Ricky Davis 11/28/25 Ricky Davis 11/28/25

Dark Art by Ricky Davis

I wanted to make an announcement here about my dark art work. I started photography way back in 2009. Over the years I’ve done a good bit of different styles of work under “TRD Photography”. There have been times I’ve tried to niche down a little bit to be able to focus on an area, but then I get asked to do other styles I’ve done and it’s become this cycle. TRD Photography means a lot of different types of work to different people.

My dark art and moody travel photography means a lot to me, and it’s an area of art that I want to focus more on, while still doing some of my other work that I love as well. I’ve decided to separate my darker work to where the people that are looking for my dark work can see all that under one brand that isn’t known for other things. I’ve met people recently at shows that have reached out to me because they’ve followed me but are just seeing some of my dark work and then a lot of non-dark work mixed in. So it being an art style that I really want to push, I want to give it it’s own place to grow and see what happens. So if you enjoy that type of work, follow me on my website www.therickydavis.com or on socials at Dark Art by Ricky Davis. Thanks so much guys!

Ricky Davis 11/20/25 Ricky Davis 11/20/25

Save Historic Engel Stadium in Chattanooga, TN

Historic Engel Stadium in Chattanooga, TN - Photography by Ricky Davis of TRD Photography

Historic Engel Stadium - Chattanooga, TN

As a kid one of my favorite places to go was to a Chattanooga Lookouts game at Engel Stadium. I remember my first game when I was probably around six years old. I’d just started playing little league baseball and I was on the Reds, so my parents took me to a Lookouts game, who were the Double A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. I don’t remember anything about the game other than the banging of the wooden seats to the rhythm of the organ, the sound of the beer man calling out “ice cold beer, get your ice cold beer here!”, the first time hearing Take Me Out to the Ball Game, and grabbing ice cream at Dairy Queen down the street in a mini baseball helmet.

Over the years, and many trips back, I made so many other memories. I met Chipper Jones without realizing it when he signed a baseball for me before a Southern League Championship game when he was with the Greenville Braves. I got Jason Varitek to sign a Mariners helmet for me that I still have to do this day. For those that didn’t know Jason was actually drafted by Seattle before becoming a star for the Red Sox and helping break the Curse of the Bambino. I saw Ozzie Canseco hit an inside the park home run, before leaving the stadium the back way to try to avoid signing autographs for the fans. I have so many more memories of players many may not remember as well. I remember Pokey Reese of the Reds, back when he was Calvin and have multiple autographs with his real name. Some of my favorite players were Scott Pose who got drafted by the Marlins in the Expansion Draft, Brian Koelling who once signed a card for me with a broken finger, and Steve Gibralter.

I have so many memories of visits to Engel with friends. One of my best friends as a kid and I went to see the Memphis Chicks play when prospect Phil Hiatt was with the team and he hit a homer into the street. One of the craziest experiences was when Michael Jordan played for the Birmingham Barons and I got to see him play twice that season. I’d never seen that many people at a Lookouts game before or since.

Engel Stadium is one of the oldest parks still standing in America. It was built in 1930 by Joe Engel, who was a scout for the Washington Senators and had been hired to go and buy a team to become the Senators first minor league affiliate. Engel Stadium opened it’s gates for the first time in 1930 for games and was an active stadium until 1999 when the Lookouts moved to their new stadium in Chattanooga, AT&T Park.

A lot of major league baseball teams, and touring teams made up of major league players and all-stars used to do barnstorming tours in the early half of the 20th century. During a trip that the New York Yankees made to Engel Stadium in 1931, a young female pitcher named Jackie Mitchell struck out both Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig during one of these exhibitions.

In both the 1920’s and 1940’s, Engel Stadium was also a part of the Negro Baseball Leagues. The great Satchel Paige actually played here at Andrews Field, which was the Lookouts field before Engel was built, and which was on the same site as Engel Stadium. It was noted that he threw his first professional pitch at Andrews Field before he left and joined the Birmingham Black Barons. In 1940 - 1946, the Chattanooga Choo-Choo’s played their home games at Engel Stadium. The Great Willie Mays played for the Choo-Choo’s while he was still in high school in 1945 and 1946.

Among some of the other baseball greats that have played or coached at Engel Stadium have been Henry Aaron, Harmon Killibrew, Rogers Hornsby, Ferguson Jenkins, and Kiki Cuyler. Many, many more modern stars came up having played at Engel, as well as other Negro League Players visiting the Choo-Choo’s. I remember reading a story in Cool Papa Bell’s biography with a story about an incident after visiting the Choo-Choo’s but haven’t been able to find it online.

Sadly the Stadium was given to the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga and they have proposed to demolish the stadium to build other athletic facilities on the property, even though the stadium has been designated as a historic site. I have reached out to the university to try to get access to take some photographs of the inside of the stadium, such as the scoreboard, the historic Coke sign, stadium seats, but I have yet to hear back from them in any capacity. I just want to document the stadium as thoroughly as possible.

I truly believe that landmarks such as these should be preserved. The stadium is currently in desperate need of repairs and I hope that eventually Chattanooga could turn this into a place for baseball and baseball history. Maybe a place for traveling teams to play and as well as a baseball museum of the history of America’s National Past Time in the Scenic City. It certainly has had it’s fair share of memories throughout the years.

Ricky Davis 11/11/25 Ricky Davis 11/11/25

Happy Veterans Day - A Small Town in Georgia Honors it's Vets - Ringgold, GA

Catoosa County Courthouse decorated for Veterans Day - Photographed on Kodak Tri X Film by Ricky Davis of TRD Photography

Scenes from the South - Veterans Day Edition from Ringgold, GA.

Several years ago my wife and I happened to be driving through Ringgold, Georgia one Friday afternoon. The roads were lined with white crosses and American flags. At first I didn’t realize that Veterans Day was coming up. As we drove further through downtown Ringgold, more and more flags decorated the streets, each cross with a name. The county courthouse lawn absolutely covered in flags and crosses.

The next morning I came back with my camera to try and photograph them. The lighting was horrid. Harsh sunlight and not a cloud in the sky. For my style of photography, it just didn’t work. I’ve tried the past several years with my digital camera and each time I’ve been unhappy with the lighting and colors. This year though, I lucked out knowing that Saturday morning was going to be super foggy. I left before sunrise (I live an hour away) and I took my film camera to photograph on black and white film instead of in color.

Ringgold is a beautiful little small town in North Georgia and I love seeing the honoring of our veterans in this way. If you have the opportunity to check it out, I highly recommend it. In this time in our country’s history, it’s important to remember the men and women who have served to help preserve democracy and our freedoms.

