I have lived in Georgia for a long time ... since 1973. And in the 35 years that I have lived here, I have seen a lot of changes. Some are for the best; some leave me with a sense of loss.
As an amateur photographer, I have always felt that it was important to preserve the past, at least on film if not in reality. When I see an old building or machine, I feel an obligation to photograph from a historian's perspective it in order to preserve it.
Before the advent of digital photography, I was able to document many pieces of Georgia history prior to razing, fires, or just the deterioration of time.
I consider myself a photo-journalist, and have taken it upon myself to keep the memories alive and fresh. Archiving the past is my mission, and I intend on doing it as long as I am able.
It is a responsibility that I will continue to thoroughly enjoy!
Photo: Hartwell Scenic Railroad, the Scenic Line, on the trestle over Lake Hartwell in 1985.
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Richard Weisser, Broker, Associate Broker, Auctioneer, E-Pro, CE Instructor |
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All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc., and may not be used without the expressed written permission of Coweta Fayette Real Estate Better Homes and Gardens Metro Brokers, Newnan Georgia. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, Copyright 2003-2009. Richard Weisser REOS, E-Pro. licensed Auctioneer. 770-827-6225.
Learn more about Coweta County and Fayette County Georgia Real Estate, and to search the entire Georgia MLS for free with no registration required. Visit CowetaFayetteRealEstate.com! Photos of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. North Georgia Photos.
You are so right. In the short time we've been in Georgia (1992) ...we can attest to an incredible rate of change. The old southern ways and accents have all but disappeared, and the once bucolic beautiful landscape has been turned into thousands of of subdivisions. I also fear the new transient nature of the populous much of the localhistory will be lost in obscurity.
ANd I am so glad that we live in the digital age of photography now where images are much easier to take, preserve and display. Being an AP myself, I appreciate everything you are saying here Richard!
Jim...
It's progress, they say. And we benefit from it, but I like to keep the past alive. I live near a lot of historic sites that I photograph regularly, and I take photos of EVERY old building in Coweta County.
I will go through my photos and find the irreplaceable ones ... the places that have vanished! That will be fun!
Richard - After viewing many of your pictures in the Great Smoky Mountains Photos website, I would have to strongly disagree with your post, You are NOT an amateur photographer! Your works are incredibly professional.
Steve,,,
I only bought my Nikon digital body as a last resort ... I was going to the Smokies and I could no longer find decent film.
What amazed me was that when I snapped my 1984 35-135mm zoom in the bayonnet mount it not only fit (which I expected) but was fully functional, including auto-focus!
I still prefer film, but I was fighting a losing battle so I have adapted. Of course, digital is a thousand times better for real estate!
Jim...
I appreciate that my good friend, but the fact is, I have left most of the "good stuff" off the site. I am in the process of revamping it, and have some ireally nice images to add!
If anyone else is interested:
SmokyPhotos: Photographs of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
North Georgia Photos" Photos of the North Georgia Mountains and surrounding area.
That is an awesome shot! You've got a great eye!
Mel...
Thanks. I got down in the mud of the creek bed and waited for that shot. I knew I only had one chance to get the shot and I was lucky enough to get it! I'm glad you liked it!
Richard - great post, great shots. Love the B&W of the locomotive. I think B&W captures the essence of old railroads better than color. Looking at your other links, you have made Helen my next Georgia destination. What great shots.
Richard...I love to photograph, but I need to take a class or two. You have a very worthwhile hobby...me, I am lucky to know which way to point and click
Mike...
Thanks for the kind words and for checking out my other sites! I need to spend a little time updating them, they still do VERY well in the search engines! B&W really does make that shot!
Bill...
I just developed a style that I like by taking THOUSANDS of film photographs. You just learn what you like and what you don't like! Thanks, my friend.
You are right - I was born and spent my childhood in Milledgeville and the city barely resembles what I remember. Keep snapping away - with digital and the internet, you can archive and share photos and they have a life of their own!
Thomas...
It is so easy now, but I wonder how many possible historic photos were lost for lack of equipment and film! I still believ that film produces a higher quality image, but it sure is inexpensive to shoot digital!
Richard - I wonder if you have enough content for a book (or booklet). I would hope that there are many people who think as you do that the history and heritage of Georgia should be preserved.
Great photo, Richard... I dabble a little in photography but I seem to do less and less of it these days. There are definite advantages to film but I'm fully entrenched in the digital age now... tho I do still have my old Cannon SLR, which is about to get retired for a new digital SLR as soon as I can figure out which one to buy.
Richard,
You may be an amateur photographer but one that takes their job seriously.
Don R.
I agree with Ted. I hope you have a book professionally published!
I agree with Ted and Melody. You have more than enough for one book. I'll buy an autographed copy from first run.
Everyone that wants Richard to publish a book, say "Aye".
Ted...
It's one of my "on hold" projects ... that may be on the front burner soon! Thanks for the vote of confidence!
Mel...
I'm going to do a self-serving post later about some of my published photos ... I hope you will read it and be surprised by some of the work I've done.
Jim...
Thanks so much ... I'm gonna do the above reference post soon ... you might find it interesting!
Richard, I enjoy your photos very much. Have you rode that train? My father is a train buff. He even has his attic converted to a HO layout!
I think you are a great photographer! Thanks for sharing....now I am going to go check out your meme.
Lori...
Yes, I rode the train, but found out that the better photo opportunities resulted from "following" the train!
I used to have an HO scale model layout, even modeled the house we lived in, but it's all in boxes now! Thanks for your nice comment.