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The Odd Couple project, which began as a nod to the 1970s sitcom of the same name, is a study on relationships that go against the grain. Society can show us such a narrow view of what an ideal relationship looks like. This project continues to broaden that view by showing a spectrum of relationships, urging us to re-evaluate our perceptions. I seek out relationships that are perceived, either in the past or present, as unlikely pairings. Our relationships consist of more than what is seen from the outside, and what works for one couple will rarely work for another, but we all are looking for a sense of belonging and acceptance. KG: Hello Taylor & Lawrence!  I realized I don't know a pretty important story about you two...  Could you tell me how you two met?  (I love how paths bring us together so any and all details are welcome). Lawrence: So as you know we are both drag artists. @Taylor been doing drag for nearly 12 years if I’m not mistaken and I’ve been doing drag nearly 5. Well we met the same month I started back in February of 2019 in Athens, Ga. She was booked for a show through a friend of ours, over at Sister Louisa’s Church and I was there and I helped a bit with tips. Well she noticed me before I noticed her hehe. But at the end of the show Alex, the show director who is a mutual friend, introduced us. It was only after she had asked Alex about me that Alex decided we should meet lol. But after that we started following each other on instagram and it went from there. Taylor definitely had her eyes on the prize and I was just oblivious. 🤣 Lawrence: Now, without trying to create that type of brand. We’ve often been called the Drag Power Couple of ATL ✨✨✨ KG: I can see that! Who made the first move to go on a date or start hanging out? Also, she was in drag.  Were you?  Or did you catch her eye as Lawrence? Lawrence: Taylor was dropping hints for sure. And we ran into each other like twice. While also she was always reacting or commenting on my stories. And then I guess it was me cause one day I was at an event and she was at a different one she was throwing. Well we were messaging and talking about me coming to that one cause the one I was at was boring lol. Mind you I was in Athens and she was in Atlanta lol. So I decided to drive to Atlanta (I lived in Gwinnett at the time). I got stopped by the cops cause I had a busted tail light and they didn’t wanna let me drive. So I let her know the situation cause I couldn’t make it. And she decided to come all the way from her event and come and pick me up and take me to my house. And I told her to spend the night lol. And then I think a few weeks later is when we decided to go on a date and we went to Savage Pizza in L5P. Lawrence: I wasn’t in drag. I caught her eye as Lawrence 😄 KG: Okay!  So that makes sense to me but I want to see if it tracks for you two.  The first time you two saw each other Taylor was in her art, her drag persona but you were there as you.  It makes sense to me that she would look across the room and see a man that she wanted to get to know better and it's almost better that you didn't fall for her as a performer.  Does that make sense?  We want our partner to love what we create but we don't necessarily want them to love us because of it. Lawrence: Yes! Taylor: I definitely agree with that. Which is why I think following each other on Insta was great bc he got to see me outside if drag and I got to snoop and investigate lol Lawrence: Definitely snooped and investigated 🤣 KG: Which is also what insta is all about! I love that you went to rescue him on the side of the road.  It's like a romance novel book cover, it draws a picture. KG: There is gold in those details.  One of the reasons I was drawn to you two for this project is because you're both drag artists. Being an artist and creative, I have thought that two artists in a relationship can be hard but your relationship's origin story pulls at this thread of it's about two individuals really seeing each other.  It's hard to find and so special when you do. Can I ask when each of you knew it was love? Taylor: I think I knew it was love a few months into being together. When he helped me without asking and supported me in all my wild choices. Like building a music video set in his basement lol And when he wasn’t afraid to be vulnerable with me. Which meant he trusted me. KG: For which video?  I'd like to watch with that in mind Taylor: https://youtu.be/AofLFi3LEfg?si=BrLqslwLv14L3_NY Lawrence:It was definitely when I became vulnerable Because I had just gotten out of a relationship and just trying to find myself and I think Taylor helped me find myself . Especially during a time I truly lost my way. Lawrence: I had also just started my transition about 4 months prior. Lawrence: I definitely knew it was love around this time frame. Cause it was also when I wasn’t doing well financially because I lost a high paying job because of my transition and it made me fall behind in bills and my truck was repoed. And she helped a lot during that time. KG: Wait wait wait!  You worked on a video for a song called Romeo within a few months of dating?  Yes I would say you both were catching feelings early!  That set is so cute!  I love the old-school hallway. (Folks I did not speak to the bigger message of this video, I suggest you watch.) Had either of you felt supported like that before in a romantic relationship?  It sounds and looks very special. Lawrence- so you were in a season of change?  Which is hard and lays bare what you want & need.  Taylor- what was your life when Lawrence entered the picture? Taylor: I definitely had been supported like that before but not to that extent? Not to put down my exes but I always felt like the motivator in those relationships and this felt different. When I met Lawrence I was in another relationship. We were open and polyam. This was my first time falling for someone and pursuing a relationship with them while also with someone else. It definitely was complicated and there were struggles. KG: No relationship is without those.  Thank you for being so candid and telling me more of your story. Lawrence: All my relationships maybe one I felt supported but wasn’t to this extent ever. And I say it time and time again, Taylor is the first relationship I’ve ever been in where even with disagreements and misunderstandings we’ve never fought or argued. We’ve always been able to discuss things. It’s never been a battle with one another. And that I’m truly grateful for Taylor: Crying meme KG: Wonderful!  Then I think the last question I have is - Do you have any advice for other couples? Taylor: Communication is key. No relationship can thrive without open and honest communication. You also have to have a lot of patience and be willing to be challenged on things you thought you were firm on. I feel as if a relationship has to be challenging in certain ways for it to last and grow. Lawrence: I agree to this. Thank you to Taylor & Lawrence for working with me, Andy Lovell for your support & BTS, Kelly Marie for assisting with set build and lighting, and Invest Atlanta and the Mayor’s Office of Film and Entertainment for funding to support this project.