Ringgold, Georgia decorated for Veterans Day - Photographed on Kodak Tri X Film by Ricky Davis of TRD Photography

Ricky Davis 11/10/25 Ricky Davis 11/10/25

Scenes from the South - James County Antique Police Car (Outside of The Whistlestop)

James County Police Car outside of Whistlestop in Ooltewah, TN - Photographed on Kodak Tri X Film by Ricky Davis of TRD Photography

Scenes from the South - 11/10/25

This past Friday night we had some storms come in through the middle of the night and I had seen that it was supposed to be extremely foggy on Saturday morning. I had a set destination that I wanted to photograph in the fog, so I got my camera bag and headed out before daylight because I knew in the past few years when I’d tried to capture it early morning, the lighting has been rough. More on that in the post tomorrow though.

On my way back from photographing that though, I was driving through Ooltewah, TN. I’d been eyeballing this old police car with the James County lettering on it for years. I’ve always pictured photographing it on a foggy morning as it’s outside The Whistlestop there in Ooltewah. When I got back to Ooltewah from my first destination, there was still a good bit of fog around. So I drove over on Main St and snapped a few photos. I got several shots that I really like, but this one is one of my favorites. So I just wanted to share this one with you guys today.

Ricky Davis 11/9/25 Ricky Davis 11/9/25

A Glance at Historic Rickwood Field in Birmingham

Historic Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama. Photographed by Ricky Davis of TRD Photography

A Glance at Historic Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama…

I wanted to take a moment and offer a glance at a recent visit that I took to Rickwood Field, which happens to be the oldest standing ballpark in America. It’s located in Birmingham, Alabama and was built in 1910. It has been utilized as a field for the minor leagues, the negro leagues, and last year even Major League Baseball used it for the East-West Classic between the San Francisco Giants and the St. Lous Cardinals. Over 200 baseball Hall of Famers have played games at Rickwood Field.

Now I’m only offering a glance in this blog because the day I went the field was closed for tours. It wasn’t my primary destination but since it was so close, I had to stop by and take a few photos from outside the stadium. I look forward to making a trip down so I can see the historic park inside as well. I cannot wait to take that trip! I love baseball history so much and cannot wait to get to actually be in a park where Satchel Paige, Cool Papa Bell, Willie Mays, and so many others have stepped foot on the field.

For now, here are a few photos that I took that day.

Ricky Davis 9/9/25 Ricky Davis 9/9/25

Mickey's Dining Car - St Paul - Documenting America with TRD Photography

Mickeys Dining Car - St Paul, Minnesota - Kodak Tri X Film - Documenting America with TRD Photography

About a month or so ago now, I visited Minnesota for a long weekend. My wife was on a work trip, and as I’ve mentioned before, she is a huge Peanuts fan. (Peanuts being the comic strip by Charles Schulz) Charles Schulz grew up in the St Paul, Minnesota area before moving to California, so St Paul and Minneapolis have a ton of Peanuts Statues all over.

Long story short, as I was driving her around looking for the statues we came across Mickey’s Dining Car. I wasn’t out looking much for places for me to photograph because I was focusing on my wife’s love of Peanuts that weekend, but we couldn’t pass up checking Mickey’s out. We had already eaten lunch, but we had to go in and we were not disappointed!

The atmosphere here was just amazing. It was like stepping back in time. I grew up loving the 50’s and 60’s music and aesthetic, and this was just making me happy. We sat down in a corner booth and were looking over the menu. We were still stuffed from lunch, but we grabbed a milkshake and fries. The service was terrific! As we were waiting on our food, I looked around and started taking a few photos.

After getting back and looking up some info on Mickey’s Dining Car, I discovered it was actually used in the first and third Mighty Ducks Movie. I knew they were based in the St Paul/Minneapolis area, but I just thought that was awesome as The Mighty Ducks movies were childhood favorites of mine! It also was featured in Jingle All the Way.

If you’re ever in the area, I highly encourage you to stop and check it out. We are sadly losing more and more of these types of establishments and they need all the support we can give.

Ricky

Ricky Davis 9/7/25 Ricky Davis 9/7/25

Cades Cove Missionary Baptist Church - Documenting America with TRD Photography

Cades Cove Missionary Baptist Church - Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Kodak Tri X Film - Documenting America with TRD Photography

I grew up visiting Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains in the 1980’s and 1990’s. I have so many fond memories of camping in the campground and then either biking the cove or riding in the back of my dad’s small Nissan pickup. Of course as a kid you were excited about the deer, and ever hopeful of seeing a bear, but I also loved seeing the old cabins and churches along the loop trail.

I always love the Missionary Baptist Church, I honestly don’t remember why I was drawn to it. I think that back then it may have been that it was the third one on the loop road and may not have been as busy as the first two! Whatever it was I still love it to this day.

Recently I made a trip to the Cove to photograph with some film. I don’t go into Cades Cove hardly anymore because it’s so busy. I honestly prefer to explore areas that are less crowded and popular, but I really wanted to photograph some of the churches on film. It wasn’t as busy as usual, but by the time I hit the midway section of the loop, traffic was backed up to the exit. I didn’t stop at anymore spots because I had another appointment to get to.

If you don’t care about traffic or time, it’s definitely a nice drive, but in the Smokies there are some places that you may find a little less crowded like the Historic Nature Motor Trail in Gatlinburg, TN.

Ricky Davis 9/2/25 Ricky Davis 9/2/25

Literary Ink is THIS WEEKEND!!!! Here's a sneak peek of my booth...

Classic Academia Aesthetic - Still Life Photography - Kodak Tri X Film - TRD Photography

Literary Ink is THIS WEEKEND!!! So for those that don’t know, Literary Ink is a tattoo convention that takes place in my hometown of Chattanooga, TN. It’s the baby of my friend Jennifer Edge who owns Main Line Ink. It’s gone through some transitions over the years. It started out as more of a Wizarding World type themed convention and then Covid hit, and interrupted life as we know it. As the show has come back, it’s been amazing to see Edge and her crew behind the convention really explore more and more literary worlds. It’s a tattoo convention, but it’s not like any other tattoo convention I’ve ever been apart of, and it’s not trying to be. One of the beauties of this show is it provides a place for those not generally part of the tattoo crowd to come in and feel at home and get to know some of us that are. One of my booth regulars last year told me that they never thought they’d be planning to go to a tattoo show every year, but here they are…

Dark Academia - Still Life Photography - TRD Photography

My booth has transitioned a lot since I started doing Literary Ink as well! In the beginning I mainly brought some toy photography art that I had done, but I’ve been working more and more with still life photography and dark academia aesthetics the past few years and it’s become my passion, especially when I photograph it on film. I also have been doing a lot of travel work and photographing a lot of film of old buildings, cemeteries, and churches. So that’s definitely going to be highly represented at my booth this year. I’m sharing a few of my newer photographs that will be available as a print at my booth in this blog. But of course, I may have a few things for my long time booth visitors as well.

