Best Friends, Uttar Pradesh, India, 2018

They attend a wonderful school in a tiny village within Uttar Pradesh, and have my sincerest appreciation for allowing their portraits to be made. We are looking to further support their school and hope that others will join us to make this even more possible.

All interested in supporting this work do reach out to me and we will make it happen! 

1 Girl 1 Year = $100

For those interested I will of course provide further, detailed information. This is our way to fulfill that great cliché, making a difference... hoping to turn that cliché into a reality!

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Students + Classroom, Uttar Pradesh, India, 2018

A rare glimpse into her world is seen here, as a photograph of the girls is usually impermissible. It is an honor to have permission to do so. The team in her village is working hard to make the school as successful as possible. 

In six weeks I will be standing in this spot, as well in adjacent villages and madrasas, in order to gain further understanding of the need and to help implement the educational program desired by the community. The result so far has been very encouraging, and we have begun the implementation. We have gained the support of the community, began the process of putting together at least three sewing centers, and are working towards our first model, village school in the region.

It has been my honor to bring this proposal to this circle, and I look forward to sharing more news as it develops. Anyone interested in joining us will also be matched 1:1, making that difference more incredible.

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Note: This image was made with a Sony RX100M3.

Students + Friends, Shamli District, Uttar Pradesh, India, 2017

The last week of this year is a great opportunity to make a difference in the world, and to receive a tax deduction as well. Anyone interested in joining us will also be matched 1:1, making that difference more incredible.

In two months I will be standing in this very spot, as well in adjacent villages and madrasas, in order to gain further understanding of the need and to help implement the educational program desired by the community. The result so far has been very encouraging, and we have begun the implementation. We have gained the support of the community, began the process of putting together at least three sewing centers, and are working towards our first model, village school in the region.

These girls live in the village which will host the model school, and have sensed that something is happening. The energy is palpable, and their excitement has come through their portraits. It has been my honor to bring this proposal to this circle, and I look forward to sharing more news as it develops.

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Note: This image was made with a Sony RX100M3

Merve + Rebar, Izmir, Turkey, 2013

After dance class we walked over to a construction site nearby for a photographic session. The rest of the university campus was busy, so this was secluded enough for us to have the privacy to do so.

I jumped to the ground in front of the concrete floor, while Merve and her friends stayed above. Each took their turn with this grouping of rebar as the clouds passed by quickly behind.

One dancer presented herself as a prisoner behind the bars, while Merve stood tall and reached beyond them to the viewers below. It was a marvelous gesture and one which will be remembered for as long as I live.

I do hope to return to Turkey in the next two years, to revisit these dear friends, and to once again document this beautiful country.

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Young Student in Madrasa, Shamli District, Uttar Pradesh, India, 2018

We visited her school at least four times this year to attempt a documentation of the entire school. It is but a few minutes away from Nirvanavan Foundation's newest school, and we hope to include it in our efforts as the work develops.

Many of her friends remembered us from last year, and smiled as we walked through the classes trying to organize the photography. The brick wall behind her was the same brick that was used for last year's portraits, and this may be the last year that the bricks will be visible since cement was being placed on the walls as these images were made.

We selected one class at a time, with two classed being too large for one session alone. So we returned several times to include everyone, and the headmaster was more than willing to allow us the necessary time to make everyone's portrait.

She and her friends amazed me in that they were able to keep their eyes open even in the bright sunlight, and while standing in a very public space. Their composure in such a setting impressed me deeply.

It is their ability to look into the lens which makes these portraits so powerful to me. The fact is that very few of them have been photographed before these sessions, certainly out in the open while classmates and villagers witness the magnificent spectacle.

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Note: This image was made with a Sony RX100M3.

Liliam + Corner, Guanabacoa, Cuba, 2017

Summer on the island is filled with familiar places, faces and memories. Such is this portrait of wonderful Liliam, one model from the school run by Gysleda Virginia De La Barca Vega. Every week we visit the school and every week we see something different.

That morning we headed out to Guanabacoa very early, along with Noel Castellano. Both of them woke up well before sunrise just to be ready for us, as we picked them up from their homes. Noel was kind enough to meet us on the street so that we could make it out on time.

The sun came up very strong this morning, without a hint of clouds. Thus we worked quickly before it was too much for the models. Liliam was quite brave and did her best regardless, as in this portrait. We tried to find some spaced which allowed for some shade, yet looked for the small spots of sunshine to illuminate her light eyes.

