Bicycle Photography: UA Criterium 2012
January 23rd, 2012I'll admit to feeling sad while at a bicycling event. Why? Because we may have seen the last UA Criterium on Saturday.
The closed-course race around the University of Arizona never attracted huge numbers of spectators. But if you were into cycling, you just had to be there. No way could you miss it.
Several streets used by the UA Criterium course are going to become part of Tucson's Modern Streetcar route. And mixing racing bicyclists and streetcar tracks is never a good idea. Not to mention the race organizers. Several of them are about to graduate.
Such is the life of a collegiate bicycle race -- short, sweet, and fun while it lasted.
Here's a look at this year's event...
UA Criterium 2012 - Images by Martha Retallick
And here's a look back at my photos from races past:
Tip: You can view more event photography in my portfolio and on this blog. I am also available for event photography assignments in Tucson, Arizona, and elsewhere. I specialize in concerts, festivals, parades, political rallies, and sporting events. To check availability and to request a proposal, please e-mail me or call 520-690-1888.
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Photo Essay: Tucson Concert Venues
January 16th, 2012Time for a look at Tucson concert venues, past and present.
First, a look back at one of the hottest dance clubs of a couple of decades ago. I'm talking about the Green Dolphin, which was located a few blocks south of the University of Arizona. This was one of the clubs that students raved about when I worked at the UA.
Not that UA employees would ever frequent a place like the Green Dolphin. The music was too loud for our bosses, the bands were ones that thirty-something worker-bees like me had never heard of, and, besides, all of us full-time employees had to get up early so we could arrive at our campus jobs by 8 a.m.
Hence, I have no Green Dolphin memories to share.
What I can share is what the place has turned into. The Green Dolphin has been closed for almost 20 years. These days, it just sits there, decaying in the Tucson sun...
Twenty years ago, Downtown Tucson was not the first place that would come to mind if you were planning a big night out. It was full of empty streets, empty storefronts, and a scary ambiance that didn't encourage people to linger.
Much redevelopment has happened in recent years. With redevelopment comes large community events like 2nd Saturdays Downtown. This one draws at least 10,000 people every month for strolling, eating, drinking, shopping, and admiring the vintage car show on Congress Street...
The Tucson music cognoscenti know that 2nd Saturdays concert acts are the ones to catch before they head off to the big shows at Club Congress, Plush, or the Rialto Theatre.
With that thought in mind, let's check out the Heather "Li'l Mama" Hardy Band on the 2nd Saturdays Scott Avenue Stage. Here's Heather Hardy on the electric violin with Mitzi Cowell on guitar...
On bass, it's Larry Lee Lerma...
Manning the drums, Ralph Gilmore...
Tip: You can view more event photography in my portfolio and on this blog. I am also available for event photography assignments in Tucson, Arizona, and elsewhere. I specialize in concerts, festivals, parades, political rallies, and sporting events. To check availability and to request a proposal, please e-mail me or call 520-690-1888.
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Event Photography: Remembering January 8
January 9th, 2012A year ago yesterday, Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and 18 others were shot at the "Congress on Your Corner" that she was hosting in Tucson. Six people died.
The past few days have been filled with various tributes to the victims. And the big buzz around town was that Rep. Giffords would be attending the candlelight vigil on the University of Arizona campus.
Would she really be well enough to show up? Only way to find out was to head to the University of Arizona Mall and see for yourself. Around 3,500 people did.
Although this year's January 8 commemoration didn't attract the media encampment that last year's shootings did, the satellite trucks were back in town...
The University of Arizona's flagpole is located just west of where the candlelight vigil took place. As they were last year, the U.S. and Arizona flags were lowered to half staff...
People started arriving two hours before the 6:30 p.m. start. The seating in front of the media riser was reserved, but I didn't hear the usual snark about all the important and wealthy dignitaries getting to sit near the stage...
After all, that reserved area wasn't the sort of club that people craved membership in. You got to sit up there because you had some connection to the tragedy...
Due to safety concerns, real candles weren't provided. Instead, we were given glow sticks that were to be lit at a certain time...
Sun sets, night falls, and the ceremony is about to begin...
The question on everyone's minds was answered right away. Gabby was there with her husband, Mark Kelly, and she led the Pledge of Allegiance. She also participated in the on-stage candle lighting ceremony that honored the wounded and the deceased.
Then it was our turn...
Tip: You can view more event photography in my portfolio and on this blog. I am also available for event photography assignments in Tucson, Arizona, and elsewhere. I specialize in concerts, festivals, parades, political rallies, and sporting events. To check availability and to request a proposal, please e-mail me or call 520-690-1888.
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Bicycle Photography: El Tour de Tucson 2011
November 22nd, 2011This past Saturday was one of those gray, windy days that offered more than a hint of rain. By Tucson standards, it has been a wet month -- almost an inch of rain so far -- so looking for more wasn't out of the question.
Fortunately, the rain held off until after the weekend. And that was a good thing, because more than 6,300 bicyclists were riding all or part of the way around the perimeter of Tucson. The occasion? The 28th annual El Tour de Tucson.