In conclusion, I think my favorite thing about Literary Ink is the people. It’s been amazing getting to vend the show every year and seeing some of the same faces year after year. It’s one of those shows that I know I’m going to see my friend Amy Kenyon, who is a badass photographer herself. I’m gonna see Edge running around like a chicken with her head cut off. I usually see Rachael, who we always talk about doing a shoot but still haven’t pulled the trigger on. I see people who show my photos of their walls with my photos in frames. That’s always an awesome experience. That people enjoy what I do enough to bring it into their homes. So I’m definitely looking forward to this weekend, and if you can, you should definitely check it out. It’s at the Chattanooga Convention Center Sept. 5-7. Check out www.literaryink.com for details.

Ricky

Dark Academia Gothic Artwork - Still Life Photography - TRD Photography

Basilica of Saint Mary - Minneapolis, MN - Kodak Tri X Film - TRD Photography

Ricky Davis 8/28/25 Ricky Davis 8/28/25

Kodak Tri X Test Roll Results... Still Life Work at the Studio

Send in the Clowns…. Kodak Tri X Film - Still Life Studio Photography by TRD Photography

During my last film session at my studio I had a little bit of a lighting issue. So today I wanted to do a test shoot to see if my suspicion of the issue was right. To test the roll, I decided to setup several different still life scenes. My brain gets pretty random when I do still life photography. So I put on Sierra Ferrell on my iphone (I just discovered her music and am loving it.) and then started going through some of my props putting some scenes together. The lighting turned out better than I expected.

I shot a roll of Kodak Tri X 120 film on my Mamiya 645 camera for this. On that roll you can expect to get somewhere between 13-15 shots per roll. When I do still life sets I generally take 1-3 shots per setup from varying angles/lighting movements. Out of 14 shots that came out, 12 of them were good solid usable shots. These were just my favorites of the setups. I’d love to hear what you guys think of these.

Baseball Still Life Photography - Kodak Tri X Film - TRD Photography

Da’ Bears - Football Still Life Photography - Kodak Tri X Film - TRD Photography

Dark Academia Skull Still Life Photography - Kodak Tri X Film - TRD Photography

Eat My Heart Out - Dark Art Still Life Photography - Kodak Tri X Film - TRD Photography

Ricky Davis 8/26/25 Ricky Davis 8/26/25

Old Car City USA Photographed on Film

Old Car City USA - Kodak Tri X Film - TRD Photography of Chattanooga, TN

Picture a place where you pull up to what appears to be a forgotten apocalyptic hellscape of vehicles left behind from a civilization that just vanished. After you go through the entry building and pay your $30 fee to explore and take photographs, you emerge into a land of rusted old cars and trucks. Everywhere you turn there are more cars and trucks, and then signs spreading “wisdom”. You start walking into the woods, and you find row after row after row of more antique cars and trucks, not to mention hidden surprises along the way like abandoned tricycles, old coca-cola coolers, gas pumps, etc. It’s a paradise for people that love history, love old cars, love nostalgia, or love to take unique photos.

I have visited Old Car City USA somewhere around four to five times now. It’s located down in White, GA, which is right around an hour south of Chattanooga and an hourish north of Atlanta. It’s the oldest junkyard in America and has over seven miles of trails for you to explore. To be completely honest it is very easy to get overwhelmed. On this trip I went specifically wanting to shoot film. I shot around six rolls of Kodak Tri X 120 film and these shots are just the beginning of what I captured on this trip.

Myself, I’m not really a huge car guy. I love the aesthetic of old cars and trucks, but I’ve never been one to know it’s this year or what motor it is. My mind just never really worked that way growing up. My dad was a huge car guy and loved going to the rod runs and seeing old card. I had tried talking him into going with me to Old Car City many times before he passed in 2020. I never could quite talk him into it. Each time since then that I’ve gone, it’s been a little heavy, but a little therapeutic as well. Walking through silent woods surrounded by these machines that my dad loved. It’s been something that has helped me to heal a little bit and come more to terms with things I think.

In closing, if you ever get the chance to go check it out, I highly recommend it, even if it’s just to go out and try to take it all in. Depending on the time of year, take plenty of water as well as bug spray. There were quite a few mosquitoes out this time, which I’ve never dealt with before. The owners had cans of bug spray you could use, but just plan ahead with that in mind. I did not and my legs are covered in mosquito bites. Ha!

Until next time…enjoy the rest of these photos.

Ricky

Ricky Davis 8/25/25 Ricky Davis 8/25/25

Documenting America with TRD Photography - Jesus or Hell?

Scenes from the South Series - Kodak Tri X Film - TRD Photography - Chattanooga, TN

Scenes from the South - Jesus or Hell?

So one of the things that I’ve been doing a lot of lately is exploring small towns and different places around the South. I have a lot of fun getting out and just finding different places and documenting kind of a different way of life. One of the things that I’m working on in my series is religious signs.

When I first started this series I remembered seeing lots of signs growing up along the roadways that we traveled. Even though I grew up in a strict, Christian conservative home, I was always taken aback by the signs. As an adult, I’ve actually been deconstructing alot of the things I was taught. I believe in God but a lot of the teachings seem to be in conflict to the teachings of Jesus. So I feel more inclined as I look around and see things, I want to capture it and have conversations about these things.

This sign I found going down into Georgia on a recent trip to take some photos at Old Car City USA. I knew I had to photograph it on the way back. It was in the Dalton, GA area and they had actually purchased the same billboard on both sides so they could hit people coming and going on the interstate.

When it comes to these signs, I don’t know if people understand how it comes across. I truly believe that all these signs do is to cause separation from those they think they are witnessing to. I do think that some of them have good intentions but they are so out of reality that they don’t realize how they come across. I’ve been in that boat before at times myself. It’s something where when it comes to your beliefs you’re never going to change minds by yelling and telling people how wrong they are. Changes come from relationships and true connections.

Anyways, about this photo, it’s just the first of many to come in this series. I shot this on Kodak Tri X Film.

Ricky Davis 8/24/25 Ricky Davis 8/24/25

Website Reorganization

From a session with Kelly - Kodak Tri X Film - Boudoir photography by TRD Photography

So I just wanted to give a heads up on some new website reorganization going on. I’ve revamped my “people” section and as you can see it’s all b&w film photography. Film photography is absolutely my passion. I am still available for digital clients who want the old “TRD” style of work, but I’ll only be posting that occasionally on my social media instead of on my website going forward.

