We live in a news culture that presents the most tragic sound bites of world events, from one catastrophe to the next. Although necessary and powerful representations at times, the collective unbalanced negative imagery of the developing world has desensitized many of us to the problems we face.

Poverty is visible for all to see, but what is often more difficult is seeing individuals — the dignity, beauty splendor and hope that can be found in the human spirit — regardless of circumstance.

I try to convey that dignity and spirit of individuals and communities who are often misunderstood, negatively represented, or simply not represented in the traditional visual vocabulary.