The Pen and Shutter – A Veteran’s Perspective of His Community
By Brian L. Braden
As authors, we often hear these two pieces of advice: write every day and write what you know. In the decade since I picked up the writer’s pen, I’ve mostly kept these two articles of faith. I’ve also tried to apply these guidelines to my photography. I take lots of photographs because I always keep a camera with me, even if it’s just my phone. Naturally, my subject matter revolves around the familiar, the place I call home - south Alabama’s Wiregrass Region.
The Wiregrass has inextricably woven itself into my portfolio. Like many communities surrounding a military installation, the Wiregrass has developed a decidedly military flavor. That flavor is spiced with rotor blades’ thunder and jet fuel’s kerosene aroma. Fort Rucker, affectionately called “Mother Rucker” by those who’ve experienced it, is home to Army Aviation (with just a little Air Force added on the side.) The post anchors the Wiregrass economically and culturally. It’s veteran-rich influence seeps into the surrounding towns, from the schools to the nursing homes, from the strip malls to the churches. From generation to generation, veterans have changed the community, and the community has equally influenced the veterans. The Wiregrass and Mother Rucker are synonymous and inseparable. As a veteran, writer, and a photographer I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to use both image and written word to capture a brief snapshot of the Wiregrass experience.
For me, there isn’t a real difference between writing and photography. Writing is sculpting words to evoke a desired idea or feeling from the reader. Photography is sculpting light to evoke a desired idea or feeling from the viewer. Both are about using perspective to change perspective. In my world, the two art forms complement one another. This is why I’m honored Line of Advance gave me this opportunity to share my work, in both word and image, with you.
The following images and descriptions are one veteran’s perspective on his community. They were all taken between 2016 and 2020. All images copyright Brian L. Braden.
Lakota on Wet Ramp
Nothing symbolizes Fort Rucker better than the helicopter. The UH-72 “Lakota” is the U.S. Army’s primary trainer, replacing the venerable TH-67. Photographing on a military ramp isn’t easy. I often have little choice about when I can shoot. This rainy day had poor light and nothing was flying, so I had to approach the subject from a different angle and get creative with the environment as it was presented. (“Lakota on Wet Ramp,” 2018. Canon T5, 18-250@18mm, 1/500s, f3.5, ISO800.)
Apache Sunset
On a remote state highway threading between numerous Army firing ranges, I spotted two Apache gunships circling their targets like sharks. As a photographer, when you see an image setup like this, you have to take the shot, so I ended up roadside, camera in hand, standing on my truck. A good deal of my time as a photographer is spent with passing drivers looking at me like I’m insane. (“Apache Sunset,” 2019. Canon 6D, 70-200@200mm, 1/1000s, f4.0, ISO100.)
Determined Pilot Graduate
In 2016, a student pilot class where I worked asked me to take their graduation photos. I agreed, and since then, I’ve taken graduation photos for over 30 military pilot classes. This young officer’s determined expression makes this graduation portrait one of my favorites. (“Determined Pilot Graduate,” 2019. Canon 6D, 50mm, 1/4000s, f2.0, ISO100.)
9th of 19
I try to give each graduating class a unique group photo. Due to military scheduling, I often get little warning, little time, or little choice about when the session occurs. The session cannot interfere with aircraft launch, recovery or maintenance operations. When the students and I walk onto the ramp, we get what we get. This lack of control has forced me to get creative and use my equipment to its limits. It’s also compelled me to approach light, subject and composition with a fresh eye every time I pick up the camera. (“9th of 19,” 2019. Canon 6D, 17-40@20mm, 1/180s, f4.0, ISO100.)
Strength
Sometimes, the only thing that’s important is to get the shot and make sure it’s in focus. These are the moments when timing and subject are of the essence. These images are usually the most powerful and require little explanation. That’s what happened at the 2017 Coffee County American Cancer Society Relay for Life. This gentleman strolled by pushing what I assumed was his wife. His World War II veterans cap, their cancer survivor shirts, and their presence together was a stunning testimony to the power of love and perseverance. ( “Strength,” 2016. Canon T5, 75-300@75mm, 1/160s, f4, ISO100.)
Victory
I’m often asked to take photos of local civic events, like 2019’s Wiregrass Emergency Pregnancy Center’s 5K fundraiser. I stood behind the finish line, taking photos as the runners crossed. This couple made me smile. One of them finished well ahead of the other, but waited until their spouse came huffing across. They celebrated like they’d finished the Boston Marathon, and it was absolutely wonderful to watch. I’m going to let you guess which one finished first. (“Victory,” 2019. Canon 6D, 70-200@70mm, 1/800s, f5.6, ISO100.)
I See You
I was asked to photograph a squadron Christmas party. Someone hung mistletoe over the helicopter while the kids played in the cockpit. Given the light and conditions, I had a choice: focus on the parents, or focus on the kids. I think I made the right choice. (‘I See You!” 2019. Canon 6D, 50mm, 1/60s, f506, ISO4000.)
The All American
I’m passionate about street photography. Wandering through a crowd, trying to catch the right subject at the right time, and considering the light and composition is difficult but rewarding. Unlike metropolitan areas, street photography is challenging in rural environments like the Wiregrass. Street photography in rural areas is only really practical during large public events, like this 4th of July festival. This was a once-in-a lifetime shot where by sheer chance composition and subject came together almost perfectly. (“The All American,” 2018. Canon T5, 18-250@125mm, 1/50s, f8.0, ISO125.)
