East Lake has the usual city park fixtures – tennis courts, basketball court, playground, picnic shelter, grassy areas. It’s well-maintained, but it’s probably too ordinary for anyone to call it “beautiful.”
I picked a warm February Friday to explore this Atlanta park. I was struggling that day because of some troubles with my landlord.
When I first arrived, the park was nearly empty. I made my way slowly across it, not seeing much.
Then a guy showed up and started shooting hoops. Then another guy joined in.
Reggie and Jbril didn’t know each other, but they played easily together – competitive and energetic, and with a flow that seemed effortless.
Their motion, their laughter, their expressions all brought me out of my own head.
The park got busier, and I wandered through getting more portraits. Some people were hesitant when I approached, but when I explained the project they were open and maybe a little flattered. Their faces relaxed into beauty.
. 
Chris was there working on a project to install lights, and he was definitely into the beauty project.
He helped me recruit other people to photograph:
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I thanked him and said it’s great how friendly people in Atlanta are.
Chris nodded. And said, “We make our own troubles. We make things hard on ourselves. If we just treat others how we want to be treated, everything works out.”
Truth.
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