Love of the Game on a Country Road

There's a difference between telling a story and finding one. Through Gary's eye and the love of basketball he does both.

"There’s this little farm stand on the south shore that I have been passing by for years on my way to and from work. Every day I would see the same boy working in the fields and at the family farm stand. He stood out because he would always wearing NBA jerseys. Many times, on my way home, I would see him practicing his shot or handles on this old portable hoop in the gravel parking lot adjacent to the road.

I always wanted to stop by to photograph him but as usual, I was just too busy. Summers came and went as I watched the little boy through the window of my car turn into a young man. I witnessed him grow just like the sunflowers and corn that he planted for years in the field. I could see that he was getting taller, becoming stronger, and developing a better shot.

This summer I finally decided that I had to stop by and introduce myself. I met Malachi and his father Antonio and expressed my passion for photography and love for basketball. I asked if it could take a few pictures of Malachi working on the farm and shooting around. They were just as excited as I was, so we planned to shoot a few days later during sunset.

I am so glad that I didn’t let another summer come and go."

All words and images @ Gary Land

GARY LAND

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