For 8 years I worked with Evin Thayer, at Evin Thayer Studios. I assisted this local legend of a photographer with a heart full of passion and an eagerness to become a professional photographer myself. I’d like to thank Mr.Thayer for hiring me back then, it was my first big break. He was/is an important mentor and great friend. Back in those days, (also known as the late 90s to early 00s) we were using film. Medium format film was loaded onto a film back and snapped into place on the back of a manual Hasselblad camera. This was top of the line equipment with premium optics and prices to match. There was no looking on the back of this camera to determine how the final image would come out. We were armed with a Minolta light meter, a good knowledge of light, and our beloved Polaroid back to give us an idea of what the outcome would be. The Polaroid back was used on certain occasions when strange light conditions presented themselves or an important subject did the same. Granted, it was in black and white, but that was all the information we needed to determine if the image was in range. We rarely took the Polaroid shot of the actual subject, as we didn’t want to waste their time until it was time to shoot for real. I was the stand in for politicians, actors, sports legends, and artists. There are many notable themes in the 100 or so images I am featuring here. I did not retouch the scanned images, I wanted the scratches, dust and fingerprints to show – as they are a part of the story too. Hopefully the main theme of this collection is of a young man, going through changes, having some fun and starting a love affair with his profession. This is his story – the Assistant.
George H.W. Bush
Let’s begin with these. It’ll show what I’m talking about and start it off on a good note. As an assistant, I usually only had one hand free. The other hand always had a loaded film back in it because the Evin was only 12 exposures away from needing it. That one hand – was responsible for a lot. That day with the President, it caught a Presidential Tie Clasp he tossed at me. Thank god I caught it. I treasure it to this day.
And now a little less serious. Lighthearted and happy. Not a care in the world.
“That Shirt” Series
I loved that shirt. Still do. It fell apart.
“Hand in Pocket” Series
What the hell do I do with my hands?
I believe I was standing in for Dr. DeBakey in this one…
This is a good one. The downtown aquarium in the early days. Man bun.
An enchanting moment…
At the sound board. I have no idea what I’m doing.
The very rare “hands behind back” pose. Protective shoe covers.
Express yourself young man…
Yes.
Crossed Arms Series
I believe this was a stand in for the Firefighter Calendar group shot.
An artist’s studio – Sharon Kopriva?
That time we photographed Hakeem Olajuwan at his house…
Merry Christmas Shirley Temple…
I believe we shot Bum Phillips that day at his ranch. I had my shirt collars tailored short way, which makes me appear very Amish. I remember Bum told us the story of how he got into football that day.
Before the invention of ‘low rise’ pants for men
Crossed arms in front of a Jag…
Crossed arms with legs…
Here we have some sort of new equipment test I believe.
Not wearing a dress. It’s shorts. Jheri curl + goatee. That was a look.
the Assistant in front of the piano
….and the photo bomb!
Not sure what to say about this one. At least I’m happy.
May have been a stand in for Gordon Bethune…Post 9/11 FYI
This is my “Rich Guy” face…
Here I am!
Not bad…
Why?
Wouldn’t be honest If I didn’t. This is part of a “self portrait” series
Serious look? CHECK. Remote obviously in frame? CHECK.
Testing the HAIR series
I believe we had just purchased a new prophoto lighting system and needed to test it out. I apparently made no plans for photography with my hair. Not sure it would have been much different if I had…
And my very FAVORITE
here’s a good one. Normal face, hair and smile. Very rare.
Ugh. Almost positive I was hungover. And was standing in for Shelley Duvall.
Me. By some fruit.
Definitely from the Firefighter calendar. Little bit of DT Houston in the back.
Same day I suspect. We were about to put that guy on ice.
Help me.
Most people don’t know what to do with themselves after seeing this.
At the beach! The water’s FINE
May have been in LA to shoot Jaclyn Smith
This predated the Charlie Angel’s reboot and subsequent poses for any groups of three women. FYI.
Ahh. Jaclyn Smith. She was so gorgeous and kind that day. Very surreal.
In LA shooting JoBeth Williams
What an unfortunate shirt…
Sigh.
Worst hair day.
Not sure who this was for, but I am sure that is an actual Calder behind me. I had no idea.
If I had to make a guess I would say Secretary of State James Baker.
Jones Hall. The Librettist?
Apparently a couple was about to replace me. This image has deep meaning on many levels.
Ready? Set? FAIL.
Being scared by a James Surls piece?
The Phantom
An Important one. Captain Gene Cernan, the last man to walk the moon.
Dr. Red Duke. Yep, leather fanny pack.
Reverend Kirbyjon Caldwell
Stop it. At the Doctor’s office.
What am I doing? I think I’m holding a piece of gaffing tape.
Get that top button buttoned! We’re going to see people…
Hi Y’all. I’m working.
Enron, er, Minute Made Park Series
This was for Craig Biggio
Before the park was finished, Larry Dierker
Brad Lidge
Brad Lidge again, and the start of the “One Knee Down” series
I’m a big nostalgia nut – especially if it involves me. But I’m very nostalgic about places. And Houston is my first love because it has been very good to me. It has nurtured my passion with great mentors like Evin Thayer. It has given me a lifetime of muses to inspire me to pick up a camera and shoot. I dedicate this blog to Houston, TX.