I look forward to this summer and hope that we can collaborate once again. In less than six weeks hopefully we will meet once again at the school, and see the new faces all over again!

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Note: This image was made with a Sony RX100III mounted alongside a Hasselblad V system.

Anays + A Night in Havana, Cuba, 2017

Here she is, a few minutes before she made our portrait as a team. We drove all over Havana looking for places to photograph, and Alejandrospotted this scene immediately. We turned around and found that it worked perfectly, so we unpacked and had a spontaneous session in the street with Anays.

The bulb was as strong as in any stage light, and happened to be on for that time only. A few minutes after we finished it turned off, and the security person guarding the parking lot closed his shop.

We had a great time and gained much inspiration from the experience. This year much more research will be done in looking for such spaces, and making use of them with such talent! 

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Note: This image was made with a Sony RX100 III.

Nathy + Window, Guanabacoa, Cuba, 2017

It has taken me over a dozen years to begin to see below the surface on the island, and in those dozen years the families have bestowed upon me the deepest of honors: access to their most precious, their children. While I do enjoy walking the streets and making the random portraits, it is these lifelong relationships which fuel my drive to return year after year.

A single portrait of a laborer in the streets of Havana is priceless, but to have these children call me while on the island for a session is beyond my capacity to describe. Over the last few years, the number of tourists with cameras on the island has exploded.

This past year, one question kept creeping up on me: has the sentiment between photographer and subject on the streets disappeared in the city? Years ago, when I walked around with my camera on a tripod, the reaction was much less skeptical and much more inquisitive. The past few years have proven the reverse for me, while my relationships with the families has proven to be the best of investments.

Such a relationship is the reason behind this young dancer's portrait. On this afternoon her father called to tell me that the weather looked good, and we might have a chance at an afternoon session. We of course had our cameras with us, and made our way to their home. The parents wanted something different, and so we drove out to the countryside.

It was a familiar neighborhood, but we decided to cross to the other side of the railroad tracks in search of homes. We ran across this one and its owner granted us permission immediately. So we set up our cameras and began at this location first. We were able to use the outside, as well as the inside of the home, making for some memorable images.

She was just magnificent, and showed us how much she had changed over the past few years. Such a session in direct sunlight would have been very difficult for her then, but this year she reveled in the sunlight. She and her family will always have my admiration.

It is my sincerest honor to be given this opportunity, and in six weeks I hope to repeat this session on another glorious afternoon in Cuba!

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Note: This image was made with a Sony RX100 III.
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Me ha llevado más de una docena de años comenzar a ver debajo de la superficie de la isla, y en esos doce años las familias me han otorgado los honores más profundos: acceso a sus seres más preciados, sus hijos. Si bien disfruto pasear por las calles y hacer retratos al azar, son estas relaciones de por vida lo que alimenta mi impulso de regresar año tras año.

Un solo retrato de un obrero en las calles de La Habana no tiene precio, pero hacer que estos niños me llamen mientras estoy en la isla para una sesión está más allá de mi capacidad para describirlo. En los últimos años, el número de turistas con cámaras en la isla se ha disparado.

El año pasado, una pregunta me siguió: ¿ha desaparecido en la ciudad el sentimiento entre el fotógrafo y el sujeto en las calles? Hace años, cuando caminaba con mi cámara en un trípode, la reacción era mucho menos escéptica y mucho más inquisitiva. Los últimos años han demostrado lo contrario para mí, mientras que mis relaciones con las familias han demostrado ser las mejores inversiones.

Tal relación es la razón detrás del retrato de esta joven bailarína. Esta tarde, su padre llamó para decirme que el clima se veía bien, y que podríamos tener la oportunidad de una sesión de la tarde. Por supuesto, teníamos nuestras cámaras con nosotros y nos dirigimos a su casa. Los padres querían algo diferente, así que salimos al campo.

Era un vecindario familiar, pero decidimos cruzar al otro lado de las vías del tren en busca de casas. Nos encontramos con este y su propietario nos dio permiso de inmediato. Así que configuramos nuestras cámaras y comenzamos en este lugar primero. Pudimos usar el exterior y el interior de la casa, creando algunas imágenes memorables.

Ella fue simplemente magnífica, y nos mostró cuánto había cambiado en los últimos años. Tal sesión en la luz del sol directa habría sido muy difícil para ella entonces, pero este año ella se deleitó en la luz del sol. Ella y su familia siempre tendrán mi admiración.

