I figured it was only appropriate to start my series with the photo that prompted the idea for “1,000 Words.” This photo was taken on November 8, 2004 at a location known as The Cemetery, one of the spots we used to trap at an area we called Moore’s. Trapping season began on November 5 so this snapshot comes after a couple days on the trapline. Our haul of five coons came on the heels of a twelve coon opening day and six on the following day.

The shot was taken with the timer function on the camera so that all of the hardened trappers could be included in the portrait. The camera was likely placed upon a tailgate or trapping box as four of the subjects assumed their places. I then attempted to frame the shot so as not to lose anyone, chop off someone’s head or miss our catch. Once locked on, I had ten seconds to get back and join the others as we struck a pose. I’d have to say that we did just fine while shooting with Advanced Photo System film which didn’t provide the instant feedback of today’s digital photography. No “do overs” back in the day and you had to wait until your film was developed to see if you goofed up.

The image is relatively focused and no one’s blinking although some of us could have used a little work on our “cheese.” At worst, the image may have been a bit off center (which is easy to crop these days but I won’t). However, I find that this slight mishap doesn’t detract in the least from the smallest trapper and, in my opinion, the star of the show. For those who may not know, “the star” is my niece, Natalee. At the time she was three years old, just in case anyone was concerned about her playing hooky in order to hang out with the guys. If you don’t happen to be familiar with all of “the guys” here’s an introduction: from left to right are my brother, Brent, my uncle, Richard Jackson, my dad, Terry, and me.

Of course, those above identifications are relative to each individual’s relationship to me, the one telling the story. Such relationships were the first thing that came to mind after spotting the picture and really got the wheels turning about writing an article. Initially, I thought about the extent of the family relationships in a photo that contained only five people. I started on the left and worked my way to the right noting the relationships solely among the trappers in the photo, missing several during my first pass. Therefore, I went through the process a few more times and I continue to wonder if I’ve indeed got it all figured out. My final list showed that the photo includes four brothers, three uncles, two sons, two nephews, one grandpa, one great uncle, one father, one granddaughter, one niece and one great niece. Without considering that multiple titles can describe each individual, it would seem that there are a great deal more than five people in the picture. Based only on the list of kinship, the total comes to seventeen if I’ve done my math and my evaluation correctly.

Then, if you take into consideration the family roles that each person fills beyond those represented in the photograph, the list continues to expand. I gave up on compiling an all-inclusive list but for starters it would include one great grandfather, two grandfathers, four fathers, four sons, four uncles, four brothers, one sister, four husbands, five cousins, four brothers-in-law, and so on. It’s rather amazing when you ponder the wide range of relationships each of us have upon exploring our extended family trees.

Yet, within these formal blood and marriage ties lie even more roles that we fulfill. At various times, “the guys” have been teammates, co-workers, role models, teachers, coaches and mentors to me and countless others. Hopefully, “the star” will someday be able to mention us in some of those same roles if we’ve fulfilled our responsibilities. Additionally, outside of the basic definition of one’s family, everyone also leaves their mark on a multitude of friends and acquaintances while being influenced in return. We all touch many more lives than we could likely ever imagine.

Dad (right) and Uncle Dick (left) with me and my cousin, Julie, back in 1970

Along these lines, I found it rather amusing when looking at the poses of the subjects in the photograph. Apparently, the Jackson men are all genetically predisposed to plant the right knee and raise the left. From such a foundation it would only seem natural that we would rest the left elbow/forearm upon the upraised knee. However, we then observe what I suspect represents the inevitable generation gap. The older generation prefers the right hand at the side, perhaps even stuck in a pants pocket while the middle generation crosses the right arm over the left in their expression of solidarity. Finally, our little trapper utilizes a trapping box as a booster seat with a fist planted resolutely on the hip as she makes her own independent statement.

Clad in her camouflage she looks the part of a budding outdoorswoman while a stocking cap and pair of gloves demonstrate that she’s still young enough to listen to grownups. These items also go a long way towards ensuring that she will probably be allowed to tag along again as her grandpa and her uncles show some semblance of responsibility (although I’m sure we also let her drive the truck). And the green boots that resemble a dinosaur gained fame thanks to Uncle Brent endowing them with special powers. He rendered them “cow poopie proof” in an effort to spare Natalee the pain of a harrowing encounter with a cowpie that has haunted him for roughly forty five years. Brent maintains that he was tripped by one of the members of the older generation while his uncle steadfastly denies involvement, typically with a wry grin.

Natalee’s mom (left), her Uncle Brent (back) and her Uncle Bubba (right) in 1976

Such are the experiences when the little kids get to join the big kids. The youngsters are rightfully the center of attention and Natalee is certainly the focal point of one of my favorite outdoor photographs. Five coons and over 150 combined years of trapping experience play second fiddle to a new generation being indoctrinated in the ways of the outdoors. The opportunity to learn firsthand about nature at a young age is a family tradition, as evidenced by the additional pictures.

But for me, this particular photograph will always be special. The pose and the look of determination make her look like she belongs.

And she does.

Talk to you later. Troy