Last April, I was going to get my film developed for my photo class at the shop on Bleecker and Lafayette. As I was waiting for the prints the shop guys started talking to me about photography. They asked me what my photos were for, and when I told them it was for a class, we got into a long conversation about how photography has changed almost completely from film to digital. they started telling me that all these famous people use to get their film developed there. They told me that Annie Leibovitz would go there to get her film developed from Vogue shoots.
I guess they decided that we were now friends, so they asked me for my number in case they ever needed anyone to help them shoot for weddings or parties. Two weeks later I got a call from Prem. He said he had a wedding for me to do in Queens and that I would get $250. So I went with them. First I had to go to the store to pick up their equipment. I then took a subway by myself to Queens where they picked me up in a car. It was a little strange.
We drove to an Indian party venue, banquet hall, I'm not really sure what to call it. Everyone there was Indian. I was the only light skinned blonde girl in sight. everyone looked at me funny because they were all wearing traditional Indian saris and robes. I was wearing black skinnies, a white jacket, and boots. I was attempting to look professional. I could hear them thinking to themselves, "Where did they get this girl?"
I used my own camera but they loaned me a better lens and flash. I walked around taking pictures of the tables, food, decor, and some action shots. There was only Indian music playing, and all the food was Indian, which I got to help myself to. The buffet was actually really amazing.
When they were done shooting I got dropped of by Prem at a car service and they payed for my ride home. It was such a bizarre experience. They have been calling me ever since to do other events but I felt so out of place at the last one that I've never responded to any of their calls.
This is a great choice for a story. It's very interesting. The way it's written seems very autobiographical, which is good. What could have helped it however was more vivid description. I know you weren't there, but maybe it could have helped to ask for more descriptions from your subject, you know? With that, rather than saying you were somewhere, you can make the reader feel like they are there.
ReplyDeleteAlso, your piece repeats the theme or idea of the situation being "bizarre" or "weird." I'm sure it probably was, but the descriptions, or at least the narrator's reactions, aren't described in a very "bizarre" way. Maybe it would have helped to give more context of how your subject felt in the situation, maybe giving some more example of strange or out of place moments. On top of that, maybe add some active dialogue next time, since that could also create more of a sense of awkwardness or context in general.