The digital work that you will find on my website going forward is some in the dark art sections as well as under some of my travel photography that I do. If you have any questions, feel free to message me. I’ve still got a decent bit of revamping to do as I’ve neglected my website for far too long.

Ricky Davis 6/11/25 Ricky Davis 6/11/25

School, Portland, and Beyond....

Mural in Portland, Oregon - 2015 - TRD Photography - Shot on Kodak Tri X film

So it’s been way too damn long since I’ve blogged. I went back to school in 2023 and I graduated in May. It was a long two years but it was nice to prove to myself I could stick to it. But now I can get back to focusing on my photography work a lot more.

I am writing this from a motel room in Portland, OR. I haven’t gotten to visit this amazing city since 2018, and in 2018 I really just briefly got to pass through it. Not really getting out and shooting. So every day this week I’ve been getting out and shooting and exploring and it’s been absolutely amazing! I cannot wait to be able to share some of the photos that I’ve taken out here this time.

One of the reason’s I’m not sharing any yet in this post is because I’ve been shooting probably 90% of it on film. If you’ve followed my work in the past, I started learning to shoot with film back in 2015 and I fell super in love with it! I just absolutely love the depth and the feel that you get with film that you just don’t really get in digital work.

However in 2022, when I started shooting full-time again, I decided to focus on digital work. A lot more of my paid work came from my digital style over my film photography. Switching back and forth between the two styles can be quite exhausting because I approach both styles with a different approach.

Going forward though I’ve decided to really work on focusing more on my film photography. It’s what I’m really passionate about, along with my dark art and travel work. I keep coming to the conclusion that I’m not really interested in becoming a “big” photographer, or any of that kind of stuff. I want to put out work that means something to me and makes people feel something. That’s what I care about, even if it doesn’t make as much money or whatever. I want to put something out there that maybe people will look back on and think, wow, that’s got some feeling to it.

So anyway, I’m going to be working on making some changes on the website, and on my socials. I’m gonna try to be way more active. I am still going to shoot digital stuff, but mostly when I do it’ll be mixed in with my dark art and travel work. However I AM still willing to do digital shoots for those that request it. I just generally will not be posting those on my site or socials because I’m going to be promoting the work that I am wanting to build an audience for.

That’s a little bit about what I’ve been up to recently, where I’m at now, and kinda what I want to do in the future. Until next time….

Ricky

Ricky Davis 11/11/24 Ricky Davis 11/11/24

"My Body, Fuck Your Choice." Photo Series

“My Body, Fuck Your Choice.” Portrait of Lisa - Photo by Ricky Davis, TRD Photography

“My Body, Fuck Your Choice.” The Photo Series

On the evening of Tuesday, Nov 5th as the election results started coming in more and more, and it started looking more like another four years of Trump, I started to see posts that were very disturbing and alarming. More of my friends that I work with in the photography world were posting DM’s that they were receiving from men. Some said things like “your body, my choice.” Others clearly weren’t as clever as that. But all were meant in a threatening and chauvinistic way.

One of the biggest problems when we elect those to power, or have people put in the limelight that encourage hateful and sexist rhetoric, is it makes those that look up to them to engage in likeminded attitudes. It makes it ok in their minds.

For years as a photographer that works with models, and does boudoir as well as other work for magazines I have had to deal with sexist and lewd comments on my work and pages. I have always banned such rhetoric because I view the people I work with as friends, colleagues, and clients. I care about these people as people. I look at them as friends. Viewing women as pieces of meat, or as there for your viewing pleasure makes me sick. A lot of people don’t understand that a lot of these women do these shoots for themselves, to see themselves in a different way. They do these shoots because they put work in and are proud of that work.

When these comments started coming across the screen on election night, and in the days after, I wanted to do something. So I decided to start work on a new series entitled “My Body, Fuck Your Choice.” I strongly believe in women’s rights over their own bodies. No one should feel like a piece of property. I chose to start work on this series, and this is the first photo in this new series.

Ricky Davis 9/12/24 Ricky Davis 9/12/24

Walking the Grounds of Central State Hospital…An Abandoned Asylum.

Central State Hospital - Milledgeville, GA - The Ricky Davis Gallery

I recently had the privilege of getting to visit the campus of Central State Hospital in Milledgeville, GA. I call it a privilege because I love history and I love photographing old buildings, and the campus of Central State is full of history and old buildings. In this blog I’m going to share some of my photographs, with most likely more to come later as well, but I’m also going to share some of the history of CSH along with my experience walking the campus.

The Powell Building - Central State Hospital - Milledgevilla, GA - The Ricky Davis Gallery

The Georgia State Lunatic, Idiot, and Epileptic Asylum, as it was first called, accepted it’s first patient in 1842. It was also known as The Georgia State Sanitarium and Milledgeville State Hospital at different times, before changing it’s name to Central State Hospital. The hospital stayed open during the Civil War, and afterwards it housed some veterans who were left battling effects from PTSD, left homeless, or maimed during the war. I personally was very interested in this aspect of it’s history because of working on a Civil War History photo project as well. I was very curious if Sherman’s March to the Sea interfered with the hospital at all, but from what I’ve found, the Union Army did destroy much of Milledgeville, but they stayed away from the hospital.

Initially, the institution strived to pattern itself after a family model. Under Doctor Thomas A. Green, who served until 1879, the hospital abolished some of the general practices in mental institutions of the time such as physical restraints such as chains and ropes for patients, and even went so far as Dr Green and the staff eating meals with the patients. Even still, there were class disparities with wealthy patients receiving better treatment. In the years following the Civil War, the patient growth really began to make this model struggle under the amount of patients coming in, and it started to become more uniform in manner. In 1872 the hospital had a ratio of 112 patients per physician, and it accelerated from there as families started sending their unwanted to the hospital regardless of their health issues.

Windows at the Powell building - Central State Hospital - Milledgeville, GA - The Ricky Davis Gallery

The accelerating growth of patients began to cause serious overcrowding issues. Dr, Theophilus O. Powell, who was a noted psychiatrist and the Superintendent from 1879-1907, worked to construct new buildings for housing, but the construction couldn’t keep up with the overcrowding. It was during this time that the Asylum’s name changed to the Georgia State Sanitarium. Diseases spread through the patients, such as tuberculosis. The disease outbreaks caused the legislature to look into the management of the facility but even with the outbreaks, counties kept sending their unwanted to the facility.

