Alpha's "Amigos" Photo Shoot

Alpha Resource Center has a social group called "The Amigos" and is a group of adults with developmental disabilities that get together for events and social time during the week. They read the paper, play cards, games and have outings in the community. 

My second ever photo shoot (the first was another event for Alpha) was with this group. They were gracious enough to let me come take portraits of them. They welcomed me, posed for me, greeted me with handshakes and hugs. One amigo wanted to dance. They made my photo shoot as comfortable as it could be for an amateur. It was perfect!

It was an hour and a half, 267 photos. I would have been happy with 5 great shots, but instead got 21 and loved making friends with the amigos. Here are some of my favorites:

I just love their faces. 

I am fascinated with eyes - the window to the soul - 

and tried to capture as much of their eyes as possible.

I couldn't help but think about what life was like for them as children 30, 40, 50 years ago.

I wondered what the world was like back then. If they had been accepted at school or if they even were able to go to school in those days. The challenges, the victories.

I craved to see the world through their eyes. 

I arrived not knowing what to expect and left feeling so humbled and happy to have met the amigos.
This experience makes me want to spend more time with them.
I plan to be back to take more pictures and hang out.

Marco and Irma (below) spent a lot of time with me. They very quickly felt comfortable and let me take as many pictures of them as I could. They were amazing models.

This photo below is my very favorite. To me it is a powerful and beautiful silhouette. 

This is Marco saying goodbye. He has such joy, such friendliness. Even though he didn't have much language I understood everything he was saying.

I could understand his joie de vivre. It felt very familiar.

July 9th the Alpha Resource Center is hosting their 4th annual Ride, Walk & Roll from 8:30 - 4:00 at Girsch Park. We will definitely be there!

Here is more info if you want to join us:
http://www.alphasb.org/currentevents.html

Happy Fourth of July!!
God bless America!

xoxxo