The Street Photographer

Chapter 1

Point. Focus. Click.

Honestly, that's how it all started. I was doing what I always did, and the click of a button changed everything. How was I supposed to know that a normal, five-second moment was going to send me down a whirlwind path that would change my life in several ways?

Before I get ahead of myself, let me explain. First of all, my name's Ally. Well, my real name is Ally but the world now knows me as Madison Bartell. I used to be another person on the street, but now my name and disguise are all over one of the biggest websites in New York. I had a decent job working during the week and a freelance background photographer on the weekends. Nothing special, really.

So how does no one special end up being the big name of a huge magazine? I didn't go looking to 'make it big,' if you're wondering. In fact, I was minding my own business when someone deemed my photography worthy of scooping off the ground.

My favorite hobby is street photography, meaning I just grab my camera and take photos of whatever I see. I'd been doing that for years, ever since my intro level photography class in college. There was something satisfying about capturing a precious moment in time to be preserved forever. No special lights or backdrops, no models, no hours of makeup, no editing or manipulation to create a scene that didn't actually exist. Just plain, raw life.

I'd post my raw life photos on photography websites, hoping to win a few contests and gain a bit of a following for future reference. That's when I started using a different name, kind of like a writer's pen name. I wanted to maintain a fine line of separation between my personal and so-called professional lives. Ally could dress up and show her face in public places. Madison would be the girl in the oversized hoodie with a camera around her neck. If the two started to mix too much, I could easily make one or the other disappear until the fog cleared.

So when I received a phone call on my cell phone from a prestigious New York magazine, and the lady on the other end asked for Madison, you can understand why it took me a minute to process. I pulled myself together to answer for myself and waited to see where this important-sounding conversation would lead.

"Miss Bartell, my name is Adelaide Creston. I work with W Magazine, and we would like to speak with you about coming to work for us as one of our incognito photographers."

Three Years Later

"You've done it again, Madison." My editor laced his hands behind his head and grinned. "You've brought us enough street photos for the next two magazines. How do you do it?"

I twirled a lock of wavy, dirty blonde hair around my finger and shrugged. "I've told you. Behind the scenes photography is enjoyable for me. It's rather fun."

"Well, your fun has made you a rising star in our ranks. You are poised to take head photographer at the next chance."

I shook my head and slouched in my chair, just like every other time this subject came up in conversation. "I've also told you that I don't want to be head photographer. It's too much business, paperwork, politics, and in-studio work. It cramps my style."

"I know," he sighed. "I just keep hoping that one of these days you'll wake up and see what an amazing opportunity this is for you. You could really make a name for yourself!"

"I've already made a name for myself," I muttered before tugging on the drawstrings of my hood. Madison Bartell chose comfort over style every time, daring to make public office appearances in joggers and sweatshirts. "Are we done?"

"Yes," he pouted. "I'll text you if anything juicy comes up."

I slipped out of his office, hands shoved into the big pocket of my sweatshirt. Our ideas of 'anything juicy' were polar opposites. He loved the big events that drew lots of attention from all sides. I preferred those street bands who popped up anywhere with enough space. Of course, there were certain hoops I had to jump through to keep my contract valid. Nothing illegal, inconspicuous, or uncouth, just...personally distasteful.

By the time I reached the lobby, I'd tugged the hood around my neck. There were plenty of people around and I just wanted out. Ally might be one keen for crowds, but large groups posed too big of a threat of discovery for Madison. I'd remained hidden well enough for three years, learning and adapting tricks to keep out of the line of focus. Sometimes I just wanted to come out as myself, throwing off the whole incognito persona.

I pushed through the double doors into the afternoon air. The crisp breeze was a welcome distraction from the stifling warmth inside the building. What I really needed was to go on a photo spree for me, not Madison. I wouldn't need to worry about who saw or if the shot was any good. I could throw caution out the window and blend in like another normal person on the street.

The second I closed my apartment door, I tugged the bobby pins out of my hair and pulled the wig off. Yeah, so I went that crazy to make sure that Madison was different. I got used to wearing it until it was as natural as my makeup. My natural brown hair tumbled free and landed on my shoulders. The freedom was very much welcomed.

"Okay," I sighed. "Time to be me again."