The Texas Kid.

The Texas Kid. 1986. Dallas, Texas © Allison V. Smith

One of my very first photo assignments was to photograph a stranger. I was in 10th grade and new to 35mm. My mom loaned me her Nikon FM for the photography class and I knew exactly who I wanted to photograph. His name was The Texas Kid, maybe you saw his house in True Stories (best movie ever ) or have seen his beautiful portrait hanging in The Meddelsome Moth. He was the real deal. I got an A+ on the assignment & my teacher encouraged me to go back and photograph more of him and his home. I returned the following week with my camera, a handful of prints and The Kid and I became friends.The making of this photograph and friendship taught me countless life long lessons that I continue to lean on.