The Volunteers
Brian Padgett (foreground) is a former Marine, Wiregrass business owner, and co-founder of the non-profit “Line in the Sand,” dedicated to stopping veteran suicide. James Mullen (background) is from the charity “Beach Relief”. After Hurricane Michael devastated the Gulf Coast, including much of the Wiregrass, charities like Line in the Sand and Beach Relief sprang into action. Local charities fed, clothed and housed tens of thousands of hurricane victims and relief workers in the months following Michael’s landfall. Line in the Sand asked me to document their work and the hurricane’s aftermath. (“The Volunteers,” 2019. Canon T5, 18-250@43mm, 1/1000s, f7.1, ISO1000.)
Refugee Camp
Five months after Hurricane Michael slammed into the Florida Panhandle, displaced families endured in a makeshift backyard “refugee camp”. Some of their homes were destroyed, while others were evicted after rents skyrocketed in the storm’s aftermath. Line in the Sand, along with several other local charities, came to their aid even after national charities and government relief agencies pulled out of the area. (“Refugee Camp,” 2019. Canon T5, 18-250@22mm, 1/1000s, f7.1, ISO800.)
Wall of Remembrance
Everyone who has ever visited the Fort Rucker Soldier Service Center has seen the Wall of Remembrance. It’s a beautiful monument to Fort Rucker’s fallen. (“Wall of Remembrance,” 2018. Iphone 6, 14.4mm, 1/40s, f2.2, ISO40.)
Sounding Taps
One day each December, in conjunction with the nation-wide event, civic, religious and veterans organizations from across the Wiregrass converge at local cemeteries to lay wreaths on veterans gravestones. I’ve attended Wreaths Across America for the past several years, as both a veteran and a photographer. The 2019 Coffee County event featured one of the most moving renditions of Taps I’ve heard. (“Sounding Taps,” 2019. Canon 6D, 70-200@200mm, 1/400s, f4.0, ISO100.)
Purpose
This flag held special significance to one of the aviators about to graduate flight school. He asked specifically for this shot, where his classmates grasped the flag as one. It has become one of my favorite images. (“Purpose,” 2019. Canon T5, 18-250@321mm, 1/1000s, f7.1, ISO100.)
Honoring the Past
History and duty run deep and intermingle in the Wiregrass. You can find Civil War historical re-enactors at many Wiregrass civic and cultural events. (“Honoring the Past,” 2017. Canon T5, 18-55@32mm, 1/320s, f10, ISO100.)
Final Honors
As a vet, the level of civic participation shown by the Wiregrass fills me with pride. Wreaths Across America is a deeply moving event. As a photographer, it provided another opportunity to capture my community coming together to honor our fallen and make a positive impact. (“Final Honors,” 2019. Canon 6D, 70-200@200mm, 1/1000s, f4.0, ISO100.)
Honoring Ensign Watson
Perhaps nothing has displayed the Wiregrass’s true spirit than when we came together to honor one of our own. On December 6th, 2019 a terrorist attacked Pensacola Naval Air Station. Ensign Joshua Watson, a Wiregrass native, was shot multiple times. Somehow, he still managed to get away and warn authorities about the terrorist’s location before succumbing to his wounds, saving many lives that day. On the 13th of December, Ensign Watson’s body returned home. Local residents lined much of the motorcade’s route as it travelled almost 40 miles through the heart of the Wiregrass to Enterprise, Watson’s hometown. I stood with hundreds in Daleville as the procession slowly drove by. (“Honoring Ensign Watson,” 2019. Canon T5, 18-250@51mm, 1/1250s, f5, ISO400.)
The Long Walk
An old man walks the streets in Newton, Alabama. Even with the economic stability brought by Fort Rucker, the Wiregrass is graying and many of the surrounding counties have experienced flat or declining populations. This image is featured in my upcoming book “Abandoned Wiregrass.” (“The Long Walk,” 2018. Canon T5, 18-250@155mm, 1/200s, f6.3, ISO100.)
Evergreen Church
This photo is also featured in “Abandoned Wiregrass.” The South is changing, and the Wiregrass is no exception. Once faith and church were bedrocks of our community, now their influence is waning. Abandoned and underutilized rural churches dot the Wiregrass landscape. (“Evergreen Church,” 2019. Canon 6D, 17-40@17mm, 1/250s, f4.0, ISO200.)
The Cub Scout
A cub scout plays in a puddle following a downpour at a local art festival. When Photoshop is liberally employed photography can blur into the realm of painting. I love using Photoshop to experiment with my own photography and take it in unexpected directions. (“The Cub Scout,” 2018. Canon T5, 18-250@128mm, 1/160s, f22, ISO800.)
Final Flight
She waits for her husband to taxi in for the last time. This is his “fini-flight.” Soon, he will hang up his uniform, trade in his CAC card for a green ID, and join the local community with the title “veteran”. They aren’t from the Wiregrass, but they’ve decided to stick around. He has a new job, and she has a new business. That’s the way things work here at Mother Rucker- the flavor of the Wiregrass seeps into you . (“Final Flight,” 2020. Canon 6D, 70-200@113mm, 1/1000s, f5.6, ISO100.)
Brian L. Braden
Brian L. Braden is an award winning author and photographer. His articles have been featured in a variety of print and online publications such as the Military Times, Air Power Journal and Oxford University Press. He has published several books and is the recipient of the Alabama Penman Award and was a finalist for the Darron L. Wright award for fiction. He is the author of the epic historical fantasy series “The Chronicles of Fu Xi,” and has just released his first audiobook, “The Golden Princess.” His upcoming photography book, “Abandoned Wiregrass” is due for release from Font Hill Media in February, 2021. Brian is a veteran living in the Alabama Wiregrass.