Why, hello.
I'm Valerie. Have we met?
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 12 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