Our personal histories are rich with stories and memories, passed down through generations. One of the most treasured ways to keep these memories alive is through family heirlooms. These precious objects carry the weight of our ancestors' experiences and serve as a link to our past. However, as time goes by, these heirlooms may fade into obscurity or remain hidden away in storage. But what if we could breathe new life into these treasures and transform them into beautiful artworks that not only preserve our personal history but also serve as stunning visual representations of our heritage? In this blog post, I show you how I create artwork with family heirlooms and discuss how I can do the same for your family. Let’s talk about creating personal history preservation artwork you can cherish and pass on to future generations. Unleashing the Power of Sentimental Objects: Family heirlooms hold immense sentimental value. Whether it's an antique pocket watch, vintage clothing, or a weathered photograph, these objects have witnessed countless stories and evoke powerful emotions. By preserving these items with fine art photographs, we can transform them into beautiful reminders of your history that you see daily! The process of selecting, arranging, and showcasing these heirlooms in a creative way allows us to explore your family's narrative in a visual and expressive manner. Each family has different needs based on the items and stories they wish to preserve but I offer packages including the final pieces to make the process that much easier for you! Take a look. Sharing the Legacy: Another reason I strongly encourage creating artwork from family heirlooms is that the process is not just a personal endeavor but also an opportunity to share and engage other family members around your family’s history. By creating artwork with the inclusion of heirlooms, these artworks become visual archives, capturing the essence of our personal history in a way that transcends time and can be shared by numerous family members. No more fighting over that one piece when everyone can have a visual representation of it! This is yet another way to create a legacy for future generations, enabling them to understand and appreciate their roots. Making this work a great gift for years to come! Preserving personal history is a gift we can give to ourselves and our future generations. Creating artwork with family heirlooms transforms these objects into visual testaments of our heritage. Whether you work with a professional photographer like myself or another creative expression, we can celebrate our ancestors, relive their stories, and pass down our legacy to those who come after us. Don’t allow your family heirlooms to gather dust in forgotten corners but instead use them as a source of inspiration to keep your personal history alive through the power of art. Make an appointment today to talk about your preservation needs!

A headshot and a professional portrait are two types of photographs that have different purposes and styles. A headshot is a close-up photograph of a person's head, typically used in a professional settings such as forresumes, social media profiles, or acting and modeling portfolios. The focus of a headshot is on the person's face, and it is usually taken in a neutral or plain background to keep the focus on the subject. On the other hand, a professional portrait is a photograph that captures a person's likeness in a more artistic or creative way. The portrait can be a full-body or close-up image, and it often includes the person's surroundings or context. Professional portraits can be used for various purposes such as personal branding, corporate profiles, magazine editorials, or as a gift for a loved one. It's important to think about how you intend to use the images when scheduling a session. If you need a tight photo of your face to put on your LinkedIn profile, a headshot is all you need. If you want to give your audience more a sense of who you are, you need to schedule a professional portrait session. For each session, whether a headshot or a portrait, I include tips for helping you get the best final image possible. I also work with talented Hair & Makeup Artists and Stylists if you want help with your look. Each session is custom-built with your needs in mind. Reach out today! All images Copyright Kaylinn Gilstrap.

