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mexican independence day
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2 women and 2 men in back of pick up adorned with mexican flags held by 2 other women.

The Story Behind “Independence Pride”

Pat Green

How much closer can you get? Will you take a once in a lifetime opportunity or play it safe and practical? These questions and more were things I had to ask with this shot.

I had just finished shooting the grand opening gala for The Chicago Architectural Resource Center. I packed up my gear, wished everyone a good night, and went outside to order a ride to the train station to go home. The surge pricing and the wait time made a ride to Union Station not a viable option. I was going to have to walk over a mile. 

I had no idea what the reason for the delay was until I finished cutting through the Fulton Market District. Mexican Independence Day. It was a caravan as far far as the eye could see completely choking the Chicago loop with bumper to bumper traffic. 

When you are carrying thousands of dollars in gear in a back pack, safety is on the mind. But there is also opportunity for amazing street photography. Since traffic was moving in inches, I walked in the middle of the street shooting as I went. 

Cars, motorcycles, pick up trucks, and people all joyously waving the Mexican flag and shouting gleefully.  I took snaps as I went and the engagement was always welcoming and full of support. The middle of it all was my safest place to walk. 

The Decisive Moment, Getting a Little Closer, and the Offer

A mere 2 blocks away from the train station entrance I found myself with minutes to spare to make the next train and this moment. Everyone in the pickup truck saw me as a took the picture. The picture was lacking. I was not close enough. Taking my own advice and photo master Capa’s thoughts on “If your pictures aren’t good enough, you’re not close enough,” I got closer. As I got in closer I took delight in the woman on top posing for the upcoming shot and the young man towards the bottom waving at me. Getting closer created a decisive moment and capture out of camera that I am proud of. 

Then came the offer. The young man said, “There’s room, wanna join us?” The woman said, “Yeah, hop in!” I looked at my watch and then back at them. Their light is about to turn to turn green and I am at zero hour where I will have to hustle to make the train. I said I had to go to work in the morning, but thank you. 

The guy yelled one ore time as I started to jog away, “Are you sure?” I stopped and looked at him and told him the truth, “No.” 

I made the train. I got home at Midnight. I got a few hours of sleep in and I went to work.

The Lessons

Get closer, create the intimacy and the moment, be friendly and kind, be appreciative of each shot. And if a group of strangers asks you to get in a pick up truck, get in the pick up truck. Life is too short and I will never know the shots I missed and the friends I could have made. 

I should have gotten in the truck. 

See More Stories

I write a Bi Monthly 20 page zine and I also have a few other published works. You can read more about them and purchase these stories here. 

Be My Boss and Tell me What Stories to Tell

My Patreons can be my Editors for as little as $3 a month! Simply go to my Patreon to learn more. Different levels of support will come with free perks as well!

Let’s Make A Story

Do you want to tell your story with me? I create visual stories for portrait sessions, websites for your business, documentaries, and even dating profiles. Let’s connect!

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Phone 630-408-0817 Email patgreen@patgreenphoto.com

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