Assignment #40 - Houston. It's Worth It.

Houston. It's Worth It. This is something I believe as I send you scurrying to and fro for our monthly assignments. It is worth the hassle and the traffic and the long distances that some of you have to go to get to an assignment location because Houston is full of hidden gems and places worth exploring with your camera. We all know Houston is a hard sell. If you have tried to explain why you like Houston to anyone who lives anywhere else, not to mention to some people who actually live here, you have had this experience. In 2004 marketing firm ttweak put together an independent, online campaign to promote the real Houston, flaws and all. They invited people to tell them why despite Houston's "20 afflictions" it is worth living here. The website was overwhelmed with responses that ranged from listing favorite locations like Hermann Park or the Galleria to analogies such as this one

If Houston were a dog, she'd be a mutt with 3 legs, one bad eye, fleas the size of Corn Nuts and buck teeth. Despite all that, she'd be the best dog you'd ever know.

I am excited to announce we are teaming this month with the great folks at Houston. It's Worth It. for the September assignment. HIWI has set a real challenge. Photograph the 20 afflictions. The 20 afflictions are: 

The Heat 
The Humidity
The Hurricanes
The Flying Cockroaches
The Mosquitos
The Traffic
The Construction
The Sprawl
The Refineries
The Ridicule
The Pollen
The Air
The Billboards
The Flooding
The Image
The Property Taxes
The Short Springs
The Long Summers
The Potholes
The No Mountains 

This is going to stretch you creatively and I look forward to seeing the entries. There are several afflictions that will be very easy to capture. Most of you could probably get at least one or two on your way in to work. 

 The folks from HIWI will be watching the entries as they come and at the end of the month will select their three favorites. Those photographers will receive a copy of the new HIWI book, HIWI: Ike, that is going to be released this month. 

To celebrate the release of the Ike book, HIWI will be throwing a party on September 11th. Save the date and I will get back to you when the details are finalized. It is going to be a big month for HIWI and Assignment: Houston gets to be involved right in the middle of it. Make sure to check back in here from time to time during the month and also check out the HIWI website, Twitter stream and Flickr group. 

 Houston. It IS Worth It. 

Comments

[soonerpa]

What is "Short Springs"?
Thanks!