Halloween 2008

What a day, good and bad. On one hand I had a good time with my friends celebrating Halloween, but I also lost a good photographer friend who’s had declining health for the last few months.

First though, the party.  I had a few different costumes for different parties last week including a soldier general and James Bond. But yesterday for the real Halloween parties, I decided to be Bob Dylan.

I specifically didn’t shave, and even made a laminated and very official looking backstage pass to wear so people who aren’t familiar with Bob Dylan (which was more than I thought) would know who I was.  My cousin Tony and I hit a few different parties and got home quite late.

Last week I spoke at the Professional Photographers of Iowa convention.  I had a good time there and met some great new people as well as seeing old friends.  One friend in particular, Lori Nordstrom, who is always kind to offer me help at these things, took me to see her brand new studio after I was done.  It is set in the town square of a perfect and beautiful small town.  She is a great artist, has a way of really connecting with people, and creates fantastic images!  She is known around the country for her style and ability to photograph children so well.

Just before going out to Iowa, I had heard that another photographer friend, Jerry Aucker, from Portland, Oregon was having more health problems.  He had had a few heart attacks recently and had declining health.  About a week ago he was hospitalized for kidney failure and pneumonia and then passed away yesterday afternoon.

Many in the industry know and love Jerry for his kindness and friendship.  He’s been in the portrait business for decades, since 1973 and has made many friends because of his thoughtfulness and loyalty.  He led the metro photographers organization there for years and had me out many times to speak to them.  He was a good and kind man and will be missed.

— Bry