Over the past 30 years of being a photographer, I have frequently received calls from people looking for a photo previously taken of their now-deceased relative. It might be an image from a wedding or a commercial shoot that was photographed as many as 20 years ago. The images take on a significant importance, and I am grateful to be able to produce the photos.

These occurrences birthed an idea: Create these important photos now, while it is still possible. Make portraits of people who would not be able to have their photos taken because of logistics or finances. I visited many sites and captured several hundred portraits, ultimately delivering prints along with digital files. I began to feel a certain weight of responsibility, thinking this may be their last "official" photo taken.

During these sittings, conversations would naturally begin, and words of advice were handed to me freely and openly. In order to preserve their words, I decided to extend my original idea and literally combine these words of wisdom with images.

I applied for and was awarded a grant from The Metropolitan Regional Arts Council. These images are a result of that grant.