I went for the jelly beans.
August 4, 2007
So I went to this RC car meet in Carson City with my little brother last weekend. I went because my little brother wanted me to take pictures and he promised me large amounts of Jelly Belly jelly beans. The event was full of loud guys, with louder cars. They were big guys with scary tattoos and huge holes in their ears. The first time I saw this group I thought “What the hell did I get myself into?”. Here I am way out in the desert with guys who could easily squash me, dig a hole, and dispose of my body within minutes. And I was suppose to get in their faces and take pictures? What!?
Little did I know how much fun I would have. Over the days I got to know some pretty cool people. Jim, a guy who always had a quick comeback and a big smile. Ben and Matt, two brothers from Iowa that have the kind of relationship I hope to have with my own brother when we are at that stage in life. Mike, a guy with more to him than you might think. Lisa, Mike’s wife who has a sense of humor most people only dream of. Plus everyone else who was there that helped make the event worth being part of.
My only regret is the fact I didn’t realize how cool and open these people were sooner. Because of my own insecurities I missed a lot of photo opportunities. Over and over again I saw potentially great photos or had ideas that I thought would be awesome, but I didn’t act on my feelings and thoughts.
Because of this event and my love for photography I came to an epiphany. If I don’t act on my feelings and ideas, my work will suffer and I won’t be able fulfill my potential. If I’m not working at my full potential I’ll never be able to push my skills any further. I’ll be stuck with all the average photographers, taking the same pictures as them. Too afraid to go any further, too insecure to ask for what I want. I won’t ever get the shot I really want, and I’ll spend the years regretting my work. I can’t let that happen, I’d rather quit right now.
So… I went for the Jelly Beans, I stayed for the fun, and I came back with a new outlook on life.
Below are a few shots, and a link to the flickr set.
I promise next time I won’t hold back.
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That last picture is simply awesome! I have to admit, I wasn’t sure what to expect from you as I hadn’t heard much about you from your brother. But you’re a stand up guy and your work is amazing. I truly wish the best for you! That weekend was the best of my life and I hope to meet up with you again sometime in the near future!
Matt