Talking to strangers

This weekend I finally had a chance to take my Polaroid camera out to play. And what a great day I chose to do so. I timed my visit to the Montreal Botanical Gardens perfectly. The trees in the arboretum were in full bloom and the scent was intoxicating.

I also managed to overcome a photographic hurdle that I have, which is approaching complete strangers to ask if I can take a photograph of them. But I couldn't resist. I spotted these three girls dressed in kimonos walking around the arboretum, and an image popped into my head. Essentially the one at the top ... their three feet and kimonos peeking out through a cascade of blossoms. I started to essentially stalk them, taking photographs in their vicinity, while watching them out of the corner of my eye.

At one point I chickened out and started to walk away, but then I realized that I would go away disappointed in myself if I did so. Instead, I turned around and finally approached them about taking their photograph. Of course, the entire exchange ended up being a great pleasure and they were really into it. It turns out that the three of them get dressed up in their kimonos once a year to come to the botanical gardens and walk among the blossoming trees. How sweet is that! One of them, upon seeing my polaroid camera, exclaimed "I love polaroids!". So naturally, I took a photograph of the three of them and gave them the polaroid.

Now that I'm emboldened, look out strangers!