Photojournalism

Shayreen Izoli, 16, poses for a portrait in her beedroom in her home in West Warwick, Rhode Island, USA, on Sunday, Aug. 22, 2011. Unlike the rest of her family, Shayreen is very devoted to her Muslim faith. "I feel it's my responsibility as a Muslim to be a positive role model," said Shayreen, "I see a negative energy toward Muslims in the media." Shayreen is will be a high school junior at Lincoln School, an all-girls Quaker school in Rhode Island. The rest of her family is not particularly religious. When Shayreen began wearing the hijab head covering in her early teens, "My parents were very supportive, but my aunt tried to talk me out of it. My grandmother was upset. I was more worried about what my family would think [than what other people would think]."..photo by: M. Scott Brauer for Education Week

Shayreen Izoli, 16, plays with a kitten at her home in West Warwick, Rhode Island, USA, on Sunday, Aug. 22, 2011. The family has two adult cats and and two kittens. Unlike the rest of her family, Shayreen is very devoted to her Muslim faith. "I feel it's my responsibility as a Muslim to be a positive role model," said Shayreen, "I see a negative energy toward Muslims in the media." Shayreen is will be a high school junior at Lincoln School, an all-girls Quaker school in Rhode Island. The rest of her family is not particularly religious. When Shayreen began wearing the hijab head covering in her early teens, "My parents were very supportive, but my aunt tried to talk me out of it. My grandmother was upset. I was more worried about what my family would think [than what other people would think]."..photo by: M. Scott Brauer for Education Week

Shayreen Izoli, 16, stands in the backyard of her home in West Warwick, Rhode Island, USA, on Sunday, Aug. 22, 2011. Unlike the rest of her family, Shayreen is very devoted to her Muslim faith. "I feel it's my responsibility as a Muslim to be a positive role model," said Shayreen, "I see a negative energy toward Muslims in the media." Shayreen is will be a high school junior at Lincoln School, an all-girls Quaker school in Rhode Island. The rest of her family is not particularly religious. When Shayreen began wearing the hijab head covering in her early teens, "My parents were very supportive, but my aunt tried to talk me out of it. My grandmother was upset. I was more worried about what my family would think [than what other people would think]."..photo by: M. Scott Brauer for Education Week

Shayreen Izoli, 16, puts away her school books in her bedroom after doing some summer homework at her home in West Warwick, Rhode Island, USA, on Sunday, Aug. 22, 2011. Shayreen will be taking both AP Biology and AP US History in the next school year. She's active in school, taking part in Model UN, Mock Trial, the International Women's Day club, cross country, and crew. Unlike the rest of her family, Shayreen is very devoted to her Muslim faith. "I feel it's my responsibility as a Muslim to be a positive role model," said Shayreen, "I see a negative energy toward Muslims in the media." Shayreen is will be a high school junior at Lincoln School, an all-girls Quaker school in Rhode Island. The rest of her family is not particularly religious. When Shayreen began wearing the hijab head covering in her early teens, "My parents were very supportive, but my aunt tried to talk me out of it. My grandmother was upset. I was more worried about what my family would think [than what other people would think]."..photo by: M. Scott Brauer for Education Week

Shayreen Izoli, 16, takes a break from her summer homework to play with a kitten at her home in West Warwick, Rhode Island, USA, on Sunday, Aug. 22, 2011. "You are more exciting that homework," she told the cat. The family has two adult cats and and two kittens. Unlike the rest of her family, Shayreen is very devoted to her Muslim faith. "I feel it's my responsibility as a Muslim to be a positive role model," said Shayreen, "I see a negative energy toward Muslims in the media." Shayreen is will be a high school junior at Lincoln School, an all-girls Quaker school in Rhode Island. The rest of her family is not particularly religious. When Shayreen began wearing the hijab head covering in her early teens, "My parents were very supportive, but my aunt tried to talk me out of it. My grandmother was upset. I was more worried about what my family would think [than what other people would think]."..photo by: M. Scott Brauer for Education Week