The Odd Couple project, which is a nod to the 1970s sitcom of the same name, is a study on how relationships have evolved past societal norms being the deciding factor in connection. Instead, this project takes a deeper look at the notion that our differences can make stronger partnerships. Our relationships consist of more than what you see from the outside and what works for one couple, won’t necessarily work for another but we all are looking for a sense of belonging and acceptance. This collection urges us to re-evaluate our first impressions and question the beliefs that develop these notions. In this second chapter of this project, I'm looking to expand with partnerships that can speak to issues of the day. If you are part of a unique partnership that wants to collaborate on an artistic portrait of your relationship, please reach out. Not only will you help an artist grow a project but we'll preserve some of your personal history! Please email me at k@kaylinngilstrap.com or through my contact page. Some (not all) of the partnerships I'm seeking: Married but living separately “I love them, but I need my own space.” Different religious/spiritual practices Different political views Opposite career paths City mouse/country mouse Big difference in ages Homebody/social butterfly Funding was provided by the InvestAtlanta & Mayor’s Office of Film & Entertainment to continue pursuing this project in 2023.

The Odd Couple project is a study on how our differences can make stronger partnerships. These couples create a life together that honors their unique experiences and pushes back at a societal belief of a standard relationship structure. Kylie & Casondra followed the path of many couples before them. They met in high school, dated for four years, got married, and lived happily ever after... The end. We love a happy ending, don’t we? However, without the complexities and twists of life, it would lack intrigue and adventure. I believe Kylie and Casondra are still building their happy ever after, but their story started out as Kyle and Casondra. Kylie & Casondra © Kaylinn Gilstrap Kylie knew something was not quite right since age six but she tried to live the way society expected Kyle to. She lived that way a long time but when you feel your body doesn't match who you are a weight settles on your shoulders. She was happy in her marriage and work was going well but she was depressed and angry. Angry that she had allowed herself to follow a path for so long that would never lead to her own peace and happiness. Eventually, Kylie not only became tired of hiding from Casondra but also denying who she truly was. So on a lunch break from work in December 2014, a week into therapy, Kylie told Casondra she was transgender and that she still loved her and would like to remain married. Then they went back to work. Casondra had known her partner was struggling and had even contemplated if being transgender was the cause. So she was somewhat prepared but the revelation left her questioning what that meant for her. She had gotten used to the routine of their life together and this required her to rethink what box she fit into. Casondra went looking for help but there weren’t many couples like them that were sharing their experience. She eventually found the term pansexual which she describes as “Loving the soul, not the package.” And started considering how she would live her life if she wasn’t concerned about what other people thought. It seems like change happens on a dime when you’re in it but looking back you can pick up small events that set everything in motion. Kylie and Casondra remember the steps that brought them together and they remember the steps that helped them transition. Just like Kylie, for Casondra it wasn’t really a question whether they should stay together. Two days after the lunch conversation they went shopping for Kylie’s wardrobe and slowly started making their way down a new path. Their marriage transitioned alongside Kylie. One of the beauties of companionship is some things change and other things never do. That lunch time conversation sparked change for each of these women and in turn strengthened their union. Casondra discovered that she truly loved this person for who she was, not the physical form or the name attached. Kylie found acceptance and the joy of living as her true self. Their vows had been tested but they stood by them because why would you leave your soulmate? Kylie and Casondra renewed their vows in September 2016 as wife and wife. I met Kylie and Casondra while covering a panel for CNN called "Demystifying Transition - Living as Transgender in America" and later asked them to sit for my Odd Couples project. You can hear more directly from Kylie on her podcast, Positively Trans.

