Lester

I met Lester while working for the Milwaukee Area Rescue Mission. He was so soft-spoken, I had to lean in close to hear what he was saying. Lester stared into the camera with a "here is who I am" look that I hope to achieve with all those I photograph. With Lester, he let me in right away.

San Miguel Middle School

I have done work for San Miguel Middle School for at least the past 4 years. I, recently learned that they have fallen victim to the recession and will be closing after this school year. San Miguel bridges the educational inequities affecting Latino immigrant youth. It is clear how the school fills the kids with not just knowledge but a strong sense of value, which makes them and their parents so very proud. Makes me sad.

Mary

Mary lives in a shelter in Durham, North Carolina. Asking her if it would be ok to take her photo felt invasive and even exploitive. Although her manner is gentle and kind, she has battled demons and endured hardship. She told me that "after what she had been through, having her photo taken was not difficult." I wonder if I would have been able to do the same if I were her.

Skipping Along

It's been too long since I have done a post. I really appreciate the concern of several subscribers who have written inquiring about my well-being. I have been very busy with work, personal projects, teaching and enjoying life. I also find myself in a state of transformation that is filling me with renewed spirit and value for what really is important. Paradoxically, my photographs have been both easier to make and visually stronger.

In an effort to make up for this "lost time", I am going to post images, both work-related and personal in a spate. Thanks to all of you who follow this.

This photo of Grace is for an up-coming Diabetes Prevention campaign and is a good reflection of my current state of being.

St. Paul Academy

Some images from a school days worth of free form shooting at St Paul Academy.

Senior Project Begins

Last year, I was lucky enough to be awarded a grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council to do portraits of Seniors and combine their images with their words of experience. Walker Methodist in was my first location.

At the beginning of a project you are working out the kinks and deciding on technique and image treatment. (I also need to add the words to the images) We are also doing video capture and obtaining some beautiful, thoughtful words.

These images are those that I will send to the models to thank them for helping and taking their time.

More to come...

Winter

A shot between the shots I was doing while on assignment for Hennepin County Medical Center. It is my idea of capturing a winter scene. (shot through a window while I was standing in a comfortable 70º room.).

During the cold here in Minnesota, I often see things I want to shoot although the frigidity, which chills me to the inner-core, prevents me from escaping the warmth of my existing environment to capture them.

Vlad

Vlad Spector was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma when he was 14 years old. He is now 21 and doing very well. To go through what he did at such a young age is a gross injustice. His view of life and what it has to offer is clear and transparent. He reminds those around him of what really is important. (shot for the Minnesota Medical Foundation)

Inspiration

Inspiration can come from many things. People...places...things...or a combination. Right now I am feeling particularly inspired and find it easy and fun to take pictures, which is how it should be. When this is happening, I try not to evaluate it's source but to just go with it...knowing it will not last forever.

Unique Craig

Dipping into the well a bit.
Here is Craig who came to be photographed as part of the Unique Series.