Tribute To Ian William Talty
Last Saturday, urban explorer and photographer Ian William Talty and a friend were exploring and photographing a storm drainage tunnel on the banks of the Mississippi near the Lake Street bridge. A thunderstorm nearby caused the drainage tunnel to flood, and both were caught by the rush of water, sweeping them into the Mississippi. His friend made it back to shore, but not Ian, who drowned in the Mississippi. For more go here, here, or here. It’s possible he could have made it to shore any other time, but right now the Mississippi is still in it’s spring mode, with fast currents and eddies, especially along the shore.
Us local photo bloggers occasionally go on photoshoots together, but most of the time we do it alone. Sometimes we end up in situations that aren’t necessarily the safest in the pursuit of a photo. I know I have gotten a little closer to some things than I should have on a few occasions, ranging from stepping out on the Mississippi ice with nearby open water and finding myself sliding towards the open water, or on it’s banks on unstable soil with a raging spring melt just a few feet below, or balancing at the edge of a bluff with a steep drop off, or getting your foot hung up walking down a steep slope. The list goes on.
Ian was particularly interested in photographing graffiti, and I share his interest. There’s a lot of graffiti along the banks of the Mississippi, I’ve been down there. His wife said he often would come home after a photo shoot, proud of what he’d gotten. I know the feeling Ian. This photo is for you.
Update: Some of the comments suggest that I personally knew Ian. That is not the case. If I gave that impression I apologize.
April 28th, 2009 at 12:22 am
Sad story… its all been said before, life is so fragile…
April 28th, 2009 at 6:45 am
I heard this and was shocked. Saddened by this news. You are right, this could have been anyone of us. We’ve all put ourselves at risk at one point or another to get our shot.
A very nice tribute. Be safe.
April 28th, 2009 at 7:47 am
Oh my goodness, this is an eye-opener, how did you hear about it? Poor guy. I feel for his family and offer my condolences. This is sad news, I agree with Rob.
April 28th, 2009 at 8:18 am
This is so incredible! It doesn’t look real! Fantastic capture!
April 28th, 2009 at 10:45 am
Such a terrible tragedy. A lesson to us all, really. So sad.
April 28th, 2009 at 1:32 pm
A wonderful image for a tribute to a fallen photographer. Will you pass on my condolences to Ian’s family and friends from all photo-bloggers here in Ireland. RIP
April 28th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
Great shot, sad story.
April 28th, 2009 at 9:55 pm
Sad, but a nice tribute to a freind.
April 29th, 2009 at 9:17 am
Questi colori sono veramente fantastici !
Ma come fai ?
Quale macchina fotografica stai usando ?
xoxo
April 29th, 2009 at 4:13 pm
What a lovely photo, and a sad story :/
RIP
April 30th, 2009 at 11:45 am
That is really nice.
Keep the collection well. This form of art don’t hang around long.
alexander
Alex’s World! – http://www.kakinan.com/alex
May 1st, 2009 at 12:45 pm
A real magical corner. Love the way you make an ugly place to appear so.. appealing :)
Awesome colors, wish I could join to such photo-trips :\
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:18 am
I saw this yesterday and intended commenting and somehow the day went. Just like this poor man’s life except his was his life. So terribly sad and trafic and obviously a very talented guy. Such colours I think he must have been a happy person or at least a positive one. Your tribute is beautiful.
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:18 am
Sorry, meant to write the word …tragic.