Lasting mark

Your recent story on the Virgil Wooten photographic display at the Keystone Square Museum brought back a flood of fond memories. Virgil had a considerable positive impact on my life.

When I was a young lad, I had an interest in photography. Virgil was kind enough to let me hang out at his studio, where he spent many hours teaching me how to develop film, make prints and enlargements. He gave me instructions in lighting and even showed me how to retouch negatives. After I persuaded my mother to buy me a kit for "colorizing" black and white photos, Virgil and I spent a lot of time practicing that art. He was a lot better at it than I was.

Today, I am still interested in photography, but I no loner use film or have a darkroom. Today, it is all done digitally, but the basic principles Virgil taught me still apply -- lighting, composition, the value of action shots and much more. For an example of my pictorial storytelling today, take a loot at www.rollybrook.com.

He taught me more than photography. He was an inspiring example of overcoming handicaps. I watched him struggle to go up and down the stairs to his second floor studio, never complaining, never a hint of self-pity for what polio had done to his body.

Virgil Wooten is one of a half-dozen people from my youth in Lampasas who have left a lasting mark on my life.

Rollins Brook Lerdo, Durango

Mexico