Es un honor sincero que me den esta oportunidad, ¡y en seis semanas espero repetir esta sesión en otra tarde gloriosa en Cuba!

A Moment Between Friends, Uttar Pradesh, India, 2018

The classroom had just been painted the previous day, and the smell of paint still permeated the warm, morning air. The colors looked absolutely glorious and set the mood for our morning session. Just outside of the classroom sat perhaps forty students learning the Koran, and their voices carried into this beautiful space.

Mukesh and I split the duties, a digital camera in his hands and the film camera in mine. We were fortunate to have two identical rooms, connected by an open doorway. All the girls gathered with Mukesh to make the more spontaneous images, while one girl at a time would come into my room to produce the portraits on film.

This proved to be an incredible combination, for the girls loved to be in front of the digital camera. They loved to be creative, to make photographs with their friends, to express themselves in a different way.

Once my film work ended, it was also time for me to make digital images. It was at that moment when these two young girls walked in front of the camera. Suddenly they broke out into a series of smiles, laughter, movements and pure joy. At least two dozen exposures were made and all the while they allowed me to do so.

This was a rare moment in a most conservative setting. While I have always thought the girls in this community act like girls the world over... perhaps behind the walls of their homes, I have rarely seen such abandon out in the open. These girls knew so, and allowed me to witness their unfiltered joy!

A week or so later it was time to hand these photographs to the girls. The young girl to the right was in the school to receive the photographs, and I asked her to sit next to me while Mukesh was handing photographs to the other students.

Knowing that she would be shy to receive the photographs out in the open, I handed them to her quietly. However, I handed them to her one at a time while smiling ever so slightly. Her reaction was incredible. She did almost shy away, but she remained in place, smiled and took one photograph at a time from my hands while truly looking at each image. She made such an impression on me, one that will remain in my memory for life I do hope.

These are the new colors of the new school, this is the joy in the students as Nirvanavan Foundation proceeds to establish the school thanks to the generous circle of people here on FB. I share this and hope we can continue our support for next year!

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Note: This image was made with a Sony RX100M3.

Tree on the Outskirts of Alwar, Nirvanavan Foundation, Rajasthan, India, 2018

This is the scene which awaits anyone visiting Nirvanavan Foundation just outside of Alwar, Rajasthan. There are over a dozen of these magnificent creations between the foundation and the adjacent villages. The next two days will be spent here prior to heading back out into the field on Tuesday. It is an honor to collaborate with Nirvana Bodhisattva, and these incredible trees! 

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Young Student + My Favorite Window, Uttar Pradesh, India, 2017

Nirvana Bodhisattva and his team at Nirvanavan Foundation are working hard to establish a school in this young girl's village. Thanks to the support of brothers Imdadullah and Mushad, the community has placed their trust in this collaboration. In a little more than one week I will be in this room, a room with a most beautiful view.

This young girl lives in this very village and attends religious classes in this building, sessions provided by one of our most generous hosts. His family built this school for the sake of the children in their village, and collected the funds necessary from the villagers in order to provide the children a safe place in which to study their holy book.

Thanks to a generous two dozen friends from this very circle, the school has begun along with two sewing centers as well. The excitement is building and I for one cannot wait to see the progress myself. It has taken five years to come to this point!

She is one of the younger students in the school, and while the older students run quickly to the camera when it is pulled out of the bag, she is just as curious in her own way. What amazes me is that this is her first time in front of a camera, and in the midst of such a conservative society she is able to express herself without reservation.

It is on her behalf that my work is presented here and elsewhere. My hope is that more see the value of this movement and come forward to join us.

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Note: This image was made with a Sony RX100M3.

Nica + I, Villa Sandino, Nicaragua, 2017

The more days spent in my birthplace the more it feels like home. Case in point is this portrait made as we found our way back from the east of the country. We happened upon this young girl's neighborhood and decided to approach her community for photographs. Like everyone else so far they agreed to be photographed and in just a few minutes she was comfortable enough to allow this portrait in front of her home.

To tell the truth she and her sister felt comfortable enough with us to hold our hands as we walked around looking for others to photograph. Once we let the neighbors know we were there, a few children walked our way and a session was started a hundred or so meters from her home.

She was quite the bundle of energy making her difficult to photograph, yet that same energy hopefully turned into some amazing portraits on film. She and her family live in a simple wooden structure, as basic as any home in Nicaragua. Yet it is hard to tell from her portraits alone. We bid her family farewell and promised that we'd pass by their neighborhood on my next visit to Nicaragua.

