TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – Name a noteworthy moment in Tallahassee during the Vietnam War era, and there’s a good chance FSU physics major John Buckley was there, camera in hand.

Buckley had political activism on the mind throughout his college years, using 35mm film to tell a striking story.

In one photo, FSU students rally at the Capitol steps, protesting over an international student’s arrest for disorderly conduct.

In another, legendary civil rights icon C.K. Steele speaks to a Frenchtown crowd, frustrated over the arrest of a man accused of firebombing a business.

The angst of an era captured on film, and saved for posterity by the State Archives.

Adam Watson is a photographic archivist at the archives.

“He was the photographer that took action, he showed up,” Watson said.

Watson invited WCTV into the photographic collection room at the State Archives, sifting through more than 5,000 images.

“You’re kind of right in the moment with him,” Watson said.

John Charles Buckley was born in 1945, spending his childhood years in Panama City Beach.

His youngest sister, Michelle Holder, said John was independent from the start.

“He was the oldest of five,” she said. “John worked at a grocery store. And he walked and it wasn’t any small task back then- he walked a long, long way.”

Buckley made his way to Tallahassee, enrolling at Florida State University to study physics. He found himself on a college campus at a time when America – and the world- seemed at a breaking point.

“He cared so much about a lot of things, injustice mostly,” Holder said.

At some point, Buckley picked up a camera, and made it his mission to be in the right place at the right time.

“It almost seemed like he couldn’t help himself,” Watson said. “He had to document it. And that’s what is so great about that collection for us, to be able to see, and for the future to be able to see what those times were like.”

In 1971, controversy swirled on FSU’s campus. A student activist, known as ‘Radical’ Jack Lieberman, taught a noncredit course at FSU’s Center for Participant Education on how to start a revolution in America.

Buckley was there as an on-campus hearing ended with Lieberman’s expulsion. Civil Rights Attorney Kent Spriggs was captured standing in the center of one photo showcasing the trial.

“Gives you a real window into what the time was like at that time,” Spriggs told WCTV.

Spriggs also represented two of the Quincy Five, another flashpoint moment for the Big Bend.

When five Gadsden County men were falsely accused of killing law enforcement, Buckley was there as FSU students protested outside the student union.

”Everybody kind of understood that if there was some kind of interesting political thing going on that Buckley would be there and he would be shooting,” Spriggs said.

Watson said Buckley’s wife, Pat, mentioned the camera kept him sane in those years.

“He just carried the camera around with him everywhere,” Watson said.

And yet, as the years passed, Buckley moved on. He became a chemistry teacher in Quincy, later working for the State.

His sister said he rarely if ever took any photos again.

“He wouldn’t bring it to events because he was sick of it, I guess. I don’t know,” she said.

Thousands of photos from just a few whirlwind years in Tallahassee were collecting dust.

That is until Buckley received a terminal cancer diagnosis. His wife and friends pushed for Buckley to donate his collection.

Watson visited his home in 2008. He was one of the last people to hear Buckley’s life story.

“We sat for awhile just quietly,” Watson said. “He just sort of looked out. I was trying to imagine what was going through his head.”

It was a chance to reflect on a life.

“We got the collection in October 2008, and he passed away by December of that year,” Watson said.

Buckley’s legacy now lives on in the form of thousands of photos. A true Florida Memory.

Visit the John Buckley collection online at Florida Memory, the digital home of the archives. The website hosts just a fraction of the full collection, available for viewing by request at the archives.

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SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – A special event happening this weekend will celebrate a special milestone among women.

“50 Over 50 Portrait Gallery” is an exhibition highlighting 50 remarkable women and their stories of resilience; their diverse experiences, accomplishments and, the journeys that brought them to their 50 year milestone.

The exhibit will showcase the work of award-winning Santa Barbara portrait photographer, Ashleigh Taylor.

“Society tends to tell women our best days are when we are young— that there is an expiration date—but that’s just not true and I‘ve seen that first hand in my clients,” said Taylor, via email.

Event organizers said it is not about being a mother or a wife, sister or daughter or, any other title or label. The exhibit is a stand-alone celebration of each individual woman.

