Q-113: Photowalking Dallas

As July rolls around things in your social life have not slowed. You've gotten used to parties and events, accustomed yourself to being in a different part of the county every weekend. You have managed to schedule in some time just for you, going to the lake any weekend you don't already have plans. It's allowed you some much deserved peace of mind and chill time with good friends.

And maybe that's how you had the courage to do what you did. Maybe it was adding those regular trips into the heart of relaxation that convinced you to try something you would never have done even a year ago, much less 3 or 4 years before that.

Maybe it's taking the time out for you that gave you the gusto to not just sign up for, but be excited about participating in something really amazing.

That's right. On July 18th, you participated in Scott Kelby's 2nd International Photo Walk.

The premise, meet with up to 50 strangers at a pre-determined location and walk around a designated path taking photos. Amateurs, professionals, point-n-shooters, film buffs, digital divas, portrait artists, and seasoned gallery exhibitors... the first 50 sign ups take the day together to shoot.

Even as late as the night before you have reservations. You hem and haw about doing a last-minute cancellation-- opening your space to someone who might be more confident, more used to this kind of situation. You think about perhaps switching to another location. There are 2 others in the Dallas-Forth Worth area neither of which is full. But you stick to your guns, you were the first one to sign up for your location and you owe it to yourself to see it through.

At 7:30am you strike out (cursing the GPS that leads you the long way through the city) and arrive jsut in time to park and join in for the group photo. Then you and 50+ strangers are off to shoot the city.

You start off strong, not even straying far from starting position, capturing a tiny model of the city located at the Rail Stop behind the meeting point:

And the rust of the city that surrounds you,



Then the serious shooting begins,



You're not thrilled at the time spent in one spot, but you did get a few of your best shots there,





It even gave the opportunity to get a few great macros,







Nonetheless, you were still glad to find a small clutch of folks that wanted to move on like you did. Your new band of brothers struck off down the designated map and approched the infamous Dealy Square (location of the Kennedy assassination). A native Texan who's been back for almost 3 years you were ashamed to admit you'd not yet been through the square to take photos. A problem well-remedied on your photowalk.







And on your way to the finish point, you also caught some unique glimpses of the city itself, things that other people might not have noticed.







You may not win the giant prize package, you may not even win your own group's contest, but you definitely won.

The ultimate test of your new self. Of the person you've become. The ability to wander with a clutch of professionals and hold your own. To come home with photos you are unashamed to call your own. To know that next year, you may be able to produce something that COULD win.

So was it worth the worry, the exhaustion, the sore legs and ankles, the twinges of social awkwardness?

Without a doubt.

It was really the perfect way to welcome the New You.