Outside the Powell Building - Central State Hospital - Milledgeville, GA - The Ricky Davis Gallery

By 1929, the name was changed again, this time to Milledgeville State Hospital. The hospital had 5,000 plus patients at this time and the population of patients kept exploding. It was during the time that electro-convulsive therapy and insulin shock therapy became common to try to manage the patient explosion. More construction was planned and buildings built, but by the early 1940’s the population had escalated past 9,000 patients at the facility.

Walkway between two buildings - Central State Hospital - Milledgeville, GA - The Ricky Davis Gallery

By the late 1950’s, the population was 11,000 plus at the hospital. It was in 1959 that reporter Jack Nelson of the Atlanta Constitution, began publishing several articles investigating the hospital for abuse. The abuse ranged from experimental drugs being given to patients without their or their family’s consent, doctors and nurses being drunk on the job, and a nurse performing major surgery without supervision. Nelson would win a Pulitzer Prize for his work on these articles and the government demanded an investigation.

Brantley Building - Central State Hospital - Milledgeville, GA - The Ricky Davis Gallery

After the investigation, the state built six more mental state hospitals to disperse the load at Milledgeville and it was renamed to Central State Hospital. In 1968, the patients population dipped below 10,000 for the first time in decades. Throughout the next several decades, more budget cuts continued to happen and the hospital was more and more buildings to downsize. In 2007, the dept of Justice was called in to investigate 42 patient deaths which seemed suspicious, and in turn decided to close the facility in 2010.

The Walker Building - Central State Hospital - Milledgeville, GA - The Ricky Davis Gallery

During my visit, I arrived in the early afternoon because I got delayed by numerous traffic issues driving into town. I didn’t get to photograph a few of the buildings that I really wanted to because the lighting at that time of day just wasn’t great. The complex is just huge. The first buildings I drove by were being used by the Georgia Dept of Corrections and I believe the Georgia Military College. A few other buildings on the campus are being used by private companies I believe. The main area that I was able to walk around and check out was from the Powell Building and the surrounding buildings. The Powell building which is in several of the photographs at the top of this post, is stunning. It was based on the Capital building. It was huge! There was honestly no way to even get the whole building in my shot, and I tried from multiple angles, even shooting wide angled. Straight across the street is a greenway area with lots of trees and benches. As I was walking around, I was just trying to think about all the different things I’ve read so far about CSH. At it’s height it had nearly 13,000 patients, and an estimated over 25,000 patients died during their time there. The green park like area was huge, and I just thought about what it must’ve looked like back in the day when so many people were there. It was really kind of a suffocating feeling thinking about the enormity of it all.

The Green Building - Central State Hospital - Milledgeville, GA - The Ricky Davis Gallery

It’s impossible to know the kind of things that took place at this facility. I do believe that some of the people really cared about the patients, and wanted to do things well. But looking back on history in places like this and knowing the kinds of abuse that has taken place at other facilities, and what was documented taking place here, it’s heartbreaking. The fact that Central State Hospital was open for three centuries and at one point was the largest mental hospital in the United States, and that in 2007 they still had 42 patient deaths that had to be investigated by the Dept of Justice, that’s just astonishing to me. Sometimes we look back on history and think to ourselves at how much we’ve progressed from those days. These days were simply 14 years ago when it was shut down.

The Central Chapel - Central State Hospital - Milledgeville, GA - The Ricky Davis Gallery

Now the talk has become about demolishing several of the buildings. There’s been a plan put out to rename the campus. Talk about what can we use the land for and get rid of these decaying buildings. In reality it’s let’s get rid of the past, let’s hide our history. Too many times I think we are hiding our past, trying to erase unpleasant parts of our history. We need these reminders. We need to see what was done before us, and remember not to do this again. We need to know the mistakes of the past to not repeat them. We demonize other countries and cultures for doing similar things as to what we have done at various times in our own country. We need to preserve this history.

I truly hope that I’ve not bored you out of your mind and that you’ve enjoyed the photographs and a brief overview of the history. I’m going to include a few links to check out if you’d like to read more, as it’s where I was able to get some of my information on the history.

I do plan on visiting Milledgeville again because there are some other buildings I’d like to photograph, as well as shoot some of it on film. One thing I didn’t get to do was view any of the insides which would be a dream to get to photograph more of the buildings to get a deeper since of the history and what took place there. When I photograph abandoned places, my rule of thumb has always been that I will not go in places that I can’t get permission to be in. A lot of people into URBEX photography and exploring don’t follow that, that’s just been the way I operate out of respect. I do hope to be able to get in touch with someone to where maybe I can see a little more of these amazing facility.

- Ricky

Ricky Davis 6/5/23 Ricky Davis 6/5/23

5 Questions with Harley Quinn at the Carnival

Harley Quinn Cosplay by Ashley Rogers of Magic Lamp Entertainment - Photo - TRD Photography

5 Questions with Harley Quinn at the Carnival

I met Ashley and her husband, TJ, last year at Chattanooga Comic Con. They were rocking a killer Black Cat and Logan cosplay and I got the opportunity to take a few shots of them outside the convention hall. Since, we’ve gotten together on several amazing shoots and projects ranging from Captain Jack Sparrow, a Kids Convention, and Harley Quinn goes to the Carnival. Ashley and TJ run an amazing company called Magic Lamp Entertainment locally that has an array of super talented actors/actresses and cosplayers that do a wide array of childrens parties and local charities as well. Recently Ashley and I had the privilege of going to the Thrillville Carnival and doing a Harley Quinn shoot. Here’s a few questions with Ashley about cosplay, how she got into it, and what’s next.

TRD - Who is your favorite character to cosplay and why?

Ashley - I love to cosplay Harley Quinn because everything about her character is so much fun! The makeup, clothes, and of course her personality, are so eccentric.

TRD - What drew you into the world of cosplay in the first place?

Ashley - I did my first cosplay in 2015 as Elsa from Frozen because I wanted to visit the kids at T.C Thompson Children's Hospital as a princess, and Frozen was super popular at the time. I really didn't know anything about cosplay - I was just volunteering with the hospital and thought it would be a fun and unique way for me to be involved. I have always loved dressing up in costumes, and I have a background in theatre and acting, so I fell in love with cosplay and my only regret is not starting earlier!

TRD - That’s an awesome way of getting into it! You still do a lot of work with kids as well. Even at the Harley shoot at the carnival, kids were coming up to you non-stop and it’s easy to see you have a heart for kids. What other areas are you doing merging the world of cosplay and working with children?