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Note: This portrait was made with a Sony RX100M3.

Following in My Father's Footsteps, Old Leon, Nicaragua, 2017

Two weeks ago my path led me to this scene in Leon where my Father began his new life in the Land of Lakes and Volcanoes in the late 1940s. To be in the same locations where my parents had been so many decades before gave me a feeling which is truly indescribable. My hope is that the images made during my first return will honor the feelings felt.

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Note: This scene is located in Old Leon, the site of the second oldest city and first capital of Nicaragua. Due to volcanic activity such as seen here, the inhabitants moved to present day Leon and the old capital was buried by the relentless volcanic activity.

Nica + I, Villa Sandino, Nicaragua, 2017

The more days spent in my birthplace the more it feels like home. Case in point is this selfie made just yesterday as we found our way back from the east of the country. We happened upon this young girl's neighborhood and decided to approach her community for photographs. Like everyone else so far they agreed to be photographed and in just a few minutes she was comfortable enough to allow this selfie.

To tell the truth she and her sister felt comfortable enough with us to hold our hands as we walked around looking for others to photograph. Once we let the neighbors know we were there, a few children walked our way and a session was started a hundred or so meters from her home.

She was quite the bundle of energy making her difficult to photograph, yet that same energy hopefully turned into some amazing portraits on film. She and her family live in a simple wooden structure, as basic as any home in Nicaragua. Yet it is hard to tell from her portraits, for she is as complete as any girl in any other land. We bid her family farewell and promised that we'd pass by their neighborhood on my next visit to Nicaragua.

It feels just like home now, and there are two weeks to go!

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Note: This selfie was made with a Sony RX100M3.

Carolina + The Stylings of Lunara, El Mirage, California, 2016

A little over a year ago it was my honor to document the creations of Lunara Love, as presented by the most talented Carolina. We met at the apartment first, where the team was getting the pieces ready for our session. We packed everything up and started the two hour drive to the dry lake bed.

The sky was a little hazy, but allowed the sun to shine for extended periods. This gave the team enough time to change, while keeping in mind the sun for the photography. Unlike other sessions earlier in the week, the wind allowed us to work without worry.

We exposed less film than usual because the changes were extensive. This however allowed us to concentrate on the presentations more so and was a needed change for me. The excitement was in the air and carried us back to Los Angeles energized.

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Note: This image was made with a Sony RX100M

Suley + The Blue Chair, Guanabacoa, Cuba, 2017

This was the scene of many sessions over the past three years. We have fallen in love with this chair, the most beautiful blue in color. The house itself is also blue, albeit a weathered sense of this color. The neighborhood is familiar with us by now, especially when we had come so many times before with families from the city, ranging from ballerinas to models in search of a different backdrop. The people in this neighborhood are as kind as can be, allowing us always to work without hesitation.

On this morning we came with Suley and another model, a veteran of our work dating back almost a decade. The two young women brought a few changes of clothes with them, and we used my friend's 1951 Oldsmobile as a changing room. We began at a different spot just down the street, more open to the rising sun. People walked by and watched as the young women performed for the lens, in admiration and without judgement for the models in front of them were very much like them. 

We then moved to this spot and continued with our session. Both changed into new outfits and took turns in front of the lens, and then were photographed together. They were ready so quickly that it took me off guard, for usually there is a bit of time between models to make some adjustments to the cameras. At one time the tripod was knocked over with my feet, and all gasped as the cameras hit the ground with such force. Luckily the cameras came back to life after a few minutes, and we continued with the session. 

These are the moments when words fail to describe the feelings inside, the experiences of being with such grateful people. The time they made to help create such images was priceless. The families in these collaborations impress me deeply every single time with their willingness and desire to collaborate. Where else could one meet someone in the street, talk about a possible session and have that session turn into reality the very next day?

They are the reason for my return every single summer, period.

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Note: This image was made with a Sony RX100M3 mounted adjacent to a Hasselblad V system, both triggered simultaneously.

Xtina + Lake, Beach, Cleveland, Ohio, 2017

This past weekend was my second weekend in as many weeks with Xtina, and we have continued to build on what had come before photographically. Being a film photographer as well, she comes to the table with an incredible vision, and many beautiful questions as well. 

She understands my work fully, and knows that she has been a sister to those in my work since we first collaborated years ago. The girls in India, Lebanon and Cuba have seen her portrait... and she has seen theirs as well. It is a sincere honor for me to be her photographer.

