If you know me only as an adult – or only from social media – you might be surprised that I used to be shy. Painfully shy. It was ridiculous and I’ve worked hard to overcome it. But it’s still there, that stupid shyness, and even now there are things I have to practically talk myself into doing. Like asking people if I can take their photo.

So when I went to Pride the other day, I sort of worked my way into talking to people. The first photos I made were backs of people which was easy but then also started to seem dismissive and rude, particularly given the event that I was there for.

So I did it. I talked to people. I asked about their hair, the slogan on their shirt, how they were holding up in the heat. And then after a chat, I’d ask if I could take there photo. Everyone I asked said yes. And I came away completely unharmed.

Lubbock Pride
Lubbock, Texas
photographed 6.22.2024