Shayreen Izoli, 16, plays Scrabble with her mother, Sterek Zaza, and sister Iman Izoli, 10, at their home in West Warwick, Rhode Island, USA, on Sunday, Aug. 22, 2011. Unlike the rest of her family, Shayreen is very devoted to her Muslim faith. "I feel it's my responsibility as a Muslim to be a positive role model," said Shayreen, "I see a negative energy toward Muslims in the media." Shayreen is will be a high school junior at Lincoln School, an all-girls Quaker school in Rhode Island. The rest of her family is not particularly religious. When Shayreen began wearing the hijab head covering in her early teens, "My parents were very supportive, but my aunt tried to talk me out of it. My grandmother was upset. I was more worried about what my family would think [than what other people would think]."..photo by: M. Scott Brauer for Education Week

Shayreen Izoli, 16, prays at her home in West Warwick, Rhode Island, USA, on Sunday, Aug. 22, 2011. Shayreen prays multiple time each day in accordance with her faith. Unlike the rest of her family, Shayreen is very devoted to her Muslim faith. "I feel it's my responsibility as a Muslim to be a positive role model," said Shayreen, "I see a negative energy toward Muslims in the media." Shayreen is will be a high school junior at Lincoln School, an all-girls Quaker school in Rhode Island. The rest of her family is not particularly religious. When Shayreen began wearing the hijab head covering in her early teens, "My parents were very supportive, but my aunt tried to talk me out of it. My grandmother was upset. I was more worried about what my family would think [than what other people would think]."..photo by: M. Scott Brauer for Education Week

Shayreen Izoli, 16, (bottom) plays Scrabble with her mother, Sterek Zaza, (left) and sister Iman Izoli, 10, at their home in West Warwick, Rhode Island, USA, on Sunday, Aug. 22, 2011. Unlike the rest of her family, Shayreen is very devoted to her Muslim faith. "I feel it's my responsibility as a Muslim to be a positive role model," said Shayreen, "I see a negative energy toward Muslims in the media." Shayreen is will be a high school junior at Lincoln School, an all-girls Quaker school in Rhode Island. The rest of her family is not particularly religious. When Shayreen began wearing the hijab head covering in her early teens, "My parents were very supportive, but my aunt tried to talk me out of it. My grandmother was upset. I was more worried about what my family would think [than what other people would think]."..photo by: M. Scott Brauer for Education Week

Shayreen Izoli, 16, poses for a portrait in the backyard of her home in West Warwick, Rhode Island, USA, on Sunday, Aug. 22, 2011. Unlike the rest of her family, Shayreen is very devoted to her Muslim faith. "I feel it's my responsibility as a Muslim to be a positive role model," said Shayreen, "I see a negative energy toward Muslims in the media." Shayreen is will be a high school junior at Lincoln School, an all-girls Quaker school in Rhode Island. The rest of her family is not particularly religious. When Shayreen began wearing the hijab head covering in her early teens, "My parents were very supportive, but my aunt tried to talk me out of it. My grandmother was upset. I was more worried about what my family would think [than what other people would think]."..photo by: M. Scott Brauer for Education Week

I recently photographed Shayreen Izoli for part of Education Week’s coverage of September 11. For the story, I spent a day with her, a young Muslim student who has taken it upon herself to serve as a positive representative for her religion, and the rest of her family at their home in central Rhode Island. It was a very pleasant afternoon, and I enjoyed the challenge of photographing an Islam-centric story without depending on a shot of the subject kneeling in prayer. My goal was to show the personality of Shayreen, a very upbeat and friendly young girl who just happens to be Muslim, and I’m happy that Nicole, through her editing, supported me in this. The shot leading the web presentation of the story does just what I’d hoped do with my pictures–Shayreen’s religion is just a part of who she is.

