Weathered and Worn Art Exhibit at Burpee Museum in Rockford

Mark your calendars! On August 14th from 5-8 pm the Burpee Museum in Rockford Illinois, located at 737 N Main Street to be exact, will be hosting an art exhibit featuring the "Weathered And Worn" art of three local photographic artists... Ryan Davis, Jason Ommodt, and
myself (John Parli).

Please feel free to stop by and enjoy some Sangria and snacks and view some creative works featuring rotten buildings, decrepit old cars, and many other time ravaged places that intrigue us all.

by John Parli Photography

by jas1ne photography

Can't make it? Bummer, but no worries... the show will be on display up to the 15th of September during Burpee's normal hours. Hope to see you there. If you'd like more info please feel free to visit the events page or just contact any one of us.

If you're interested in taking home some of these items all framed up and ready to hang just visit the bid page for more info. A portion of all proceeds will go to benefit the Burpee Museum's children's programs.

by Ryan Davis Photography

A Few Quick Questions

In an effort to better tailor our services to meet your exact needs we are curious to hear what you want, need, and expect from professional photography services. Whether it be an engagement or wedding, senior or family portraits, newborn or children's images, etc... just note it in the form below with any suggestions, comments, or ideas and we will take them all into consideration.

Evolution of Dad

A while ago I was approached by Dana Glazer, a film maker putting together a documentary film about fathers and stay home dads. He came upon a photo I produced to portray the way I saw the stay home dad/parent taking on the duties of the household and children... or maybe that is just my way of doing it. A little exaggerated maybe but my little pal got a kick out of it as she struggled to steal the dish towel from my clutches. This image was used in the opening sequence of The Evolution Of Dad. The documentary interviews several different people and covers several different aspects and points of view of the entire SAHD (Stay At Home Dad) scenario... some of which caught me a little off guard. It doesn't just focus on the SAHD, but dads in general and the importance of their role not only in the family and household but also in a child's life. It's worth checking out and the short preview doesn't really do it justice. And I'm not just saying that just because I am privileged to be a SAHD with my 'muse' Grace! Check it out.

Disclaimer: my kitchen doesn't always look like that : )

Independence!

I watched the flag pass by one day.
It fluttered in the breeze.

A young Marine saluted it,
And then he stood at ease.

I looked at him in uniform;
so young, so tall, so proud.
With hair cut square and eyes alert,
he'd stand out in any crowd.

I thought how many men like him
had fallen through the years.
How many died on foreign soil;
how many mothers' tears?

How many pilots' planes shot down?
How many died at sea?
How many foxholes were soldiers' graves?
No, freedom isn't free.

I heard the sound of Taps one night,

when everything was still.

I listened to the bugler play

And felt a sudden chill.

I wondered just how many times

That Taps had meant 'Amen.'

When a flag had draped a coffin

of a brother or a friend.

I thought of all the children,

of the mothers and the wives,

of fathers, sons and husbands

With interrupted lives.

I thought about a graveyard
At the bottom of the sea.

Of unmarked graves in Arlington .
No, freedom isn't free.

Enjoy Your Freedom

and

God Bless Our Troops!