James Cook

@jamescook.biz

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Camera-carrying observer of the world and longtime freelance photojournalist, responding to what circumstances present. https://catchingshadows.substack.com Slideshows & Archival Prints: https://JamesCook.biz https://TraditionalSubjects.com

A Lakota grass dancer follows a traditional Lakota dancer across a ridge. The grass dance evolved from when men tucked long grasses into their belts to today's colorful outfits, covered with long flows of brightly colored cloth fringe. The traditional dance is one of the oldest dances of the Northern plains. The outfit typically consists of a coup stick, eagle feathers, furs, porcupine quills, beads and bells and pieces handed down over generations.

Frank Fools Crow (June 1890 - November 27, 1989) was a Lakota Sioux spiritual leader, Yuwipi medicine man, and the nephew of Black Elk. Raised in the traditional way, he did not attend "the white man's school" as his father did not approve, which is why he could not speak fluent English. As a young man he traveled around the United States with the Buffalo Bill Cody Wild West Show. He spent much of his life serving his people as a medicine man, healer, and teacher.

Oval Beach, Lake Michigan, 12/3/25

James Cook, self-portrait, 2025

There has been an ongoing controversy about the development of some pristine stretches of the Lake Michigan lakeshore around Saugatuck Dunes. Developers want to develop. Environmentalists want to add the same acreage to an adjacent state park.

Boulder ’81 — four cats in the grass, Orlovsky always with papers in hand, Ginsberg part Buddha, dressed like a diplomat of dreams, Burroughs crumpled hat & wandering eyes, Corso unpretentious in linen, smirking like he knows how it all ends. They stood still just long enough for me to burn the frame.