You can read the story online at Education Week’s website: For Muslim Students, Life Changed After Sept. 11 and you can see more pictures from the shoot at my archive: Education Week – Shayreen Izoli – For Muslim Students, Life Changed After Sept. 11

People try to get a glimpse or snapshot of Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney after the 4th of July parade in Amherst, New Hampshire. Republican presidential candidates Mitt Romney and Jon Huntsman walked in the parade as part of their campaign for the 2012 presidential election.

Supporters of Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum march in the 4th of July parade in Amherst, New Hampshire. Republican presidential candidates Mitt Romney and Jon Huntsman walked in the parade as part of their campaign for the 2012 presidential election.

Men dressed as Uncle Sam carrying a sign that reads "God Bless USA" talk before the start of the 4th of July parade in Amherst, New Hampshire. Republican presidential candidates Mitt Romney and Jon Huntsman walked in the parade as part of their campaign for the 2012 presidential election.

A young boy waits to shake the hand of Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney during the 4th of July parade in Amherst, New Hampshire. Republican presidential candidates Mitt Romney and Jon Huntsman walked in the parade as part of their campaign for the 2012 presidential election.

People gather by the side of the road to watch the 4th of July Parade in Amherst, New Hampshire. Republican presidential candidates Mitt Romney and Jon Huntsman walked in the parade as part of their campaign for the 2012 presidential election.

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney speaks to supporters at the 4th of July Parade in Amherst, New Hampshire. Republican presidential candidates Mitt Romney and Jon Huntsman walked in the parade as part of their campaign for the 2012 presidential election.

Signs showing support for Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul lay on the ground before the 4th of July parade in Amherst, New Hampshire. Republican presidential candidates Mitt Romney and Jon Huntsman walked in the parade as part of their campaign for the 2012 presidential election.

Republican presidential candidate Jon Huntsman, wife Mary Kaye Cooper, and adopted Indian daughter Asha Bharati, greet Huntsman supporters prior to the 4th of July Parade in Amherst, New Hampshire. Republican presidential candidates Mitt Romney and Jon Huntsman walked in the parade as part of their campaign for the 2012 presidential election.

An American flag rests on a fence in before the start of the 4th of July parade in Amherst, New Hampshire. Republican presidential candidates Mitt Romney and Jon Huntsman walked in the parade as part of their campaign for the 2012 presidential election.

A girl sits alone next to the 4th of July Parade in Amherst, New Hampshire. Republican presidential candidates Mitt Romney and Jon Huntsman walked in the parade as part of their campaign for the 2012 presidential election.

Here are a few from recent coverage of the New Hampshire presidential campaign. There’s a gallery of selects in the main section of the website, and the full take at my photoshelter archive.

My submission to Longshot Magazine, a publication produced over 48 hours in late July 2011, was a humble effort that almost didn’t come to pass. When the theme was announced on Friday, I was flummoxed. Maybe portraits of payday lenders? Maybe a study of bank advertising? None of it struck me. Weather was bad in Boston, though, so it wouldn’t have been fun to take pictures on that Friday anyway. Waking up on Saturday, I was struck with an idea to ask people about how much money they owe. With a few hours before the deadline, I was striking out. No one was willing to be photographed and tell me how much money they owed. Then I decided rather than asking for a number, I would ask people to describe how much debt they have and that the portraits should be anonymous. Over about 45 minutes, ten or twelve people let me take their picture and told me about their debt. I squeaked in right under the wire, and thankfully, the editors like the project. I completed 12 portraits, and above, you’ll see 8. Four were published in the magazine.

All portraits are available at my archive: How much do you owe?

A boat lays stranded against a jetty at low tide in Provincetown, Massachusetts, USA.

Tire tracks go up a dune near Race Point Beach outside Provincetown, Massachusetts, USA.

People walk along the beach at Ocean Drive State Park outside Newport, Rhode Island, USA.

Fishing boats float at docks in Provincetown, Massachusetts, USA.

