Mãe Voltando a Roma, Fiumicino, Italy, June 2010

Published 2015 April 21

My mother Odila — a very strong woman. Much, much stronger than I or anyone else I know! Mom gave me my first ‘serious’ camera in 1997, a manual Canon single lens reflex with which I learned the technical side of photography.

I’ve been learning the more difficult side — where to stand, where to point the camera and what’s in my heart — ever since! Cameras have taught me more about people, the world around me and myself than most anything, though it is best when combined with books, music and whatever you love.

Thank you, mom!