"May the Road Rise Up to Meet You, May the Wind Be Ever at Your Back..."

Last fall, my brother began dabbling in the fairly safe hobby of photography.  When I mentioned this to a friend (and, either good or bad, don't remember who it was) he/she said, "well, that's easy.  Anybody can do it."

Incredibly ignorant comment.

True, anyone can take a picture in a world of $100 click-and-shoot Kodak cameras from the Wal-Mart photo department.  Some people might even be able to take good pictures in this manner.  A vacation sunset, a pouncing tiger at a zoo, a plane in flight.  But, asking three people to stand in front of an awkward landscape and "say cheese!" isn't photography.  Ryan, in his limited time behind the lens, works on the art of telling stories and, while he is in the amateur stages, he is already developing an eye for capturing what the rest of us don't see.

To caveat all this, Ryan is the more creative of the Voyles children.  At seven he wanted to be video game designer and filled sketch books with pictures frowned upon by his educators.  In third grade he went a little more safe and started learning the tromboner (can't help myself) and developed more musical talent in junior high on the electric and acoustic guitar.  Every Saturday, Dad and I would walk around the mall for an hour and half waiting for him to finish his lessons at Samuel Muisc.  Within months, he taught himself to play Nirvana, Metallica and a medley of music outside the listening realm of a typical 12-year-old.  Thanks to him, and his ear for music that isn't crap, my iPod has developed nicely.  

Already a talented student journalist, now he is dabbling in the visual realm.  Today he told me, over Gchat, "want me to tell you something that may freak the family out?  Don't worry, it's not me coming out of the closet.  I think it would be really interesting to be a photographer in a war-torn country."  I went through initial shock, googled Libya and sent a devastating report of journalists that just yesterday were just martyred for their craft.  While it's just a thought in the mind of a 22-year-old with a graduation date three weeks from Saturday, it's a more realistic concept for someone like him.  Not only is he the more talented of the siblings, he is also more brave than I am in his desire to take on risks.  I find myself more tied down, more grounded, but missing out?  Not sure, but he shouldn't accept less than the best.


I found this comment following the report mentioned in the above paragraph.

"This is utterly tragic, shattering news. These men are the best of the best, they are the eyes and ears and memories and consciences of democracy; they are at the highest pinnacle of photojournalism. This is a terrible day for all of us, and for our country, and for the profession of journalism. As I said elsewhere-- 'the eye of an artist, the responsibility of a journalist, and the raw courage of an infantryman.' I am so sad. We are all bereft. I wish their families well...and their colleagues safety." - John Rudoff; Portland, Ore.

Ryan's response, "that's a great comment, sums up everything perfectly. But that's what I'm thinking though; maybe I could be one of those people out there telling these stories."

Brave, crazy, I'm not sure which.  Whatever path he goes, from the safe to the not-so-safe I am just a proud big sister wanting little Ry Man to follow his aspirations.

I love you!

 Tranny Prep.

 

 The Wrestler.

This picture added solely because of the conversation below.

Yours truly: These people are the epitome of southern Illinois class. Especially the tattooed hooligan in the front row.

Ryan: She was clearly drunk and out of control when I was there

Yours truly: She looks like she sobered up a bit.
"Better get used to these bars, kid" - Marty McFly

Ryan: Nice use of the quote, sistah