aurora, colorado

Amazing pictures published in the Sacramento Bee. Damn, these are heartbreaking photographs.

day sixteen

"It would be mistaken to suppose that any of the best photography is come at by intellection; it is like all art, essentially the result of an intuitive process, drawing on all that the artist is rather than on anything he thinks, far less theorizes about."

- Helen Levitt

SE Grand Avenue

day fifteen

NW 11th Avenue

day fourteen

“Every photograph is a certificate of presence.” 

- Roland Barthes

SW 3rd Avenue

day thirteen

"Photographs are of course about their makers, and are to be read for what they disclose in that regard no less than for what they reveal of the world as their makers comprehend, invent, and describe it." 

- A.D. Coleman

NW 21st Street

a new garden will soon grace the orphanage grounds!

Great news! A generous donor/very good friend of Change the Truth has stepped up to fund the development of a brand new 10,000 square foot vegetable garden at SMK. Here is the description of the project as outlined by the SMK administration:

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Objective is to create a Vegetable garden for the Orphans at SMKOM Kajjansi, Uganda,

1.     Clear and protect the grounds for Vegetable gardening at Kajjansi

2.     Plant, nurture, and harvest vegetable food on a regular basis (every 3 months) to supplement and balance the diet for the Orphans

PROPOSAL

1.     Fence off the land to be used for gardening to stop petty theft of growing vegetables

2.     Plant quick growing vegetables (3 months) for regular consumption for example – Cabbages, Mushrooms, Egg plants, Crawling plants, Vegetables, Yams, etc.)

3.     Improve the School environment by planting flowers, hedges, and trees to provide shades

BENEFITS

The children will enjoy a regular injection of vitamins for their protection against disease

SUSTAINABILITY

A children’s committee (Grade 6) headed by a Teacher shall manage the project, with handover every year to a new team. A part-time gardner shall be employed to assist the children in the management of the project

During the upcoming school holiday, the older children will help clear the land. It is possible that construction of the wall could begin soon. This is exciting news for CTT! This is a sustainable project that will benefit the children in many ways on an ongoing basis. That's just what we love to see! Many, many thanks to this thoughtful and committed donor.

Much more to follow...

day twelve

Courtney, NW 12th Avenue

day eleven

”There is a creative fraction of a second when you are taking a picture. Your eye must see a composition or an expression that life itself offers you, and you must know with intuition when to click the camera. That is the moment the photographer is creative. Oop! The Moment! Once you miss it, it is gone forever.”

- Henri Cartier-Bresson

I made these photographs today at Oaks Amusement Park, SE Oaks Park Way.

day ten

"From his photographs [the photographer] learned that the appearance of the world was richer and less simple than his mind would have guessed. He discovered that his pictures could reveal not only the clarity but the obscurity of these things, and that these mysterious and evasive images could also, in their own terms, seem ordered and meaningful."
- John Szarkowski

Diners, NW 21st Street

my recent uganda work is featured

Amber Terranova, who reviewed my portfolio at Review Santa Fe, is featuring my work today on the PDN (Photo District News) Photo of the Day blog. You can check it out here.

Thanks, Amber and RSF!

the tie that binds

Two members of Change the Truth Team 4 returned to St. Mary Kevin Orphanage the beginning of July for two weeks. Jeff and Jennifer graciously decided to spend part of their summer vacation teaching, tutoring and mentoring the children they came to love during their visit in 2010.

I received this lovely blog post from Jeff today. It's a must read!

"I don’t remember learning to tie a tie. I’m sure it was a special time when either my father or one of my three brothers taught me, but it does not stand out in my mind. Over the years, as both teacher and coach, I’ve taught some of my students and athletes how to look smart with an appropriate windsor or half-windsor knot. For some, it is a right of passage for young men to learn how to dress in shirt and tie and for a father to teach their son the intricacies of various knots.

Until visiting St. Charles Secondary School, while here in Uganda, due to failure of my own memory and for not being a father I did not know this feeling. It was while visiting CTT sponsored students Scovia, Evalyn and Claire Faith at St. Charles I became not father of a proud son but of a proud daughter. One of the uniforms requires a tie to be worn - it does not matter whether girl or boy. As it turns out, knowing how to tie a tie presented itself as a challenge to Evalyn. It was with distinct honor and privilege I taught Evalyn to tie her tie. Once crafting a careful knot herself she proudly wore her uniform the remainder of the day. She seemed to hold her head just a little bit higher and with an even brighter smile than she had before. Evalyn’s tie has forged a bond between us I will never forget."

day nine

Two Women Watching a Dance Performance, Director Park, SW Park and Yamhill

day eight

“To photograph is to hold one's breath, when all faculties converge to capture fleeting reality. It's at that precise moment that mastering an image becomes a great physical and intellectual joy.” 
- Henri Cartier-Bresson 

On the Northbound Streetcar

day seven

"A photograph is a secret about a secret. The more it tells you the less you know."

