A man in a window

I have had the unique opportunity to photograph thousands of people in every culture and every social class over the years. While a who's who list of subjects is nice if you're compiling a "gee-whiz" list, or a client list, one thing that is so personally rewarding is visiting a third world culture to capture the images of people who are so thankful for what little they have.

First time travelers are always concerned about the culture shock of seeing people with so little when we have so much. I tell them the real culture shock is when they come home and realize how much they have in comparison.

This man lives in a 300 square foot home in Teupasenti, Honduras. There are just two doors and one window with no glass or screens. Inside there is a chair, a bed, wash basin, one light bulb and an antique Singer treadle sewing machine by the window. He's the town tailor. I don't know his name, and neither of us spoke each other's language, but somehow we communicated.

We had a nonverbal connection that seemed to transcend language. It created a bond of trust that freed him to show a sense of peace, satisfaction and accomplishment on his face. He was a man of character, a proud man despite his "poverty." You see, unlike so many of us, he doesn't know what he doesn't have.

To see more of my friends, take a look at our portfolio "People we meet," on our website.