Ashley - I absolutely adore children! Being able to bring characters to life for them through cosplaying has been such a fun experience. I love seeing them get so excited to meet one of their favorite characters. I started my company, Magic Lamp Entertainment, in 2018 doing professional character acting (which is essentially next level cosplaying). My team has done over 700 bookings all over East Tennessee, into North Georgia and Alabama, all within the last 5 years.

TRD - That’s freaking incredible man! What is the most popular character that people request?

Ashley - Spider-Man and Elsa - FOR SURE!

TRD - Where can people find your socials to follow you guys and see what’s going on?

Ashley - Instagram and Facebook - @magiclampentertainment My Instagram: @ashnadia

Ricky Davis 5/31/23 Ricky Davis 5/31/23

5 Questions (and Photos) with Bartender SCARAHXO!!!

Tattoo Model - ScarahXO Photo - TRD Photography

5 Questions (and Photos) with Bartender SCARAHXO…

Sarah aka SCARAHXO on IG, is a bartender and tattoo model in Nashville, TN. I’ve been wanting to work with her for awhile since we first talked when she still lived in Florida. We finally got connected and got to shoot early this month. I also love getting to chat with people I work with, so here’s a mini interview with Sarah.

TRD - What was it about tattoos that drew you to getting tattooed and being part of this culture?

SCARAHXO - I was just instantly drawn to it. I’d see someone with tattoos as a kid and couldn’t wait to get one, as I got into teen years I would see beautiful heavily tattooed women and I just thought it made them look even more beautiful. I love the expression and individuality it allows you to share.

TRD - I totally get that. For me it was seeing tattooed people when I was in elementary school, and my best friend and I would draw on each other in the corner of the classroom. Ha! You're originally from Florida right? Is the tattoo scene different there than it is in Nashville? I've found that in different places the crowd kinda shifts in types of people in the crowd.

SCARAHXO - That’s a interesting question to think about… mostly because Florida is it’s own place. People are a little wild.. especially where I’m from in Florida. I was a lot younger when I lived there but from what I remember is people wouldn’t do as much research and would care more about how much a tattoo would be rather than quality.

TRD - I get that. Florida kind of ends up being a mix of so many different types of people from all over the country to. So it's kind of a melting pot. I've spent some time out in the Pacific Northwest, and it was interesting because back then the tattoo scene was a lot different than it is here. What is your favorite band to listen to, to relax?

SCARAHXO - You’re so right! Its hard to judge because I lived there 12 years ago My favorite band right now is Brand of Sacrifice. Relaxing music for me Type O Negative and In Flames. If I’m on a plane or my anxiety is really high I just put those two on and it really grounds me then I get sleepy (thankfully)

TRD - That's awesome! One of my best friends is a huge Type O fan. Are there any movies coming out this summer you're looking forward to?

SCARAHXO - I’m honestly so picky when it comes to movies. Maybe I don’t have the patience anymore to sit and watch something unless I know it’s going to be good or something I’m really going to be interested in. I honestly am excited for the new The Little Mermaid. That’s the innocent inner child in me I suppose. Guardians of the Galaxy, Barbie because who doesn’t love Margot Robbie

TRD - Dude I feel you! I honestly watch so few movies anymore. Most of the time it's because I'm doing research for some of the toy/cosplay photos that I do. But I do think the new Little Mermaid could be good! The Barbie movie looks hilarious. So last question, what got you into the world of modeling and photoshoots?

SCARAHXO - My mom actually encouraged me. I was taking “selfies” with the crappy old digital camera and she was like “woah you need to model” I was only 12-13 at the time and we had no idea how to get into the industry. My mom was relentless so she somehow found a photographer who worked for sports illustrated and he took me under his wing and taught me so much. The industry was so different and toxic back then too! It was hard but thankfully the industry has grown with me and I feel like I can be myself and not an image that someone else wants and I’m very thankful for that.

TRD - That's so awesome! I know on the photographer end of things, that's pretty awesome that you had a supportive mother! I know I really enjoyed working with you and look forward to doing it again! Where can people view your work?

SCARAHXO - You’re so amazing and I loved working with you. I can’t wait for what’s next to come with you and I! Instagram is where I post my work until someone makes a better platform (scarahxo)

Ricky Davis 9/20/22 Ricky Davis 9/20/22

Tattoos and Small Town Life with Kellie Hall

Tattoo Artist - Kellie Hall - Photo by Ricky Davis of TRD Photography

Tattoos & Small Town Life with Kellie Hall

Ricky - So I'm talking with Kellie. I've known Kellie for awhile now, I can't even remember how long. We first got to know each other from attending tattoo conventions didn't we?

Kellie - Yes! I can’t remember if it was the Nashville Tattoo & Horror convention back in 2015 or the Chattanooga Convention the same year

Ricky - I think it probably was Nashville or it may have even been one of the first Chattanooga ones. I think we had met before the 2015 Nashville one though. One of those years I got to come to your old shop and see Winchester for the first time though. I really fell in love with the area. What was it like growing up in a small Tennessee town that's a little off the beaten path?

Kellie - I think you’re right! I believe Carol Ann introduced us! I love being from a small country town! Growing up on a farm in Cowan to now owning a business in Decherd. It’s the close knit community that amazes me. Our county is growing by leaps and bounds yet you still know at least 10 people every time you’re in Walmart, from seeing people who knew my parents ,to staying in touch with my kindergarten teacher. We don’t have much “to do” here but it’s home

Ricky - That close knit feeling is one of the things I've always enjoyed up there. When I would do the Winchester Wriggle, it always amazed me how many people would come out to support art in a small town that from the outside you wouldn't think would be that supportive. Especially, some of my photos can be a little out there, but I don't think I ever even had anyone rude at all. It was awesome! What's one of your favorite memories from growing up, up there?

Kellie - Yes! Our community is amazing when it comes to supporting small businesses!!! I’d have to say it would be being on the farm w my grandparents. They taught me so many life lessons out there. I learned how to drive in my papas old ford, learned how to drive a tractor, pull calves, fish, hunt, clean the game I harvested, learned how to garden & can. It was paradise to me.

Ricky - That's really cool. A lot of that stuff just doesn't happen much anymore. So I got to know you through tattooing, and us doing some photoshoots back in the day. What has it been like being in a small community and being a female tattoo artist there?

Kellie - Interesting to say the least lol… Tattoos are still what viewed as “trashy” buy the older folks. But after 8 years of being in the industry, people are much more accepting thank goodness! I still get some “dirty” looks on occasion Most people know me personally or know me as “that tattoo girl” haha!

Ricky - Ha! That Tattoo girl. That's hilarious. What got you interested in the tattoo scene in the beginning?

