy, full of stories about Texas and the Big Bend area in particular. I always make a point to see him when I’m down there.
Thank you Marti! Between Dr. Doug and Blair, and of course you and Craig,
, the Big Bend trip continues to give. The two book Blair signed are fantastic an provide plenty of memories. Hope you are well. Looks like your workshops are really taking off. Thanks as always for stopping by.
Bob
I agree, great portrait and story.
Fitting for a great trip.
Hey Marc: How are you? Hope all is well. Thanks for the visit and comment. Yes a great trip. I still think often about that great night we had with Craig and gang at our outdoor dinner. Stars, big sky, music, and good food. Oh and I forgot about the beer:-). Stay thirsty my friend.
Bob
What a great memory and a great photo. I remember sitting there and listening to Blair for a while. He looks like a real character and he is a real character
and you’ve captured that well.
Hi! Great foto of Blair.
You may not be aware, but a few days ago, Blair was involved in a one-car accident at nite while turning into his driveway, resulting in a fractured C2. They are still keeping him heavily sedated today to avoid further injury, so he is not awake most of the time. No serious damage to spine, despite a fractured neck vertebra. Send a card and when he becomes alert again, it will be there to greet him.
Dean B. Pittman, ICU Patient
Medical Center Hospital
500 W. 4th St.
Odessa, TX 79761
Thanks! I did not know that. I will get a card out and send him a copy of the print. Thanks for the heads up.
Bob
Blair’s website is here:
http://blairpittman.homestead.com
Jon: thanks for Blair’s website info. Much appreciated. Thanks also for stopping by the site.
Bob