As I have for the past three years, I headed down to the finish to catch the action. Here's a photographic roundup...
El Tour de Tucson 2011 - Images by Martha Retallick
Tip: You can view more event photography in my portfolio and on this blog. I am also available for event photography assignments in Tucson, Arizona, and elsewhere. I specialize in concerts, festivals, parades, political rallies, and sporting events. To check availability and to request a proposal, please e-mail me or call 520-690-1888.
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Event Photography: Fall 2011 Bicycle Swap Meet
November 13th, 2011Well, it's mid-November in Tucson, and that means it's time for another bike swap meet. Yesterday, thousands of bicycle enthusiasts converged on 4th Avenue for a day of buying, selling, and trading bikes and accessories...
Does your bike need a crankset? Plenty to choose from at the swap...
Or maybe your taste runs more toward vintage bicycles...
Perhaps bicycle-themed jewelry is on your holiday shopping list...
Can't have new jewelry without a new bicycling outfit...
Although many people set up shop along 4th Avenue, there are plenty of bike sellers who prefer a more mobile approach...
A lot of people come to sell at the bike swap because they need to clear out the garage. Or they just plain need the money...
Of course, there are some items that just aren't for sale. Like this vintage Russian spaceman's jacket...
Another roving bike seller encountering a human and canine friend...
Looks like Elmer the Bassett Hound is getting a bit bored with the bicycle swap meet. Guy appears ready to go home...
Tip: You can view more event photography in my portfolio and on this blog. I am also available for event photography assignments in Tucson, Arizona, and elsewhere. I specialize in concerts, festivals, parades, political rallies, and sporting events. To check availability and to request a proposal, please e-mail me or call 520-690-1888.
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Event Photography: All Souls Procession 2011
November 7th, 2011Yesterday was one of those cool, breezy days that offered a hint of the Tucson winter to come. And since it was the first Sunday of November, it was time for Tucson's annual All Souls Procession.
This year's edition featured a new route: From 4th Avenue and University Boulevard, go straight down Fourth to Congress Street, then head west to Mercado San Augustin. Couldn't be any easier than that.
Since All Souls is a high-energy commemoration of those who have passed, it brings forth a lot of creativity. Here's Max Morris with his rolling memorial to Tucson bicyclists who have died after being hit by cars...
Each of the 20 crosses shows the rider's name, crash location, and date of death...
Since All Souls is such a colorful event, it draws more than a few photographers. Here's a multi-skulled marcher getting the full paparazzi treatment...
Tip: You can view more event photography in my portfolio and on this blog. I am also available for event photography assignments in Tucson, Arizona, and elsewhere. I specialize in concerts, festivals, parades, political rallies, and sporting events. To check availability and to request a proposal, please e-mail me or call 520-690-1888.
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Nature Photography: Rain, Rain, and More Rain
September 14th, 2011For the past week, Tucson's weather has done a pretty convincing imitation of the Pacific Northwest. We've had nearly 2.5" of rain. As I write this, thunderstorms are moving into the area.
Many of our recent storms have started slowly. Subtly. You don't think that much will come from them. Take, for example, this dampening of my front porch...
Then the weather really gets motivated. And I'd say that it's about time to finish my garden by planting some seeds in it...
All of this moisture has made for joy and feasting in the plant world. My front yard barrel cactii are getting downright plump...
Then there was the Infamous 2nd Saturdays Downtown Storm. This one stomped into Tucson just as things were starting to hop at my favorite monthly gathering. I had plans to visit a couple of art shows and an open house, listen to Latino music, and enjoy some good eats, courtesy of all those local food vendors.
Well, the storm forced me and bike under a cigar store awning. Which leaked. Badly. I was very glad that I'd left the camera at home.
When the rain slowed down, I headed for home. Thanks to continued storminess, heavy street flooding, and numerous detours to high ground, getting here took an hour. Once I arrived, I went onto autopilot: Park the two-wheeler outside so it can dry off, hit the shower, then launder all the soggy clothes and bike gear.
The Morning After? Bright and sunny, but not cloudless the way it was a decade ago. For the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, I had to put the flag out...
A quick check of the back yard rain gauge showed that it was half full. What an optimist!
The official tally: 1.8" of rain fell at my place on September 10, 2011. Most of this rain came down while I was trying to make it home from 2nd Saturdays Downtown.
Time to stop procrastinating. I need to clean and lubricate that dirty bike. That is, until the next storm...
Storm update: KXCI Community Radio's emergency alert system is going nuts. And did I mention that I was down at KXCI last night? It's the fall fund-raising drive, and I was answering the pledge phone.
Guess what I rode through on the way home? If you guessed "thunderstorm," you're right! So, the bike got another cleaning and lube job this morning.
Tip: You can view more event photography in my portfolio and on this blog. I am also available for event photography assignments in Tucson, Arizona, and elsewhere. I specialize in concerts, festivals, parades, political rallies, and sporting events. To check availability and to request a proposal, please e-mail me or call 520-690-1888.