Kellie - I’ve always loved the art and started getting tattooed as soon as I turned 18. Then I met a tattoo artist that later became my husband, now ex husband lol… he taught me to pierce then later on began apprenticing me to tattoo. I’ve always had the ability to draw so it almost came as second nature to me.

Ricky - That's really cool. What is your favorite style to tattoo?

Kellie - Linework & flowers

Ricky - Very cool! So what made you decide to get in front of the camera?

Kellie - Not really sure other than to advertise for the shop and boost my own self image

Ricky - Those are two really great reasons to do it man. So now with life starting to return to normal again, where goals do you have for yourself in the next five years?

Kellie - I plan to continue the road I’m on. Continue building my business back. Eventually I’d like to get certified for permanent makeup as well

Ricky - That's awesome man! Well I want to wish you all the best on your future endeavors. Keep on doing your thing dude! Thanks so much for taking some time to answer some questions.

Kellie - Thanks man!!! I appreciate you including me!

Ricky Davis 1/11/21 Ricky Davis 1/11/21

A Conversation with Joshua Ricker

A Conversation with Joshua Ricker

Sometime during the quarantine of 2020, I sat down with Joshua and we chatted via FB about life, art, and the quarantine times. We had connected up in Knoxville and did some film shooting before the virus hit so hard, and then things went crazy before we were able to actually do our chat for this piece.

Ricky - Hey Joshua, what have you been up to with all of the quarantine and stuff happening lately?

Joshua - Well, working like crazy! I’m a five year plus Walmart associate so I’ve been working through all of this as an essential worker. It’s been really different and kind of scary at times but I’m glad I’m able to provide the community with necessary essentials. When I’m not busy working at Walmart, I focus a lot of my time on doing new makeup looks, playing video games, and just staying healthy. I’ve been working on a lot of videography lately with some local queer entertainers in the area. Since the social distancing/stay home has taken affect, I haven’t been able to do as many artsy things as I would like to. So mainly, working and trying to stay healthy!

Ricky - That is really cool man! It's definitely been a unique time in society, especially being an "essential worker" and having to be out working in all this chaos. That's awesome you've taken the time to work on upping your skills with videography. What got you interested in doing videos?

Joshua - I really enjoy creepy and dark things. So, I started this video series called “Kweenz of Filth.” It’s a dark video series I’m doing with local Drag Queens in the area. I video them lip syncing to a song of their choice that ties in with an inner darkness they carry, i.e. anxiety, depression, toxic words, etc. They use the song and video as a way to tell their story with a dark side. I just felt like I wasn’t telling full stories with images so that’s when I started working with videos so I could develop full stories. I’ve done recent work introducing a Queen into the scene for their specific brand by video and helped a few entertainers with videos for online contests and online shows during the Quarantine. I find videos exciting and its always something new and different every time.

Ricky - That's such a great way to get further into telling stories man. It's cool to see people have a vision of what they want to accomplish and then figure out ways to work on making it happen. I think it's especially brilliant to have the song tie in to a personal darkness that they are dealing with. Great storytelling man. Do you have some sort of inner darkness that you carry with you?

Joshua - I think an inner darkness for me would be an eating disorder; it’s something I’ve struggled with my whole life. When I was younger I was overweight and it took me years to get to where I was pleased with my body and how I looked. I still struggle with my body weight and I’m always fighting to remain happy with how I look but throughout the years I’ve developed a confidence with myself but it’s a never ending battle. It’s a distress I carry with me in my everyday life and sometimes it really puts me in a dark place. I believe though, with art and creating stories we can bring these darknesses out into the light.

Ricky - Wow man, I never would have guessed. That's one of the really cool things about art and creating things, in it's own way it helps us work through things in ourselves while trying to help others. What actually got you into modeling to begin with and how has your style transformed since the beginning?

Joshua - I got my start doing Knoxville Fashion Week in 2014. From there it sort of just opened all these doors for me. I started working with a lot of local photographers in the area, got published in a few magazines, started doing fashion shows, etc. I've always been very different in my style as I'm inspired by fashion icons like David Bowie and Prince. My style now has just got more weird and avant-garde; inspired by artists like Perfume Genius, lots of Drag, and a lot of different makeup artists. I do lots of crazy makeup looks and lots of gender bending with my style now. I love to push boundaries and mix styles that wouldn't normally go together and simply just call it "Art."

Ricky - I think that's brilliant that you've run with it and made it your own man. With your unique style, how has the reception been in such a conservative environment and culture like we have here in the area?

Joshua - It’s been hard to find people to work with because my style/aesthetic isn’t “normal” per say but I’ve received a lot of good from it all too. What I mean is, I have a lot of random fans tell me how I’m such an inspiration because I don’t stick to the norm and I break boundaries; it’s those moments that keep pushing me to be different and to just do what makes me happy. I’ve had a photographer tell me that they lost clients because they worked with someone like me. I was heartbroken at the time but I didn’t let it hold me back. And honestly, it made me want to say “fuck it,” and go even more against the grain. When people are trying to push you down, push back and push forward, gain strength from all the negative.

Ricky - That is a great mindset to have dude! I love that it made you want to be even more you, and push boundaries farther. What’s the best life advice you’ve ever been given and what piece of advice would you give to the people that are reading this?

Joshua - The best advice I’ve ever been is given is the best advice I think everyone has been given in their life, just no one really thinks about it ... “Stop caring what others think about you.” When it comes to people judging you or thinking your craft isn’t good enough, who cares what they think! If you are happy doing what you do then just do it! Be passionate about it and don’t look back. My advice to someone reading this ... you are your own worst enemy; you determine your achievements and set the goals. No one can diminish you but yourself so it’s up to YOU to be the person you want to be and how far you want to go, you make it all happen. And guess what!? You will make it happen! Find your path and go all in. Never stop learning and always have room for growth.

I hope that you enjoyed reading our conversation. It is always a pleasure to work with this guy. Go check out his work on IG @joshuaricker_ and give him a follow. If you’d like to follow me on IG - @trdshootsfilm

Ricky Davis 10/4/19 Ricky Davis 10/4/19

Food Talk with Chef Allie....

Food Talk with Chef Allie…

Ricky - So you are like a badass chef, what got you interested in the world of cooking?

Allie - Thanks! I have actually been cooking my whole life, and started in a restaurant the day I was old enough to work. My first library book was when I was 8, and it was a Cuban cookbook that I made caldo y pollo and Cuban bread. This year is my 20th year cooking!

Ricky - Wow! I didn’t realize you had been cooking that long! That is amazing dude! What is your favorite style of cuisine to cook?

