Hurricane Katrina--6 Years Later

On a recent work trip to New Orleans, I had the opportunity to visit St. Bernard Parish, just five miles from downtown. I met Mike, whose home was devastated during Hurricance Katrina in August 2005. Since that time, he and his family have been transient, moving about and living in temporary housing. Finally, after nearly six years, and with the generous assistance of The St. Bernard Project, Mike's home is being rebullt and he and his family will continue on the road to restoring their lives. There are still many abandonded and uninhabitable homes along the same street; a glaring reminder that there is still much to be done for many other families. The people of New Orleans still need help. For more information on The St. Bernard Project and how you can help, visit http://www.stbernardproject.org/

CaShandra J. Bacon -- Live!

Jazzy, bluesy, romantic, soulful, passionate.... these are just a few words to describe the recent performance of Ms. CaShandra J. Bacon at the Black Fox Lounge in Washington, DC. Ms. Bacon, a native of Witchita Falls, Texas and recent graduate of Howard University was accompanied by a very talented trio. Her set was comprised of all of her own original material, in front of a riveted, standing-room only audience. CaShandra is a star in the making.

Neal -- The Fighter

Neal is training as a welterweight boxer for the upcoming 2011 Golden Gloves Tournament. A former Division I college football player, Neal picked up boxing about 5 years ago as a way to feed his need for athletic competition. I had never been in a real, old school boxing gym before. Watching Neal train is a real testament to the singular, solitary dedication it takes to be a boxer. The gym is bare bones and probably looks the same as it did 40 years ago. There are a couple of space heaters to keep him warm while working out during these cold winter months. During the workout you can hear the sounds of the local hip hop and R & B radio station pumping out from a portable music player. As he cools down post workout, he changes stations and chills out to slow jams on "The Quiet Storm."

She's Lovin' it!

I was in McDonald's and a man was very curious about my camera and photography. After answering his questions, I then asked permission to take a portrait of his daughter.....

Men of Blair Shelter

As a part of my contribution to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service I offered free portraits to the residents of The Blair Shelter, a homeless shelter for men. The men were overwhelming appreciative and grateful. Some shared their stories with me about the circumstances that lead them to be without permanent housing. Even in this dire circumstance, I was impressed with a sense of community, pride and of course hope that they will overcome this temporary predicament and resume more active and productive lives. My best wishes to the men of Blair Shelter and all of the other homeless people that I encounter all over this country. 

Feeding South Florida

While on a recent trip to Hollywood, Florida I had the opportunity to get away from the great resort, beach and all of its amenities to visit Feeding South Florida, formerly known as the Daily Bread Food Bank. The dedicated staff and volunteers work 365 days a year to provide food and other essential services to those who are fighting hunger, poverty and unemployment. Feeding South Florida is a member of Feeding America, the nation's leading domestic hunger-relief charity. To find out more about about how you, your company or association can help in the fight to combat hunger in this country, go to http://feedingamerica.org/ to locate a foodbank in your community.

Margaret and Joseph (and Morgan & Olivia)

It's wedding season. I just shot one of the most special and truly intimate weddings ever. It was a second wedding for both Margaret and Joseph and they each have one lovely daughter, Morgan and Olivia, from their previous marriages. Instead of having a large, grand affair, they chose to have a small ceremony at their home with just the four of them in attendance.