- Diane Arbus

Greyhound Bus Station

Three People on Phones, SW 6th Avenue

Three Smokers,  NW 6th Avenue

day six

"I never question what to do, it tells me what to do.  The photograph makes itself with my help."

- Ruth Bernhard

Twins, Union Station

day five

“To me, photography is an art of observation. It’s about finding something interesting in an ordinary place… I’ve found it has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them.” 

– Elliott Erwitt

Dave, North Park Blocks

David, Greyhound Bus Station

day four

"At our best and most fortunate we make pictures because of what stands in front of the camera, to honor what is greater and more interesting than we are. We never accomplish this perfectly, though in return we are given something perfect - a sense of inclusion. Our subject thus redefines us, and is part of  the biography by which we want to be known."
- Robert Adams, Why People Photograph,

Man on Train, SW 6th Avenue

Art Gallery, NW Davis Street

Sarah, NW 10th Avenue

day three

Michael and Barrett, North Park Blocks

Food Cart, SW Broadway

Street Preacher, O'Bryant Square

Martha, North Park Blocks

day two

Amy, SW Park Avenue

at least one photograph a day: day one

"Why is photography, like the other arts, a kind of intoxication? And a quieter pleasure, too, so that occasionally photographers discover tears in their eyes for the joy of seeing. I think it is because they've known a miracle. They've been given what they did not earn, and as is the way with unexpected gifts, the surprise carries an emotional blessing. When photographers get beyond copying the achievements of others, or just repeating their own accidental first successes, they learn that they do not know where in the world they will find pictures. Nobody does. Each photograph that works is a revelation to its supposed creator. Yes, photographers do position themselves to take advantage of good fortune, sensing for instance when to stop the car and walk, but this is only the beginning. As William Stafford wrote, calculations get you just so far - 'Smart is okay, but lucky is better.' Days of searching can go by without any need to reload film holders, and then abruptly, sometimes back in their own backyard, photographers use up every sheet." 
- Robert Adams, Why People Photograph

My backyard for the next six weeks will be Portland.

I have decided to embark upon a summer project called "at least one photograph a day." I'll be posting them here. I'll make myself get out and work even if I don't feel like it. Even if I don't feel smart or lucky.

I went back to the fountain and made these pictures earlier this afternoon. It is good to go back and dig deeper.

Waterfront Park, July 7

one more

I think I'll venture back over to this fountain today with my Hassie. For now, here's another image made with my SLR.

first full day in portland

This afternoon we went on a blues boat cruise on the Willamette River. Afterward, in Waterfront Park, I saw some kids playing in a fountain. Kids, water... well, I'm there. I'm glad I had my camera with me.

pics from ctt's 5th annual friendraiser/fundraiser

Silent item auction

Art auction 

                           
                      

                                    CTT friends Atem, Rebecca and John

     
                   

                 Former team member Shane Evans with new paintings for his art collection

Sarah Biegelsen, Dawn Taylor, Emily Biegelsen and Phil Gayter (all volunteers, and Dawn is a former team member)

Volunteer Emily Ramza with her painting by Nicky

CTT friends Gail and Richard Lozoff with their purchases and with filmmaker, former team member and CTT board member Lynne Melcher

Former team members Suzanne Garr, J. Leroy Beasley and Bobbi Newman

Grannies Gloria Feinstein and Jennifer Heinemann with dolls (handmade by former team member Emily Collins) purchased for their grandchildren

Doll artist and former team member Suzanne Garr

Doll artist and former team member Emily Collins

Doll artist Gail Spahr

Doll artist Cathy Broski

Doll artist Charmalee Gunaratne

Volunteers/former team members Max and Eddie Feinstein (Eddie is also a CTT board member)

photos courtesy Michael Spillers

petapixel

Estate Sale Portraits featured again here.

new york times lens bog

Amid all the excitement of the fundraiser, my Estate Sale Portraits were featured on the NYT Lens Blog! My fifteen minutes of fame came on Friday morning. Thank you James Estrin and Kristen Joy Watts for making that happen! I'm thrilled beyond words to have my work included in this amazing venue.

Please check out the article here.

in case you missed it

In case you weren't able to attend our event, you may want to read my welcoming remarks. You'll certainly want to watch Lynne's new film!


Thanks to all 400 of you who came to the Leedy-Voulkos Art Center on Friday night. It was a tremendous turnout and huge show of support for the work we're doing in Uganda. There was a big love-fest going on all night, and it felt really good. 