Allie - I like to learn about culture and cuisines from the farthest reaches of the earth. When we are schooled in America (and a lot of Europe) we are taught French technique, and it ends up that most finer dining food is driven by that base. I decided that I would like to be educated in different ways, to expand both mind and palate. Currently I make Gujarati Indian cuisine, and I’ll say it’s my favorite. My cooking partner’s mom and dad are immigrants from Gujarat, India; she will come and teach me the heritage recipes of their family.

Ricky - That is amazing to get to learn from her first hand. You’ve been traveling the world for awhile now and you share a lot from those adventures, both food and other experiences. Where have you enjoyed visiting the most so far?

Allie - That is a hard one to pick! Some of it is dining at “the best restaurants” in the world, and some of it is learning how to make poke with a local on Easter Island. I’ve been lucky enough to experience some really badass things in my travels. I also find that the greatest food experiences can come from just anywhere, with a bit of research.

Chef/Model Allie - Photo - TRD Photography

Ricky - That sounds awesome! If you could be a chef anywhere in the world, where would you wanna be?

Allie - I would want to learn in India from an auntie and in South Korea. Also the cuisine of islands is fascinating because they are a microcosm of cuisine that is both indigenous and influenced heavily by colonization.

Ricky - That’s cool. I can definitely see those places fitting your personality as well. What else are you passionate about besides cooking?

Allie - Well, travel is a close second! In a creative aspect it all circles around food. I love to learn and decidedly look forward to being hungry! I collect antique Japanese knives, cookbooks, and memories. The last bastion is making art in the form of photography/modeling. I of course hold out for you though. Nobody gets the idea and captures the emotion like you do.

Ricky - Man, that means alot! You and I have a different kinda connection that the typical model/photographer relationship. I think my favorite shoot still is hanging out vibing to records while we were shooting film. It was just so raw and honest. You’ve got quite the record collection! How important is music in your life?

Allie - That one was way epic!! Especially the extra special Polaroids! And man, I can’t believe I forgot to talk about music. I wake up with a song in my head every day of my life, and music fills my day and my soul always. I am currently on a 3 year classic country kick that speaks to me in a profound way. I love death metal, funk and soul, psych rock, blues, punk- just so many things! Often times I will say I love music only slightly less that food, which is like 110%

Chef/Model - Allie - Photo by TRD Photography

Ricky - I was kinda surprised you didn’t bring up music earlier. What would be your 5 albums if you were stranded on a desert island?

Allie - What a ditz moment! And a heavy question hahaha…So London Calling by The Clash, Hung at Heart by The Growlers, a Marty Robbins compilation, Whisper Supremacy by Cryptopsy, and Changes by Charles Bradley. All essential and spanning the spectrum some so you get a taste of everything. The year I turned 19 I listened to London Calling every day! And about 5 years ago I got hooked on The Growlers and burnt it up. Also an essential set of songs for life by Charles Bradley- especially his rendition of Changes. And naturally a nice bit of that silly classic country from Marty Robbins, who’s vocals are like cool water on a hot day.

Ricky - Good choices dude! You and I recently had a conversation. You mentioned briefly earlier in this about modeling. Some folks may not put two and two together, but you used to model under the name of Miss Voodoo Valentine. Recently you and I were talking and how you explained it to me was there were two parts of who you were, you and her. You went through some things and she just kind of fell away. And Allie was who was left. I thought it was beautifully said. Who is Allie today?

Allie - It was definitely a tough moment in my life. To me modeling is to make art. It is fun to make pretty pictures, sexy pictures, whatever- but in my head the valuation system is about creating something with gravitas and emotion. When I came through that bad stuff in one piece, I was at a point where I could finally reconcile the way I look outwardly and who I am on the inside. I suppose having a nom de plume had been a vehicle for me to go forward with whatever art I wanted and not have to answer to anyone. When I came to realize who I am, I became comfortable with the whole me. In turn, the moniker was dropped and I left the magazines and sponsors and all that behind. I am a chef and in love with what I do; not to say I don’t love the folks that I’ve had the pleasure of meeting or the things I’ve had the honor to be a part of. I can be a model too, but it no longer defines a section of my person.

Ricky - I really like that. Allowing things to be a part of who you are but not defining you. I find that very inspiring because I see a lot of people who really draw their self-worth and identity from it. What would you tell people still in that place?

Allie - I would tell them to give themselves love and grace! There is no wrong in enjoying your visage, and your self-worth comes from your whole you. Accepting that it can come from being proud of a picture is wonderful, and as we walk our path in life they may find deeper meaning in what they create. Even if they don’t, appreciating who they are in every phase of life makes it worth living.

Ricky - I love that Allie! Dude, I wanna thank you so much for taking the time to chat. Where can folks who are up in Nashville go to experience your cooking?

Allie - My restaurant is called Tailor! It is a dinner party/tasting menu with some stories about the heritage of our Gujarati Indian cuisine. It is a complete honor to learn from Vivek Surti and his mom the rich and delicious cuisine of their family.

Ricky - Very cool! Hopefully some folks come by and check it out! It was an honor my friend!

Dark Art by Ricky Davis

Save Historic Engel Stadium in Chattanooga, TN

Historic Engel Stadium - Chattanooga, TN

Happy Veterans Day - A Small Town in Georgia Honors it's Vets - Ringgold, GA

Scenes from the South - Veterans Day Edition from Ringgold, GA.

Scenes from the South - James County Antique Police Car (Outside of The Whistlestop)

Scenes from the South - 11/10/25

A Glance at Historic Rickwood Field in Birmingham

A Glance at Historic Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama…

Mickey's Dining Car - St Paul - Documenting America with TRD Photography

Cades Cove Missionary Baptist Church - Documenting America with TRD Photography

Literary Ink is THIS WEEKEND!!!! Here's a sneak peek of my booth...

Kodak Tri X Test Roll Results... Still Life Work at the Studio

Old Car City USA Photographed on Film

Documenting America with TRD Photography - Jesus or Hell?

Website Reorganization

School, Portland, and Beyond....

"My Body, Fuck Your Choice." Photo Series

“My Body, Fuck Your Choice.” The Photo Series

Walking the Grounds of Central State Hospital…An Abandoned Asylum.

5 Questions with Harley Quinn at the Carnival

5 Questions with Harley Quinn at the Carnival

5 Questions (and Photos) with Bartender SCARAHXO!!!

5 Questions (and Photos) with Bartender SCARAHXO…

Tattoos and Small Town Life with Kellie Hall

Tattoos & Small Town Life with Kellie Hall

A Conversation with Joshua Ricker

A Conversation with Joshua Ricker

Food Talk with Chef Allie....

Food Talk with Chef Allie…

Search Posts

Featured Posts