Messerly Photo began with the disire to capture history for future generations to enjoy.
First I looked to my past, reflecting on many old family photos that were in an old book case I inherited. This case was in my Grandmother's (Edwina Abernathy Wilkinson's) old home place in Prospect, TN. It was very interesting studying the old photographers marks and reading about the history of early photography in Giles County, TN and the town of Pulaski, TN. Early photography in the 1800's was new and exciting. The many fine examples of old stlye photos and albums and such was very interesting.Moving forward to May of 2004, over a hundred years after these old photos were taken, I decided to start taking photos with a digital camera. Again, reflecting on the past with photography being new and exciting, once again it was as if photography was brand new again. Not worrying about knowing every detail of all the photo software or camera settings I just began taking photos and go with my eye for what I liked.
I obtained a new business licence and zoning for working from my home. I decided to name the business Messerly Photo because it was short and sweet if you answer the phone, "Hello, Messerly Photo!" Also keeping the family name might lead to my sister also being able to join in one day. My Grandmother on the Messerly side of the family, Mary Frances Messerly, used to paint awewome oil paintings from photos taken of scenery that my Granddaddy Messerly took photos of.
I don't remember Granddaddy Messerly that much since he died when I was very young, but the paintings that Grandmother painted are timeless and will be remembered for a long long time. The paintings are owned by my Father, Aunt, and cousins, etc. The signature MF Messerly identifies the paintings.
One day perhaps my photos can live up to her standards. In the mean time, just as Grandmother Messerly used to take lessons to paint even though she didn't need to, I continue to strive to learn all the ever changing software and cameras and printing technology trying to keep up with that the best I can which is impossible. However, I keep on and if you see me by the river at the Batteau Festival or at a canal or the parkway, etc. and I say WHOA!, back up and let me take a Messerly Photo!
Holt Messerly
May 10, 2008