People walk along the beach at Race Point on Cape Cod near Provincetown, Massachusetts, USA.

A man sits on a rocky beach in Newport, Rhode Island.

Lobsters in a tank for sale in a market on the docks in Newport, Rhode Island, USA. Above the tank, a sign warns "Do not touch."

A fishing boat floats in Cape Cod Bay near Provincetown, Massachusetts, USA.

Sailboats stand above ground in dry dock at Newport, Rhode Island, USA.

A sign warns "Danger Keep Off Rocks" at Ocean Drive State Park in Newport, Rhode Island, USA.

Water in Cape Cod Bay near Provincetown, Massachusetts, USA.

A person walks along the beach in Provincetown, Massachusetts.

A seal skeleton lays on the beach on Long Point in Provincetown, Massachusetts, USA, on Cape Cod.

The Wood End Lighthouse stands on the end of Cape Cod in Provincetown, Massachusetts, USA.

A shop in Newport, Rhode Island, displays women's clothing for sale.

People walk through the streets of Provincetown, Massachusetts, at night.

The tower of the Pilgrim Monument stands above Provincetown, Massachusetts, USA, on Cape Cod.

Seagulls fly above Ocean Drive State Park in Newport, Rhode Island, USA.

A small plane flies in the sky above Provincetown, Massachusetts, USA.

Earlier this summer, I took my first trip to Cape Cod. Not being from the east coast, the Cape has always been the stuff of stories of others people’s lives. Had a great time traveling up the length of the cape and spending a night in Provincetown. These are a few favorite shots from the trip, which was mostly a vacation with an old friend and which also included a quick jog down the length of Rhode Island, numerous whale sightings, and getting reacquainted with cool ocean breeze on beaches.

Visitors watch a glass-blowing demonstration during a tour of the Glass Lab in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering as part of the MIT Under the Dome open house in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.

Julia Goldstein helps children in a demonstrationg of Playtime Computing, a project by Media Lab master's student David Robert, at the Media Lab during MIT's Under the Dome open house. The technology demonstrates a blended-reality character that mixes robotics with animation in an immersive environment in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA?.

Tim Politano, 2nd year grad student in Chemical Engineering, demonstrates non-newtonian liquid physics with corn starch and water to Gabe (left), 15, and Caleb Trotz, 10, of Acton, Massachusetts, during the MIT Under the Dome open house in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.

Visitors watch a demonstration of under water fabrication and cutting in the Fab Lab in the Media Lab during MIT's Under the Dome open house in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.

People put up a poster for the Language and the Human Mind event put on by the Department of Linguistics and Philosophy in the Stata Center as part of the MIT Under the Dome open house in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.

Middle school students in the Tenacity after-school program in East Boston build structures out of spaghetti and marshmallows as part of a demonstration by the Department of Mechanical Engineering during the MIT Under the Dome open house in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.

People look at robotics demonstrations in the Stata Center during the MIT Under the Dome open house in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.

Children watch as Materials Science and Engineering students make ice cream using liquid nitrogen during the MIT Under the Dome open house in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.

Visitors gather in Killian Court outside building 10 during the MIT Under the Dome open house in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.

People look at robotics demonstrations in the Stata Center during the MIT Under the Dome open house in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.

Young visitors look at bacteria in petri dishes in a microbiology demonstration by Steve Goldfless (left), 4th year grad student in Bio Engineering, during the MIT Under the Dome open house in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.

People gather in Lobby 7 during the MIT Under the Dome open house before a flashmob at noon in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.

Visitors watch a glass-blowing demonstration during a tour of the Glass Lab in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering as part of the MIT Under the Dome open house in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.

This year is MIT’s 150th anniversary, and as part of the celebration the Institute revived an old tradition and opened its hallways and labs to the public for a one-day event, “Under the Dome.” I was photographed the event for MIT’s New Office.

More images are available in my archive: MIT 150: Under the Dome open house