The Real Benny Braden

09/06/2026

NEVER FORGET!..

Thank you Chattanooga 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb for allowing me to capture these moments from this years 9/11 Stair Climb in Chattanooga.

** ALL images posted on The Real Benny Braden and Rescue Company Media belong to Benny Braden Jr. Sharing freely of my content is welcome, but must give photographer credit to Real Benny Braden & Rescue Company Media

09/01/2026

If you know, you know.

*When enjoying the outdoors, it is recommended you exercise the Ethics of Responsible Stewardship, Inc . Learn more in the LINK MY BIO..

Responsible Stewardship Ethics:

•🔘 Integrity
•🔘Know Your Impact
•🔘Take Action
•🔘Educate
•🔘Advocate
•🔘Donate
•🔘Tag Lightly
•🔘Foster Stewardship Together

** Also before geotagging or hash tagging a specific location. Consider the following:
•(1) Does the current infrastructure support an additional amount of visitors?
•(2) Are there adequate parking, roads and restrooms that can handle more visitors?
•(3) And consider the possible human and environmental impact that could be placed on that location....

*

Thank you for your Stewardship Efforts.

08/31/2026

Into the RUSH!..

“Semper Paratus”

* In Frame: Tennessee Association of Rescue Squads Swiftwater Rescue Instructor, Joel Burney ( Joel Burney )

** ALL images posted on Benny Braden, Jr. and Rescue Media Collective belong to Benny Braden Jr. Sharing freely of my content is welcome, but must give photographer credit to Benny Braden, Jr. & Rescue Company Media

*** Camera equipment and settings:
• Sony a7iv
• Sony 70-200 2.8 gm ii

• ISO 250
• 93 mm
• f2.8
• 1/3200s

TN Assoc Rescue Squads Team Wendy Outdoor Team Wendy HΞΔT WΔVΞ VISUΔL DJI Astral Sony | Alpha HO Hiwassee Scenic River State Park Rescue Company Media Benny Braden, Jr.

08/31/2026

08/25/2026

HURST Jaws of Life MESFireTeam Wendy Team Wendy Outdoor

08/21/2026

Who’s ready for the weekend?….

* In Frame: Mike Herrick of the TN Assoc Rescue Squads

Team Wendy Outdoor Team Wendy Astral HO

** ALL images posted on Benny Braden, Jr. and Rescue Media Collective belong to Benny Braden Jr. Sharing freely of my content is welcome, but must give photographer credit to Benny Braden, Jr. & Rescue Company Media

08/20/2026

My friend Melissa ( Melissa Beard ) and her social media posts have me reminiscing about our John Muir Trail thru-hike from 5 years ago. It’s hard to believe it’s been that long ago already. It was the last time I was in the Sierra.

No adventure is complete without logistics though. And as always my good friend TJ Lopez came through for us. Several of my adventures out west including HIGHLINE would have been more difficult to get to and from if it hadn’t been for him and his wife Amanda McAhren Lopez .

But as for mine and Melissa’s adventure. We had good weather and incredible campsites the whole way. Not to mention a spectacular stealth campsite on the side of Clouds Rest facing Half Dome and Yosemite Valley.

We got forced off trail at Red’s Meadows due to a forest fire closure, but we reconnected with the trail at Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park where we pushed on to finish at Happy Isles.

We made some incredible memories on that trip and seen some spectacular views. The Sierra Nevada Mountains are a very special place for me. Someday I hope to return. Even if it’s just for a short trip.

What an adventure that was.

Thank you Melissa Beard and TJ Lopez for making that trip possible and an experience of a lifetime.

*When enjoying the outdoors, it is recommended you exercise the Ethics of Responsible Stewardship, Inc . Learn more in the LINK MY BIO..

Responsible Stewardship Ethics:

•🔘 Integrity
•🔘Know Your Impact
•🔘Take Action
•🔘Educate
•🔘Advocate
•🔘Donate
•🔘Tag Lightly
•🔘Foster Stewardship Together

** Also before geotagging or hash tagging a specific location. Consider the following:
•(1) Does the current infrastructure support an additional amount of visitors?
•(2) Are there adequate parking, roads and restrooms that can handle more visitors?
•(3) And consider the possible human and environmental impact that could be placed on that location....

08/20/2026

Now Available 🚨

The wait is over. The RECON™ Tactical Helmet is now available for purchase at Team Wendy.

Built for mission-ready performance, comfort, and protection, the RECON™ Tactical is engineered to meet the demands of today's tactical operators.

Order yours today: https://hubs.la/Q04twHlQ0

08/16/2026

Here’s the first 35mm image I’ve taken on over 36 years… Not too bad. And what better subject than Ol Chief Hosceola aka Hoss and the CSX trestle in Reliance, TN. The trestle is located at the Hiwassee Outfitters on the Hiwassee River.

Honestly there was no better backdrop for this image. Hiwassee Outfitters is a special place for me. It’s where our Swiftwater Rescue Instructor staff stays 6-8 weekends during the summer months as we host our TN Assoc Rescue Squads Swiftwater Rescue Levels I & II classes on the Ocoee and Hiwassee Rivers. It’s my home away from home during the summer. Also the MacKaye Trail goes right through the outfitters property. I thru-hiked the 299 mile long BMT back in March of 2019.

So back to this image…

Here are my takeaways after running 2 rolls of film through this Minolta 35mm camera with a 50mm lense..

• How much I miss the old 35mm film cameras.
• Wear my glasses lol!!
• Step my settings one step down. Most images I took were a tad bright and over exposed.
• Slow down and taken in the moment, adjust my settings carefully and be more intentional with the photography. Shooting 35mm is certainly more expensive than mirrowless.

What I discovered was I really miss the 35mm look and feel. It certainly takes me back to simpler era I am home sick for.

A BIG THANK YOU to my good friend Sarah Leedy who gave me her old Minolta 35mm camera a few months ago. I mentioned I was looking to get back film photography. So she game me her old Minolta and a couple lenses.

This old camera still has life in her. I’m hoping I can tell a few stories with it.

* Image was taken on a Minolta SRT 201 and 50mm lens. I used FUJIFILM X/GFX USA 400 film and Nice Film Club to develop the film. Image was lightly edited in Adobe Lightroom .

So I need input from you..

1. I’m looking for a Yashica FX3 is really good condition. Do you have one you want to sell or any leads on one?

2. Who do you use to develop your film?

3. Are there any good recommendations for film development in the Knoxville Tennessee area?

08/12/2026

Today my best buddy Hoss turned 3 Years Old! Happy Birthday Hocienda!!!

I can’t even begin to express what he means to me. I love him more than I’ve loved any of my four legged companions. He’s done a phenomenal job at home as my service dog. Hitting his marks like he should and responding to commands.

He resumes his service dog training on Thursday. We had to take a break due to my shoulder injury back during the winter. He’s older and more mature now and I home he settles in to training just fine.

Happy Birthday Chief Hosceola 🤎

Life w/ Hoss the Chocolate Labrador Marla