So, let me set the scene for you: I just got off of work. It was about 5pm and the sun was coming down beautifully behind this little ally way. I knew I had to take advantage of it so I went home and grabbed my camera and headed back to the location. I went ahead and snapped several shots of the foliage, shown below:
Next thing I know, out of know where comes the Ames hoola-hoop gang!! You know, its one of those things that you always hear about, but you don't really believe until you see for yourself. I was stunned. I didn't know what to do...run? No, I stood my ground and tried to pretend like I didn't notice them. After several minutes of building up courage, I slowly pointed my camera in their direction and snapped a few shots.
I was really suspecting them to react negatively. I had heard stories of what they have done to photojournalists from the Ames Tribune, and I was not looking to be be another number. The whole time I was coming up with a plan B in my head: escape routes, directions, etc. Yet, they seemed to warm up to the camera. I don't know what it was...my innocence perhaps...no ones heard from them in a while, maybe they saw me as a tool for getting their name out...
They allowed me, with an aura of tension, to follow them around the back alley and meet some of the other members...
...ferocious...
I stopped to change my lens and next thing I know they were gone. This is the last shot I got of them.
It was an experience I will never forget.
