With every assignment, I try to set up a time where I am able to sit down and chat with the person that I will be photographing. Not only does this help me come up with ideas for the shoot, but I am also genuinely interested in learning more about them. Sometimes they open up to me and share stories of incredible resilience and courage. I honor this openness, and many times I am left inspired by them. One person that I’d like to highlight is Nick Nevarez.
When I first sat down with Nick to talk about our vision for the shoot, he shared with me two life changing events. When he was very young he was in a car crash that nearly killed him. In the hospital he underwent a successful operation on his brain that saved his life and after many months of rehabilitation he miraculously recovered. Years later however, Nick was diagnosed with cancer that required chemotherapy. His treatment however was successful and he has been in remission since.
I share his story because although he has gone through multiple traumatic events, you will never see Nick without a grin on his face. A true optimist, he lives his life fully in the service of others by working in counseling and motivational speaking.
An incredible survivor, I was honored to take his portrait!