Photographer Bruce Dale and National Geographic

As most of you know, I have always had a passion for photography. This past year, I have taken several photography classes at the Indiana Purdue University and am really having fun with my new camera.



Phil also has a big interest in photography, so,,,needless to say we have a new hobby and are having a ball spending what little inheritance we had planned on leaving the kids......


Last month, I had the opportunity to meet Bruce Dale from National Geographic Magazine. Most of you who are reading this, know me well enough to know the story of Bruce Dale and Grandpa (John Caldwell)....for those of you who do not...Bruce Dale is a photographer who met my grandparents years ago (1971) and his photos and article was published in the National Geographic Magazine. Bruce also wrote a book called "Mountain People" which has pictures of my grandparents,my mother and some family friends.
Bruce Dale and Diane Shockney

Bruce and I have been corresponding with one another for the last 5 or 6 years. When I heard that he was giving a seminar/lecture in Columbus, Ohio in October, I asked him if he was going to be doing anything in the future that would be more for the "amateur photographer", he said that he thought that I would enjoy this seminar, and also informed me that he would be showing some pictures of Grandma and Grandpa during his presentation!!


He invited Phil and I to be his guest,,,,Well,,you know I had to go,,,,how could I pass it up!!!!!!!
I wouldn't have missed it for the world!!!

Bruce Dale, Diane and Phil Shockney

As we were having breakfast, he told us stories about Grandpa and gave me several photos that I had not seen before,,,he has an amazing memory and was very fond of Grandma and Grandpa. He announced several times during the lecture that John Caldwell's granddaughter was in the audience,,,and I was so proud to be there!!!

I am so thankful for his books and photos, they will be handed down from generation to generation,,,,,I feel so lucky to have been given the opportunity to attend the lecture and spend time with not only a famous photographer, but with someone who had such admiration for my grandparents, John and Lottie Caldwell.