 We still like to call this event a friendraiser, because part of the reason we gather together each year is to spread the word about the children in Uganda who have stolen our hearts. We don’t charge a fee to attend this event. We don’t have a fancy dinner. We don’t even ask you to dress up. We’d like to think that some of you will become friends of Change the Truth for the first time tonight. All that really means is that you will keep the names and faces of these children in your heart. And when it comes time for our volunteers to travel to the orphanage in December, maybe you’ll find some gently used clothes in your kids’ closets to send over with them. Or you’ll go to Michaels and buy a few sets of watercolors and markers. Or you’ll arrange for a Change the Truth presentation at your school, church or synagogue. Or maybe you’ll decide you want to sponsor an orphan so that he or she can attend school. Or maybe you’ll even think about traveling to the orphanage to volunteer there. There are 30 wonderful people who have made that trip already. Seven more volunteers will be going this December. And two very kind souls, both of whom have been there once already, are heading over to the orphanage on Monday! A lot of these folks are here tonight. I hope they know how grateful I am for their generosity, their commitment to improving lives and their unwavering devotion to these special and deserving children.

We also call this a fundraiser, of course. This is our one big chance each year to raise the money it takes to provide school fees, food, clothing, medical care and a full time social worker for the 180 kids living at St. Mary Kevin Orphanage.

Let me tell you just how far we’ve come.

In early 2007, when CTT was granted its status as a 501(c)(3), we were able to pay school fees for five children. There were about twenty people on the mailing list (and that included my father, my two brothers, my sister and three cousins).  I knew very little about the world of non-profits, and, I’ll admit to you now, I absolutely did not know what I was getting into.

Five years later, the Change the Truth office is still at my kitchen counter, and my family members still send money, but oh so much has changed! Our mailing list has grown to over 650 people. We now sponsor 29 students, not only in secondary school, but also in vocational school and at University. Our first professional school graduate, Douglas, is currently the nurse at the orphanage clinic. He attends to burns, broken bones, malaria, coughs and stomachaches. His salary is paid by Change the Truth, and he is currently working on ways to make the clinic self-sustaining by providing medical care for a small charge to the entire community. We’ve set up a fully equipped computer lab. Change the Truth established a textbook library this past year.  There is tutoring available during the school holidays. The children go to school wearing spiffy uniforms and new shoes.  There are rainwater collection tanks on the grounds of the orphanage thanks to Change the Truth. There are sustainable vegetable gardens. There is a marching band now, complete with tubas and saxophones and classy green uniforms. The children are fed three meals a day. They sleep on new sheets and mattresses, under new blankets and mosquito nets. The soccer team no longer has to complete in their bare feet with bare chests – now they have uniforms, shin guards and cleats. Those children who need glasses now wear them. One child who was severely hearing impaired now has hearing aids. Finally, the children can turn to a full time on-the-ground social worker, Melissa Mosher, whenever they need help… whether they need a new bar of soap, a backpack for their books or a shoulder to cry on when their emotions get the best of them.

I’d say that’s a lot of progress in just five years! Thank you for making that possible.

Some people ask me: “Why Africa? There are plenty of children right here in Kansas City who need food, new clothes and money for school. Why direct your attention half way around the world when your own neighbors are in need?” It’s a valid question and one I think about a lot. My trips to Africa have enriched my life in a way I could never have predicted. Each time I share the experience with others, their lives become fuller, too.

All of us who have been to Uganda have a changed perspective on giving, on helping, on hoping. I believe the work we do there has made us more insightful and empathetic. And that allows us to do better work in our own neighborhoods. The richer and broader our life experiences become, the better we can serve others. My fellow team members and I enjoy helping children here AND there. Young people in need – all around the world - belong to the family of humankind. That’s our family – yours and mine. I hope at some point to expand the reach of Change the Truth to include more of these children – children from other countries, including this one. That’s my dream for the future.

Though we have made great strides at St. Mary Kevin Orphanage, we still, of course, have much work to do.  Change the Truth has made a commitment to these kids. Those we currently sponsor are counting on us to see them through their academic careers, and the younger kids coming up are hoping to be included in our scholarship program. The children have come a long way from the bedraggled, underfed, unsure, lonely young people they were just five short years ago. But, as you know, it takes a village to help children like this develop into successful and secure young adults. Please don’t look at this night as an opportunity to pick up a bargain or two. Please do consider this your chance to ensure a healthy and bright future for the kids at St. Mary Kevin Orphanage. If they were here tonight, they’d hug you to pieces for doing so.

Now it’s time to watch Lynne Melcher’s new film! After the movie, we will have a special treat for you. If all goes well with the cyberspace gods ands goddesses, we will have a video Skype chat with Melissa and a few of the children at the orphanage. You will meet the talented Okecha brothers – Oscar, Brian and Willy. Their artwork dominates the collection of drawings and paintings you’ll be bidding on tonight. You’ll meet the star of Lynne’s film – Nicky. And you’ll hear a few words from two precious young girls, Tina and Petra. Remember, it’s 4 in the morning in Uganda, so the kids, while very excited to speak with us, may be a little sleepy.

If the call doesn’t work, no problem--- that just means you’ll have more time to bid!

Have fun, and thank you so, so much for sticking with us these five years and for believing in these awesome children. 


[The video posted here is small for ease of viewing.]