Story time: Just before this @f1 race at Circuit of the Americas, I was capturing behind-the-scenes footage for a documentary, weaving through the pre-race chaos at the starting line. Amidst the sea of media and roaring engines, I turned and found Brad Pitt standing just 10 feet away. I grabbed my Rolleiflex dangling at my side, estimated the settings, and took the shot. Brad looked directly into the lens, surrounded by hundreds. Shot on Kodak Tri-X 400 black and white film, the image speaks for itself—Pitt has a way of making every frame compelling. I had no idea if it’d turn out but hey, Brad Pitt simply doesn’t take a bad picture, so all credit to him 😂.
Pitt was at the event researching for his upcoming film F1, where he portrays Sonny Hayes, a former driver making a comeback to mentor a young talent. The film, directed by Joseph Kosinski and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer (who’s over his shoulder in the photo) and Lewis Hamilton, is set to release on June 27, 2025.
Afterward, he turned around and said hello to @jewel who was standing nearby. Cool moment for sure. A lesson for young photographers out there: Always be ready! Head on a swivel!
Processed and scanned by @legacyphotolab shot on #rolleiflexsl35 and @kodak #trix400
My son graduated from Trinity Valley School yesterday. 13 years. Hard to believe this chapter is over.
We started him in public school in Burleson. Within a week, his teacher had him tutoring other kids in class because he was finishing his own work so quickly. One day he came home and told us he was bored and didn’t like school anymore. This from a little guy who had been so excited to start school.
The principal suggested skipping him ahead a grade, but I didn’t want that for him socially or emotionally. So we started looking at other options, and eventually found TVS.
Truthfully, we couldn’t afford it.
There were tests, evaluations, interviews, and no guarantee he’d even get in. But he was accepted. Then came the bigger question: how the hell were we going to pay for it?
He and I made a deal. If TVS gave us any financial aid, we’d take it as a sign he was supposed to be there. I told him if he gave his best effort every day, somehow I’d figure out the rest. I never wanted my kids to succeed in spite of their circumstances, but rather because of them.
And he did.
For 13 years, he showed up on time. Worked hard. Stayed humble. Earned the respect of teachers, coaches, and friends. Was named Editor in Chief of the school yearbook… And never once did he act entitled to any of it. He simply kept pushing himself and making the most of the opportunity in front of him.
Yesterday he graduated, and now he’s headed to Syracuse University to study sports journalism.
As a dad, I think one of the deepest hopes you carry is that your children go further than you did. That each generation of your family heals a little more, learns a little more, reaches a little higher. At least that’s my hope. You want to hand your kids whatever small ground you managed to gain and pray they build something even stronger on top of it.
That’s what Cole’s done.
He pulled our family into a new chapter through his work ethic, his character, and the way he carried himself all these years. Watching your son do that is one of the most emotional things a father can experience.
Proud doesn’t really cover it. Can’t wait to see what’s next, son. 💪
My kids are growing up and life keeps moving faster than I want it to, so I’ve started pausing at endings just to lock in moments. It’s my way of being present before these days turn into something I wish I could get back…
Life, like film, is finite. Shoot accordingly.
Processed and scanned by @postmixfilmlab LA shot on @kodak #ultramax400 and #portra400 #canon #halfframecamera
45 has never looked this good on anyone. Happy birthday to the woman who makes everything exciting… my partner, my anchor, and the one I’m still chasing. I love you @stephchristx
Help me wish my daughter @simone.c08 a happy 17th birthday today!
I still think about that first hour... when the doctor handed you to me and it was just us. You in my arms, looking right at me like we already knew each other. We’ve been buddies ever since.
You’ve grown into someone I’m not just proud of, but someone I genuinely admire. Your mom and I are so thankful for you! You work hard and you lead with your heart in everything you do. The way you love your family, your friends, every animal you come across... it says everything about who you are. And the way you chase what you love: music, photography, being out with horses... you do it with a quiet confidence that’s all your own.
Senior year’s around the corner, which doesn’t feel real, but I’m so grateful l’ve gotten to have a front row seat to all of it.
I love being your dad more than anything and I’m so proud to also be your friend. Can’t wait to go to more concerts together!!
Happy birthday, sweetheart. Love you very much!!
10 years ago I was walking around SXSW with a camera, covering the festival for the Star-Telegram and wondering what it might feel like to have something of my own screen here.
Now I know… A Cowboy in London screened at @SXSW this past week and it was a beautiful experience. Mostly because we were able to share it with so many friends and family members.
Full circle in the best way.
Grateful to @charleycrockett and @featherstoabird for trusting me with their story, and to my guy Mike Pasquariello for shaping this thing with me in the edit. And to the Blue Drifters for showing up to support us… meant a lot.
📷: @brooksburrisphotography and @hrv_images
Most of all, I’m thankful for the people who carry us when no one’s watching… especially my wife @stephchristx and my kids. None of this happens without them.
Feels good to be back here… just on the other side of it.
Shoutout to @micahpg for the great artwork. To @simonslater for keeping us all on schedule. To @goleeforth for facilitating. And many many more.
24 hours in Boston. In and out. Charley lit up @roadrunnerboston last night and somewhere in between we got a private tour of Fenway, one of those places that reminds you how much history we tear down in this country... props to the @redsox for keeping the legacy alive. Music, baseball and good people 🫡
@charleycrockett
Jack Hughes gets his teeth knocked out from a high stick in the 3rd and then scores the game winning gold medal goal in OT!! 30 for 30 here we come!! #teamusa
