www.ryangwillim.com

I was reading through a photography forum with the emphasis on Tattoo photos. The thread asked people to post pictures of their tattoos and stories or explanations behind the tattoos. As I was reading some of the entries I came across this one.

Jenna:
I had wanted one since I was a kid in the early 80s, no doubts about it. Our friend owned a
studio in NY and his girlfriend (with her purple hair and facial piercings and all her ink) was
the prettiest thing I'd ever seen when I was 5. I loved that she had a purple mohawk and all
those gorgeous tattoos. I was hooked then.
I turned 18 and moved right in with the guy I ended up marrying, and something always
prevented us from going and getting one done for me. It just didn't happen.
January 12, 2006, my husband died in his sleep at the age of 34 from a rare disease,
Marfan's. I went on the one year anniversary for a tattoo for him. I wear the scars from his
death, our relationship, and our life together with or without a tattoo on my arm, but I may as
well put it out there that my life has been changed by another human being, that's why I have
this birthday and date of death as the main theme.

How random, and depressing. When I read that the man's age was 34 and that he died from a "rare disease" I didn't need to know that the next word in the sentence was Marfan, I already knew.

Last night Tam, Erin, and I went photoculting for a couple hours. We found this weird lighted sculpture near the mouth of the bay.

Self-portrait. 15 second exposure at f/11 with timer set.

So the question is always raging on wherever I turn. People want to know what I shoot with and why. Granted, these are Internet forums that I'm referring to so it isn't like any of these people really know me, the answer cannot be fully explained until someone gets to know me.

I will probably expand on this subject more from time to time because it's a huge topic and I have a lot to say. But for now, consider the metaphor. If you have any thoughts on the subject, feel free to comment them here.

These shots were taken back in October and I finally got them in for developing. I am VERY happy with a couple of these. All shots were taken in Bandon, Oregon.

The trees in this image are from the San Bernadino Nat'l Forrest. The sunset and ocean view is from Ensenada, MX. Both photos were taken with a film camera.

I have decided that when someone starts a conversation with the words, "I don't mean to bug you, but..." THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT THEY MEAN TO DO. This revelation is not new to me, but still irritates the crap out of me. I would prefer a little honestly, if you want something from me, don't disguise it with fake apologies and a cute smile. That doesn't work on me, maybe it will work on everyone else, but the only thing you will succeed in doing is annoying me.

Also, "Whenever you're ready." Is just another way of saying do it right now or I will pout and give you a snooty attitude. Again, this is failure in the making in regards to dealing with people named Ryan Gwillim. I don't suggest pouting, the most you will acheive from this is a number one spot on my crap list.