Why, hello.

His name was Mr. Jonas and he was my 11th grade photo teacher. 

 

He said my style was too "out there" and would never give me a grade higher than a B.  I gave up photography after that class because, I thought, I didn't have the eye.

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But 22 years later, my husband saw I had an artistic flare and bought me my first digital camera...a whopping 3 megapixels.

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Over time, I also learned something else about myself.  

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I love a good story.

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My dad had me help with my first community service project when I was 7 years old.  It was that feeling of helping make the world a better place that resonated with me. ​

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As I have spent my adult life to be of service to others in whatever way I can most effectively contribute, I have figured out a way to marry two things I love to do:  volunteerism with photography.

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Everyone loves free photographs.

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To date, I have traveled around the world to photograph.  Because of the network of organizations I have worked with,  my images have been seen by over 5 million people.  I have served over 125 non profit programs, giving them photographs of their stories. Their events.  Their moments.

 

And most importantly, the story of the people they serve.

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I am a guest in these events and experiences, many of which are very personal.  They can be full of joy, pain, tender or sacred.  Many people I meet are in their worst days of their lives, hopeful for a better, dignified future.

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I have two requests as I share their lives with you: 

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1.  Don't judge them or how they got to where they are.  It is none of our business.

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2.  "Listen" to their stories with your eyes.

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--Valerie