I'm putting on an art event in my hometown of Branson, CO running from August 13th-27th, 2022. Branson is a rural agricultural community fifty miles from resources and easy access to art. The mission of this event is to share the work of rural artists and introduce the creative community I’ve been lucky enough to grow around in Atlanta. For the first event, I'm focusing on COMMUNITY, as I introduce all the fantastic creative forces I know to each other through their art. Alongside this show will be a student print pinup show for budding artists to show their work and find inspiration from experienced artists. As a young creative, I was encouraged by artists and makers in the area and I would like to help foster that network. A little bit about myself and why I decided to host an art show in Branson. I was raised on the JL Cattle Company ranch and first took photography through the local 4-H chapter. Growing up in a rural area helped me understand the importance of relationships and how each individual’s strengths are integral to the success of the greater community. Spending the last seventeen years in Atlanta has given me easy access to art and a diverse creative community to inspire and teach me. I want to continue to grow and support my creative community while giving back to my rural roots. Below is more info on the show and how to enter. Follow along on IG @ruralartshow as the event comes together! Important Dates for the 2022 Rural Art Show “Community” exhibit · June 6: Art Submission deadline Extended! · July 1: Notification of acceptance · August 6 & 10: Deliver work to Garage - local artists · Aug 13-Aug 27: Exhibit on display · Aug 13: Opening Reception · Aug 27: Closing Reception · Aug 27-28: Artists can pick up work Eligibility · Open to artists of all career levels from emerging to professional, 18 years of age or older · Submit up to two entries, no entry fee. · Max Size: no one side larger than 50” · Any media including painting, works on paper, printmaking, photography, sculpture (excluding installation art) · Works accepted both display ready for hanging & prints for our extended community print pin-up display · By entering the exhibit, artists whose works are selected for the show grant the Rural Art Show the right to use submitted images on printed materials, website & social media sites for promotional purposes. · Artwork accepted for the exhibit does not have to be for sale. Rural Art Show will receive a 10% commission for each work sold from the exhibit. Payment for works sold during the show will be issued within 30 days of the end of the exhibit. · Artist responsible for art delivery and pickup Link for Entry - Emerging & Professional artists Rural Art Show: Community Branson Community Center & Garage 400 Main St. Branson, CO 81027 Opening reception: Aug. 13th 2022 3 pm - 6 pm Closing reception: Aug. 27th, 2022 After the Branson Reunion 5 pm - 7 pm Viewings also available by appointment, 770-906-5066. Student print pinup show flyers below, available for download. Student artists are welcome to collect artwork at the closing event or artwork will be returned to their school (School drop only available to Branson, Des Moines, & Kim schools).

The first time I saw Rita was in the communion line. She is a striking woman with soulful blue eyes, a kind smile, and of course, there are her tattoos. Even though she caught my eye what really fascinated me was that the man holding her hand, her husband George, had no tattoos. I do love a good contrast! I thought they were perfect for my Odd Couple project and after months of seeing them, I finally asked a friend for an introduction. Rita & George © Kaylinn Gilstrap Rita was 52 when she got her first tattoo and now at 67, she has spent around 100 hours in the chair. She has geishas, a skull on a roller skate for her roller derby daughter, DeathSkull, a portrait of her dad, dragons, flowers..... George just shrugs whenever someone points out the contrast. He loves the woman and all the artwork that goes along with her. But I was literally only getting to the surface of the story and these two people. I have been told, if you’re living, you are a survivor. It's not a question of if we're survivors, it's a question of what we've survived. So when Rita started opening up to me as we sat on her front porch I should have been prepared but I wasn’t. Rita and George have weathered some major storms. In 2004 their son (stepson to George), Chris (Christopher Paul Caldwell) disappeared off a cruise ship. In 2008, George was diagnosed with stage four tonsil cancer which was a fight for life and marriage. In 2010, they lost their daughter (step-daughter to George), Stephany to a drug overdose. There is no preparing for any of these events let alone a series of them. Rita's tattoo is in honor of her son, Chris. Shortly after getting the tattoo, her husband George was diagnosed with stage four tonsil cancer. © Kaylinn Gilstrap Rita is completely transparent about her grief and also how she survived it. She describes in vivid detail driving down the Oklahoma turnpike when she received the call about Stephany and hearing in the background the emergency crew trying to bring her back. Rita remembers almost a year after Chris disappeared telling her doctor if she didn't help her, she wouldn't be around the following month. She also recalls George's intense fight against cancer with thirty-seven rounds of radiation and two rounds of chemo but is so grateful that he's had seven years now cancer-free. Rita doesn't deny or hide the dark, low places grief and trials can take us, and acknowledging them lets in some light. Rita & George will celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary in April. © Kaylinn Gilstrap She still misses Chris and Stephany. That never goes away. She just does her best to memorialize them by releasing a balloon with a note every birthday and keeping them present in her home. Besides that Rita embraces every day she has with George, her other two kids, twelve grandkids, and two great-grandkids because she knows there is no guaranteed amount of time for any of us. Rita and George just keep moving forward; scars, tattoos and all. "If you banish the dragons, you banish the Heroes" Andrew Solomon Rita and George met on the dance floor. They still spin each other around whenever they can. © Kaylinn Gilstrap Odd Couples is a study on how opposites attract and how social views are not the deciding factor in connection.