On this afternoon we decided to drive to the beach and find a spot. We tried a private beach at first, only to be turned around by the security guard. We then drove to the public beach, and were glad to be there. It was a bit cold, but Xtina was more than brave enough to enter.

We first made photographs of her hands with various objects, from a crystal to stones to a camera. So many people looked, and more than a few connected with us as this was unfolding. Xtina then stepped right into the water, and we photographed first from a distance and then together in the water. The sun was kind to us for some time, then it was blocked by the clouds which rolled in.

Nonetheless we exposed more than a few medium-format rolls, and I for one cannot wait to have them processed in a few weeks. A few weeks because the trip to DC will be made to pick up my Cuban film from the summer, and this is the only lab trusted enough to process my collaboration with Xtina. I cannot wait!

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Note: These images were made with a Sony RX100M3, mounted adjacent to a Hasselblad V system.

Anyel + Tree, Santa Maria del Mar, Cuba, 2017

Even thought it was cloudy we made the best of it thanks to Anyel's calm spirit. In all of my years documenting her incredible talent in front of the lens, she has always remained positive and kind. She rarely speaks during a session, and when music is playing we will catch her dancing on the video camera. 

She has a presence in front of the lens which is to be respected, and is a privilege to photograph. Nothing needs to be said, for she understands expressions and movements. The sunlight rarely bothers her regardless of time of day.

This past year we were blessed to photograph her on three occasions, in her own clothes and in the stylings of Yudel R. Contreras Garcia, the sensational stylist and designer. Her ability to be a chameleon makes her perfect for such a collaboration, when we are provided certain pieces to use for our session. Anyel is able to put the wardrobe on and embrace the feeling such designs emit.

Next year we do hope to drive out to the countryside once again and make photographs along the way, as she truly shines in the open spaces.

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Note: This image was made with a Sony RX100M3.

Jaedon + Abandoned Home, Los Angeles County, California, 2017

Five days ago was my third session with the incomparable Jaedon. Every time I reach out, she accepts without reservation. Nothing needs to be stated regarding the wardrobe, and she is willing to drive out much earlier so that we could find the best spots. On top of it all, she always brings the tastiest snacks along, and of course healthy!

The abandoned home in this image was found first, to the side of the road on our way to El Mirage. She spotted a group of homes, and we turned off of the main road to explore. This one was just perfect, and we set up our cameras immediately.

Her jacket was more than beautiful, for it had meaning beyond its esthetic. She shared the story behind it, making the images that much more memorable for us. Our dear friend Ian came along for the ride, and through his support we were able to make images and have fun along the way.

From here we drove to a Joshua Tree, found a TV tossed to the side of the road, and then made it to the dry lake bed at El Mirage... our favorite place by far. We stopped at the entrance to the lake so that Ian can get behind the wheel... to see his excitement as he raced along the cracked surface. On our way back, Jaedon took the wheel and guided us slowly as the sun set for the evening.

These are the moments for which I am deeply thankful, and these are the kind of people for whom my photography is dedicated. It is my intention to return next year, and to document Jaedon's priceless spirit for the fourth time.

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Note: This image was made with a Sony RX100M3, mounted alongside a Hasselblad V system for an immediate, digital image.

A Model in the Countryside, Campo Florido, Cuba, 2017

While Havana is an incredible place for photography, everyone and their mother is walking around with cameras these days... literally. So whenever we had a chance to drive out to the countryside we did so with joy... and our families loved it even more!

On this day we drove out with Karla and another model from EGOS, the modeling school run by the incomparable Gysleda Virginia De La Barca Vega. On our way out we realized that it was cloudy, but continued heading into the countryside regardless. We thought at least we'd make digital images for the young women, while having a bit of fun as well.

We arrived well before sunrise to find a few locations, including this one, then returned to the first spot to begin our photography. The cloudy day allowed us to photograph slowly, and move from one spot to the next as we wished. When we finally arrived to this location, the owner of the car was ready to head out for the day. He was kind enough to allow us to photograph a few minutes until he was ready to leave, and we made the best of it.

Because it was cloudy, we were able to photograph for almost four hours. This meant that all were pretty hungry by the time the work ended. To our surprise the young women and their chaperon allowed us to order pan con lechón for all of us, the iconic Cuban sandwich, from the side of the road... and each ate two, along with locally-made soda!

It was a wonderful morning, and I look forward to next year!

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Note: This image was made with a Sony RX100M3.