I have always had this secret crush on the state of Texas. I don’t know where it came from or why it started… but somewhere between the Dallas-Ft. Worth airport and the stockyards, I fell in love. I think that a huge reason I fell in love with Texas this past weekend was due to the amazing experiences I had while I was there. I have spent the past four days with some of the most inspiring, challenging, and prolific photojournalists from around the world. While it was incredibly humbling to sit in a room with such remarkable individuals, I realized that I had found a community of people that share my heart for visual storytelling. I think I understand why my new German friend has been coming to this conference for 15 years, even though she lives in Germany. In the words of another photojournalist there, I have found my people.
On Day 1 of the conference, I participated in a student workshop where we were taken to the stockyards to capture our own interpretation of the stories. I will be sharing a new story from this experience each day this week, so make sure to check back for my daily posts.
When I think about capturing the many faces of the stockyards, I think about these little kids and Billy Goat Gruff that I encountered while exploring the stockyards.
Mischief. Adventure. Nurture. Friendship.
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Which image is your favorite?
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shannon leith - that first one tells SUCH a story! its my fave.
Catie Loveless - I love mischief….the second one down…captures a story in one frame. I love how the partner in crime in is looking straight at the camera. So good!
Helene - I like your blog and website a lot….are these goats at the stockyard to be slaughtered? I guess there’s no other reason for them to be there, right?
jada - I love the momma and baby billy goat. The black and white contrast, mother and baby. Great picture Christen and what fun! Love, MOM
ChristenB - Helene, I don’t think they are going to be slaughtered… This is a touristy area in Dallas-Ft. Worth area, so there is hope for these little ones. =)
Katherine - Hi Christen! I was also at the conference.
Timing didn’t work for me to attend the student conference this year, but last year I was able to go to that as well. I loved it so much! Oh, and I think the second to last photo is my favorite.
Shanna - My favorite is the first one…it looks like the little guy is saying, “Are you sure you don’t want to come?” You have such a gift!
Billy Jackson - I like the second one best. Caught in the act.
Tiffany - Sooo glad you enjoyed Texas – minus those pesky drivers!
It’s easy to fall in love with such an amazing area. Well, my favorite is the momma and her nursling…but I’m a bit drawn towards anything baby related right now 
Maria - Love this series, Christen! Very well captured.