A while back I was asked to speak to the ATL Photo Nite community about my work. For me being asked to speak in front of a crowd is stress-inducing, I often joke that I’m better one on one. However, it is such a great opportunity. Not only can I introduce myself to people that don’t me or my work but it gives me a space to practice vulnerability. I’m still learning how to do this but it’s work with doing. One of the projects I spoke of that night was “Odd Couples”. Odd Couples is a study on how opposites attract and how social views are not the deciding factor in connection. At the end of the evening, someone asked me what I learned about love through this project. I wish I had dug deep but I said something self-deprecating and funny. I’d like to try again here. I learned that we all are looking for a sense of belonging and acceptance. That what works for one person, won’t necessarily work for another. That love is and always will be a bit of a mystery. It’s what makes the pursuit of it (and the projects studying it) so wonderfully intriguing. And the ultimate truth that loves is something that you have to maintain and nurture, even when you’re lucky enough to find it. Here’s the story behind how I met one of the couples featured in the project Photo: Alice & Jody © Kaylinn Gilstrap The first time I met Alice and Jody was at a storytelling event in Atlanta. A girlfriend and I had both recently went through a breakup and we were helping keep each other's spirits up. We spotted a couple of empty seats at a table where two other women were sitting so we quickly headed over. We exchanged names and then Jody asked "How are you doing?". Having had a good day and feeling upbeat I responded "Great!". Everyone then turned to my companion. She was not in high spirits and was giving Eeyore a run for his money. She sighed deeply and said "Fine". Alice and Jody, noticing the gloom, started asking her what had her so down. I jumped in not wanting to start the evening outgoing further down that road with, "It's a man. Isn't it always a man!?". I still remember the edges of their lips slowly creeping up into a smile and Jody's chuckle, as Alice simply said "Not for us.". We still laugh about our first meeting and my bull in the china shop introduction. We all have an idea of how love should look. There I was that winter evening right in front of it and for a brief moment, I didn't recognize it. When we have set expectations or don't allow time to truly see others we're at risk of missing out on meaningful interactions and experiences. Luckily, Alice and Jody have kept me around (probably for comic relief) and I have witnessed time and again their love for each other and those around them. I was an honored guest at their wedding and years later they were able to keep my spirits up when I could say again "It's a man. Isn't it always a man!?". #lovewins I photographed Alice & Jody for my Odd Couples project. Alice identifies as a beatnik and Jody is an Episcopalian priest.

This is my very first billboard from about thirteen years ago. Image courtesy of my mother, Nora Gilstrap. Billboard on I-25 in Colorado. After being in Atlanta for about 6 months, I had a phone conversation with my dad. I had heard murmurings about an army base plans to expand near my hometown. I called him up with the expectation he would tell me it would be okay and he wasn’t worried. I called him up so he would comfort and soothe any fear I had. He couldn’t do that. In 1983, the United States Army established a base in South-Eastern Colorado with land acquired through purchase and eminent domain. The Army promised they would never return for more land but in 2006 they began plans to expand the Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site by nearly half a million acres. They claimed the land was empty. Citizens that were displaced the first time and ranches that had been handed down from generation to generation were being threatened. Descendants of the Duran Rodeo Ranch - Kaylinn Gilstrap © 2006 Thus began a project that consisted of eleven trips back home when I was just getting my footing in Atlanta. I joined forces with a local grassroots organization, PCEOC (Piñon Canyon Expansion Opposition Coalition) to photograph the ranchers and private landowners whose land was not for sale. It was the first major project I took on, one that relied on me solely finding the visuals to aid the fight. There was no PR or marketing agency on retainer, just a group of small-town folks that prefer to be out of the limelight. It still feels like some of the most important work I’ve ever done. Parishioners at the Branson Community Church. Kaylinn Gilstrap © 2009 When I first began showing my portfolio around I left out my connection to this story. That my childhood home, where my dad has lived nearly all his life, is about 37.5 miles (as the crow flies) from the maneuver site. That the army base was established the year I was born and I was unaware of its existence until 2006. The funny thing about roots is when things are good you forget they are there. You don’t feel them tethering you to a spot until there is a disturbance. Family portrait. Kaylinn Gilstrap © 2017 In 2013, the Army abandoned the expansion plans which was largely due to the efforts of opposition groups like PCEOC headed by Lon Robertson (RIP) and Not 1 More Acre headed by Kimmi Lewis (RIP). The people down there know what hard work is and can put up a hell of a fight, these two people specifically were forces to be reckoned with. We continue their watch. My dad’s shadow on a trailer with an aging No Expansion of Piñon Canyon bumper sticker. Kaylinn Gilstrap © 2019

