For my first picture in the 52 Week project series I decided to head up to Mill Avenue in Tempe which is always busy and full of interesting people.

I walked the street and came across a talented gentleman playing a saxophone on the sidewalk. I introduced myself and asked if I could take a few pictures while he performed. He agreed and as I started taking pictures he paused and we started up a conversation. Ed Smith is from New Jersey and is a snowbird visiting Arizona during the winter months when our weather is fantastic. The photograph below is my Week 1 submission.

As we continued to talk he brought up the fact his son (my apologies to Ed if I misunderstood him here) played in the 1991 Orange Bowl for Notre Dame. Unfortunately Notre Dame loses to Colorado 10–9 and the Buffaloes win their only national title to date. He showed me the Orange Bowl ring on his hand and I could tell he was quite proud of it so I wanted to make sure I included a shot of it here.

I was extremely fortunate to run into Ed – he was interesting, talented and very friendly throughout our entire conversation. I hope to run into him on Mill Avenue again as I will certainly stop by and say hello. I’d also like to thank Geoff, Frank and Will (I hope I have all their names right!) who I met while sitting down for a pint at my favorite pub in all of Phoenix – Rula Bula. They were very friendly and we talked at length about photography – Geoff is about to get a new Canon Rebel Digital SLR and is excited to start using it after having extensive experience with film. I had a great time chatting with them and hope to see them at Rula Bula in the near future!