Friday, April 25, 2008

Goin' back to Dallas

Fayrouz got a great job in Collin County. I'm very proud of her.
:-)

This means after three years in Southeast Texas, we're moving along. Yup, Fay and I are moving back to Dallas. I presented my resignation Thursday morning, so it's official.

As of June 1, 2008, I'll be a full-time freelance photojournalist based in Dallas. I'm already working a few angles, but I can't really do anything concrete until I'm back in Big D.

When Fay and I were cyber-dating, we once daydreamed that she would get a great job in America, and I would become an "artist." She reminded me of the conversation tonight. So, this is what may happen. I'm not sure.

At the moment, this process feels like a zero-gravity ride. I expect to land on my feet, but this is simultaneously startling and exhilarating. Whatever happens next is best.

I'm preparing a going-away slideshow of images from the last three years. I'll post it on May 16, 2008, which is my last work day. Yes, it will be long.

The next installment of the Black Star series will post around May 1 and the final piece of the series will run around May 15. They'll post the following day on this blog.

I've been holding several freelance commercial shoots this year. I'll post them between the time we leave Beaumont, and I start producing work in Dallas.

While this may mean I won't produce many hard news images during June, I'll probably have lots of extra time to write some important text posts. I may even start compiling this darn book I've threatened for the last four years.

Uncertainty is the only thing I seem to be certain of today. But, it's best.

Enough for now,

10 comments:

John MacDonald said...

Wow! Congratulations all around are due. The great thing about the net is that you can take your virtual world with you where ever you go. All the best with your new prospects!

Mark M. Hancock said...

Thanks. Niether of us were entirely ready to move, but we're both good at adapting.
We've survived a lot together. :-)

Bryon Houlgrave said...

Congratulations to Fay, and I wish you both the best. It will be nice being in Dallas again, I'm sure. Less gators. ;-)

Mark M. Hancock said...

Thanks Bryon. :-)
It'll be nice to return to the constant activity and diversity of Dallas - especially the food and book stores.
I've gotten accustomed to the gators. I think I'll miss them slightly. I was near some large, wild ones yesterday evening. I've learned they aren't like their croc cousins. They only want egret etouffee.

Andrew Buckley said...

Congratulations! I can't wait to see your work from around here, I live in Dallas and im a photojournalist major at University of Texas at Arlington, good luck with all your endevors.

Mark M. Hancock said...

Thanks Andrew. I'm looking foward to the challenge of returning to Dallas. I don't know what I'll do, but it'll be an experience.

Ken said...

Mark,

Congrats!
I have in-laws in North Richland Hills, just outside of Fort Worth.
Nice area Less hurricane news ;)

I don't know if you have thought of this, but is teaching a consideration?

Just planting a seed. I know I have learned a lot from this site.

Anyway, good luck man.

Mark M. Hancock said...

Hi Ken,
I covered North Richland Hills a few times while I was staff at DMN.
I considered teaching, but I considered it something to do when my knees, back and neck hurt more. I can still take the pain this year. ;-}

Richard Tallent said...

Best of luck, Mark!

Mark M. Hancock said...

Thanks Richard. :-)