I’ve been thinking about this time as moving from one space to another. As you grow or change, moving into a different space or mindset that better suits where you are. This has been a time of asking myself how I want to move forward and what’s important to me. Old studio space At the top of my “what is important” list is people. That should come as no surprise if you’ve read the stories I put in my IG captions but it’s always good to refocus on my mission as a business owner. I love telling people's stories whether for a company or a publication or my own personal projects. I want to make sure I’m doing my best to move forward during this time as safely as possible, for my clients, my subjects, and my crew. To be confident I am doing my part, I have taken a Covid-19 safety course through Rightway Consulting. I also have built a diverse list of trusted professionals and resources during my fifteen years in this industry to reach out to when a job calls for it. Testing the natural light in the new space with a self-portrait. Recently, I also moved studio spaces. I moved out of our space on the OG Goat Farm site and into a new space in the Reynoldstown neighborhood of Atlanta. It’s hard to leave some spaces behind, but I like to think it pushes us forward into new opportunities. My first love is and always will be shooting on location but that doesn’t always fit the bill and I’m prepared for those scenarios. Just a few days ago I shot a round of Velveteen Rabbit portraits/stop motions in this space, so keep your eyes peeled for that! Whatever your next project may need, I hope you’ll reach out to my team and me. We’d love to show you what we have to offer. Contact 215 Chester Ave Atlanta, GA 30316 Mail: k@kaylinngilstrap.com Tel: 770-906-5066

I’ve had the pleasure of working with Sa-Roc twice now. Each time has been an absolute pleasure and the last time (but hopefully not the LAST time 🤞), we created these images for an upcoming record release. Sa-Roc is a force. There is a soft, ferocity to her which makes it hard to pull your eyes from her and as I listen to her lyrics, my arms and legs bristle with goosebumps. But don’t take my word for it - here’s her Tiny Desk link. Let her words be your anthem for the week. “Spent half my life trying find my light from outside sources, while the only voice that mattered came from me You betta shine on em baby, you a star. You betta Be exactly who you are-Forever Cuz they gon try and change your heart. Don’t let up Cuz You so damn fine, just the way you are…” - Sa-Roc BTS: What I remember about that day is laughter. I remember there was a goat there to greet us as we arrived at the farm. It was a welcome greeting after the 2 hour drive from the city! We took in the fresh air as we patted the goat, it chewing on clothing, hair, whatever caught it’s attention. We had one shot before the rain started but the beautiful surrounding and our animal visits kept spirits high. It was a magical day in the country with a talented Atlanta MC.

During the past three months I’ve been spending time reconnecting with family and the stories we tell. Some of which have been about my Grandad Jack, who was one of my favorites. The man I knew was quiet, kind, a bit of a jokester, loved Dr Pepper and was ridiculously good at Chinese checkers aka Sternhalma. He loved the open road and would sometime take off without telling anyone he was going. He was not perfect but I loved him very much. I told him so whenever I saw him and he always responded “The feeling is mutual.”. That was his way. Last year I brought his bible home with me to Atlanta. There are a lot of personal details on display when you look at someone’s holy book, Bible or otherwise. The protective covering they use (or don’t), the notes written or stuck inside, if the binding is broken and crackling pages. See for yourself. But there was one detail that struck me. When I said my Grandad was quiet, I also mean private. I have interviews with him that consist mostly of dead air. So seeing this unsteady scrawl in the death notices tells a little more of his story. I think this is a visual of my Grandfather’s grief for his eldest son. Uncle Jack, named after his father, died in 2008 . I’ve heard it said from family and otherwise, that a parent should never outlive their child, no matter the age of either. The loss of my uncle laid heavy on my grandparents and to see a visual of him processing that grief is heart-wrenching. However, he was not one to speak on his feelings and although it’s not the happiest of moments of our family history, it’s a part of our story and I’m glad to know a little more. Need to preserve some family history? Contact Kaylinn Gilstrap: Story Photography Mail: k@kaylinngilstrap.com Tel: 770-906-5066