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Bike-tography: The Book
September 1st, 2011When I was in my early twenties, I set the goal of bicycling through all 50 of the United States. I accomplished this over a twelve-year period, traveling more than 15,000 miles in the United States, plus a bit of Mexico and Canada.
Traveling without the protective bubble of a vehicle provides a wonderful opportunity to see, hear, feel, and smell the world around you.
Add to this the minimalist nature of bicycle travel. Having limited carrying space forces you to rely on as little photographic equipment as possible. On my bike, I only had room for one camera body and one lens. So, that's what I worked with.
Bike-tography: Combining Bicycling with Photography presents a collection of photos from my bicycle travels and from 'round-town rides in my hometown, Tucson, Arizona.
Tucson cycling aficionados will enjoy images from these major events:
- 4th Avenue Bicycle Swap Meet
- Cyclovia Tucson
- El Tour de Tucson
- Old Pueblo Criterium
- UA Criterium
The book also offers photos from 10 of the 50 states that I pedaled through:
- California
- Hawaii
- Kansas
- Mississippi
- Nebraska
- New Mexico
- Ohio
- South Dakota
- Texas
- Washington
Preview Bike-tography: Combining Bicycling with Photography:
Tip: You can view more event photography in my portfolio and on this blog. I am also available for event photography assignments in Tucson, Arizona, and elsewhere. I specialize in concerts, festivals, parades, political rallies, and sporting events. To check availability and to request a proposal, please e-mail me or call 520-690-1888.
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Event Photography: Happy Birthday Tucson
August 15th, 2011On August 20, 1775, a bouncing baby city was born. Its name? Tucson.
It's been 236 years, and the Old Pueblo still has quite a bit of bounce. It was certainly in evidence at one of the biggest events in the month-long celebration of Tucson's Birthday.
The big event? 2nd Saturdays Downtown, which brings tens of thousands of people into the heart of our city.
Since this is Tucson throwing a big party, you need to have plenty of local music. Here's the band Widow's Hill performing at the entrance to the Ronstadt Transit Center...
Of course, no party would be complete without people showing up in unusual costumes...
And there has to be dancing. In this case, break dancing by the members of Les Avenge, who set up shop outside the Rialto Theatre...
Tip: You can view more event photography in my portfolio and on this blog. I am also available for event photography assignments in Tucson, Arizona, and elsewhere. I specialize in concerts, festivals, parades, political rallies, and sporting events. To check availability and to request a proposal, please e-mail me or call 520-690-1888.
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Photo Essay: Greenway Park Ramble
July 13th, 2011Looks like our monsoons have taken a vacation. Other than brief sprinkles, we haven't had rain in almost a week.
So, with thunderstorms not threatening Tucson's Tuesday evening, I decided to ramble around the neighborhood. First point of interest was the new Fifth Avenue Greenway, which has transformed the look of this alley between Waverly and Linden Streets...
Well, that Fifth Avenue Greenway stroll sure was nice. Once I exited onto Linden Street, my way south was stopped cold by the Bronx Wash. If ever there was a landmark that is worthy of a Bronx cheer, this is it...
This channelized wash was built to move heavy volumes of water very quickly. Which just compounds the flooding problem downstream. Furthermore, this water is lost to the surrounding ecosystem, where it could nourish flowers, shrubs, and trees.
More green shade could mitigate Tucson's urban heat island effect, which is caused by all of those paved surfaces. If you suspect that they make our hot summers even hotter, you're right.
At the Sixth Avenue end of the Bronx Wash, a group of neighbors got together to create a different approach to water management. It's the Linden Street Pocket Park, and it uses passive water harvesting to irrigate shade trees and shrubs along this rock-lined path...
After stopping at this little park, it was on to Mansfield Park and the Northwest Neighborhood Center. The center hosted a town hall with Arizona State Senator Linda Lopez, Democrat from District 29...
Senator Lopez shared her thoughts on how Arizona's budget cuts to health care programs will affect our state. In short, the news is not good.
She noted that Arizona has America's highest percentage of uninsured children, and it ranks 12th overall in the percentage of uninsured residents. And, Lopez added, "Denying coverage does not eliminate the need for medical care."
Where do people without health insurance wind up when they need care? In our already overcrowded emergency rooms. Which makes it even harder for those experiencing life-threatening emergencies to be treated in a timely manner.
Lopez said that the state budget cuts are falling disproportionately on our state's most vulnerable people -- the elderly, the poor, people with chronic physical and mental conditions, and children.
Meanwhile, our Republican-controlled legislature just approved more tax breaks for corporations. No word on whether those corporations will actually create good-paying jobs in this state.
Tip: You can view more event photography in my portfolio and on this blog. I am also available for event photography assignments in Tucson, Arizona, and elsewhere. I specialize in concerts, festivals, parades, political rallies, and sporting events. To check availability and to request a proposal, please e-mail me or call 520-690-1888.
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