Humans of New York

Have you heard of the photographer that takes pictures of people in New York and posts them and their stories online? It’s a hugely popular website and has 12.5 million followers on facebook. Of course being so popular others have followed the idea in other countries, including Australia. Inspired I started a Dogs of Gold Coast page on my website.

The first time I went out I was really nervous. What if people were negative, refused or even laughed at me? I found a dog tied to a post. It’s owner was with her daughter on the play equipment. It was the perfect opportunity. I took a photo and yet didn’t approach the woman. The photo was actually pretty good, yet my rule was that I ask permission and I ask for the dog’s name. Ten minutes later it started raining and I was off the hook.

A week later I tried again. This time I was full of a determined spirit. Each person I asked was delighted by the idea. Each new dog challenged me to think more about the setting and being able to capture the dog’s character. At one point I could hear barking and realised a group had their dog, Louie, in a shaded carry cage. I asked if he could come out for a photo and here is my reward. A cute little chihuahua who was happy to pose. Most are.

My page is only just beginning but I’m glad I got past the stage fright and am now able to do something I wanted to do. I get to meet strangers’ dogs and maybe I’ll start asking some for their story. Not just humans have a story to tell.

How about you? Are you willing to get out of your comfort zone? The sad thing (for me anyway) is the older you get the more tempting it is to take the easy way out and not take risks. What’s the reward in this though? Doing the same thing, no adventures, no growth. I challenge you to try out something you’re just that little bit nervous about. Don’t beat yourself up too much if you don’t succeed the first time. Just don’t give up.

“It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed.”

― Theodore Roosevelt

Introducing me, introducing you.