A gala event will accompany the gallery exhibit, giving attendees the chance to meet some of the women featured.

The free event is Saturday, April 20 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at 633 Chapala Street.

Canon offers two primary lens options: the newer RF mount lenses and the older EF mount lenses. Understanding the differences and advantages of each system is essential for making informed decisions about your photography gear.

Coming to you from Josh Sattin, this informative video delves into the world of RF and EF lenses, exploring their compatibility, performance, and overall value. Sattin emphasizes the significance of considering factors like cost, availability, and adaptability when choosing between these two lens systems. He highlights the affordability and vast selection of EF lenses, which have been a staple for photographers and videographers for decades.

Sattin also discusses the versatility of EF lenses, particularly their ability to be used on various camera systems beyond Canon through adapters. He showcases several adapters, including options for Sony E-mount, L-mount, and Fujifilm X-mount cameras, demonstrating the potential to expand the use of your EF lenses across different platforms. This adaptability can be a significant advantage for photographers who own multiple camera systems or plan to upgrade in the future.

However, Sattin acknowledges potential drawbacks of using EF lenses with adapters, such as autofocus performance and stabilization issues, particularly with older models. He recommends opting for newer Canon L-series EF lenses or Sigma Art EF lenses for better compatibility and performance on RF mount cameras. Additionally, he emphasizes the superior autofocus, stabilization, and image quality offered by native RF lenses, especially when paired with the latest Canon mirrorless cameras.

Ultimately, the choice between RF and EF lenses depends on your individual needs and preferences as a photographer. If you prioritize affordability, versatility, and access to a wide range of lenses, EF lenses with adapters can be a compelling option. On the other hand, if you seek the best possible performance, image quality, and native compatibility with Canon’s latest mirrorless technology, investing in RF lenses may be the ideal choice. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Sattin.
 

Photographer Stephanie Blum poses for a self-portrait, along with photogenic pup Jay, who is being raised by Blum and her husband as a potential Seeing Eye guide dog. Photo: Courtesy of Stephanie Blum; hair and makeup by Ericka Medina; blossoms by Colly Flowers in Morristown

When Stephanie Blum spent her early years in fashion as director of merchandising for Calvin Klein’s design team, she didn’t foresee her future as a full-time photographer specializing in pet portraiture.

“I love this job because I always wanted to work with people and their animals,” Blum says. “Growing up, my family had a lot of rescue animals, so I’m comfortable around pets, and I know how to read a dog’s body language.”

She adds, “Pets are beloved family members, so clients like to include them in professional images to celebrate their intimate bond.” Blum also captures the likenesses of solo humans and other critters in her Mendham Borough studio.

Full services with Stephanie Blum Photography begin with an at-home consultation to meet adults, kids and pets in their own environment. “Understanding how my clients live helps me envision a creative concept that will represent their authentic style,” she says. “It’s also good for animals to meet me before they visit the studio.”

Clients choose Blum because she makes photo shoots stress free by suggesting what to wear, providing professional hair and makeup artists, and offering posing guidance.

After the shoot, it’s time for the big reveal. Images are immediately available for viewing, and clients can select from digital portraits, heirloom-quality photo albums, and framed wall-art options.

Blum usually works with canine clientele because, she explains, “cats are not always willing participants.” However, she would be happy to collaborate with cooperative kitties, as well as horses, birds, bunnies or reptiles.

Blum and hubby Michael Ansell have two pups of their own: 12-year-old Winnie and 11-year-old Benji. In 2023, the couple volunteered as foster parents in the Morristown-based Seeing Eye’s puppy-raising program. Last November, they brought home Jay, a 7-week-old black Labrador retriever, and they are teaching him socialization and good manners for one year.

“I wanted to give back to the community because I’m blessed with good vision,” says Blum. “Michael and I are delighted to raise Jay to one day serve a visually impaired person.”

She is also working on a “pet project” in her spare time. Later this year, Blum will release a coffee-table book that features her portraits of rescue dogs and their poignant backstories. Proceeds will benefit See Spot Rescued, a Jersey City nonprofit dog-rescue organization that re-homes lucky pooches.

Stephanie Blum Photography, 2-A Hilltop Road, Mendham; 732-598-1291.

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