“I am a canvas of my experiences, my story is etched in lines and shading, and you can read it on my arms, my legs, my shoulders, and my stomach.”

Kat Von D, Mexican American tattoo artist, model, entrepreneur and recording artist

Overcoming Fear

No, I’m not talking about getting a tattoo!

I’m an introvert, so walking up to a stranger and asking, “May I take your picture please?” is about as terrifying as it gets. Am I bothering that person? Will I be turned down?

One sure way to assuage that fear is to bring your camera to the Villain Arts Tattoo Festival. I had such good luck last year asking strangers if I could take their picture that I returned for the event on March 20^th at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center near O’Hare airport.

Accompanied by fellow photographer Scott Fuller and adventurous friend Paul Teodo, we walked over a mile in the exhibit hall observing the various tattoo artists, tattoo suppliers, and body modifiers at the exhibit. Everyone was eager to say “yes” to the picture question. And everyone thanked us for taking their picture!

It was an introvert’s dream come true.

The Shots

We had the impression that like Cat Von D., the customers and tattoo artists creating those tattoos wanted their story “read” by others. Since a picture is worth a thousand words, I’ll let the pictures do the talking.

Thanks for looking,

Chuck Derus

https://cderus.zenfolio.com/