1000 Knitters: The First Public Shoot

A friendly reminder from the little guy with the camera to you.

The first day of public shooting for the 1,000 Knitters photography project is this Saturday, July 14, from 9 am to 5:30 pm at Arcadia Knitting (1613 West Lawrence) in Chicago.

If you are thinking about coming, and I hope you are, please read the following carefully. I hate, hate, hate lists of rules, but I think setting forth a few will help to ensure a pleasant day for all.

1. Do I need to sign up in advance? No. Sitting will be on a first-come, first-served basis. I've had terrible luck with advance reservations for stuff like this, particularly on summer weekends. That way madness lies.
   
   When you arrive at the shop, you'll be given a number. Until your number is called, you're free to roam as you wish. The shop will be replete with a trunk show, sale items, new arrivals, and much more to occupy your time if you prefer to wait your turn on the premises.
   
   Please don't stray too far, though; if you miss your turn, you'll be asked to move graciously to the rear of the line. Of course, I don't expect that to be an issue. Knitters are always fair and never pushy, unless there are Koigu mill ends going cheap.
   
   
2. How long will the wait be? Honestly, I don't know. It will depend on how many people show up. I intend to keep things moving along as quickly as possible, but I also have to spend quality time with each person to tell our story properly.
   
   I suppose I could shoot bangbangbang, three faces a minute, like those nice people who issue driver's licenses at the Department of Motor Vehicles; but I fear you might not like the results.
   
   Besides...you're going to be in a yarn store. With knitters. How much of hurry are you going to be in to get away?
   
   
3. What should I bring or wear? The only thing I will ask of you, other than the gift of your presence, is that you complete and sign a standard model release before you sit. A model release is a simple form which gives me permission to use your image in this project. The form will also ask you to provide your name, occupation, city and state to possibly accompany your photograph in future exhibitions. ADDENDUM: Please note that if you are under 18, you will also need to have your release signed by your parent or guardian.
   
   As far as what to wear, that's up to you. Just please wear something. Not that I have moral objections to nudity, mind you, but the yarn is rather itchy.
   
   
4. You want to use my name? Can I be anonymous? While I would prefer that you agree to use both your first and last names, I won't insist. But I will ask that you at least provide your first name and initial. After all, part of the point of this is lifting the veil of anonymity that traditionally blankets those who do handwork. If you are not willing to be identified minimally as, for example, "Patricia T. of Niles, Illinois" then you may prefer not to sit.
   
   
5. What will this cost me? There is no charge for participation. What happens when you encounter the bin of sale yarns, however, is your own affair.
   
   
6. Will be allowed to preview and approve my photograph? What, and spoil all the fun on the day I launch the first exhibit? I couldn't possibly do that to you.
   
   
7. I can't be there. Are you going to do this again? Yes! I've got three messages (at least) from other yarn shops waiting for a response and I am hoping to work out arrangements with all of them. In addition, it looks like (this is not confirmed) I may be shooting at Stitches Midwest. And that's just for starters.
   

Arcadia says they've encountered quite a bit of interest. I'm excited beyond words. Smile pretty, y'all.