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What seemed like moments later the sirens got extremely loud and Dave and Jenny heard tires screeching as a police cruiser came to a stop in Dave’s driveway.

Thomas James Broadway stepped out of the cruiser – sunglasses and wide brim Stetson hat firmly affixed to his head – gun unholstered – surveying the “situation”. TJ as he liked to call himself, worked with Dave at Bloomfield’s Sheriff’s department 11 years ago when TJ broke into the force. TJ was always looking in a mirror at himself and his uniform was always immaculately maintained; from his highly polished shoes to the tip of his hat. He earned the nickname “Broadway Joe” or just “Broadway” which TJ hated – but it stuck.

TJ looked through the iron gate down toward the back of the property. As he gazed his eye stopped at the bright red color of the swimming pool. He thought for a moment and then said to himself “Nah, can’t be”. His thoughts were interrupted by the shouting and hand waving of Jenny who was trying to get TJ’s attention.

“Miss”, TJ returned, waving his arm, “I’ll be right there”. Although TJ didn’t see Dave, dispatch had told him that Dave called in the 11-8 and requested an ambulance. TJ firmly gripped the Glock 9mm in both hands and held it with the barrel pointed to the ground as he kicked open the iron gate.

Read what you’ve missed here:

Part 1: In a Blur
Part 2: Tomato Soup
Part 3: Missing in Action

Michael Van der Tol has created another slide show for us, with contributions from aamora members and guests. Slip off your boots and enjoy….

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Michael Van der Tol, a founding member of aamora, was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada in 1959 and currently lives in Stittsville, Ontario, Canada. He is primarily self-taught in photography and has been sharing what he sees for the last 10 years. His photographic work focuses on rural and urban landscapes. You can see more of Michael’s work here and enjoy his blog here.

Aamora acknowledges and thanks:

Michael Van der Tol for conceiving and producing”Portrait of Dreams”, the aamora members and guests who made the portraits, and their subjects who so generously shared their time and their “dreams”:

Chandra, photographed by Diane Peterson
Sarah, photographed by Catharine Amato
Crystal, photographed by Aaron Schwartz
Alexis, photographed by John Linton
Stefan, and Ronnie, both photographed by Ronnie Ginnever
D.A.Windle, photographed by Marie Wilson
Sheralee, photographed by Alexis Gerard, and
Quinna, photographed by Maura Wolfson-Foster

The song “Brake” is by Canadian artist Melissa McClelland from her “Victoria Day” album.

(If you would prefer an alternative to viewing the slide show in the window above, try viewing it by clicking here.)

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Michael Van der Tol, a founding member of aamora, was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada in 1959 and currently lives in Stittsville, Ontario, Canada. He is primarily self-taught in photography and has been sharing what he sees for the last 10 years. His photographic work focuses on rural and urban landscapes. You can see more of Michael’s work here and enjoy his blog here.

Michael Van der Tol, member and co-administrator of aamora, asked our members to contribute their favorite shot of 2009. He created this slide show for you to enjoy. Thanks, Michael, and Happy New Year everyone!

Following Crystal Lamont’s first appearance on aamora, we received a flood of letters (well, ok, e-mails) from photographers around the world hoping to have Crystal say a few words about their work.  Crystal has graciously agreed to provide this service from time to time on aamora, and welcomes submissions for her adjudication.  Here is the first of what we think will be an interesting series of columns titled “Crystal on You”:

Dear Crystal,

I was inspired by your thoughtful and honest critique of Marie Wilson’s work on Aamora. I am working on a new project called “Stuff in My Basement” and would love to get your professional opinion. I’ve included a few of my favorites from that portfolio. With “Stuff in My Basement” I am trying to draw the asymptote between “Why we collect stuff” and the premise that we will actually need this “Stuff” sometime in the future.

I’m on Pins & Needles awaiting your reply,
Michael Van der Tol

First of all, let me heap loads of kudos on your person for having the vision to tackle such a project as “Stuff in My Basement”. Now, while I applaud your basic “everyman” approach to shooting the crap you’ve accumulated, I regret that your stuff is not as interesting as, for example, mine. It isn’t your fault that the things you save are as boring as Nancy Reagan’s shoes, but these photos are your opportunity to learn from the error of your deficient pack rat ways.

Before you continue shooting for your portfolio, get some better stuff. You’ll find plenty of good merchandise at dollar stores and bargain basements. But you may need to develop your materialistic eye before you go purchasing any more fake dwarf Xmas trees.

And why are you trying to draw the asymptote when you can just shoot it? If you’re like me, you can’t draw a straight line let alone a tote of any sort. Next photo from you, I expect to see that asymptote right there in the midst of your stuff. I’m sure it’s a much more interesting object than those doors.

On an up note, I do like that dash of delarobia blue in the sink shot. Perhaps you could find more of that fabric and put up some curtains? Just a thought. Best of luck to you, Mr Tol. Now get off those pins and needles and put them into some fab fabric to make those photogenic curtains!

Inimitably yours,
Crystal
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Crystal Lamont, photographiste, actress, filmmaker, commentator and celebrity, is a distinguished member of aamora. She is a reknowned expert on all things aesthetic.  Michael Van der Tol, a founding member of aamora, was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. in 1959 and currently lives in Stittsville, Ontario, Canada. He is primarily self-taught in photography and has been sharing what he sees for the last 10 years. His photographic work focuses on rural and urban landscapes. You can see more of Michael’s work here and enjoy his blog here.
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