Fighting for his boys

"Joseph Ernst Montfleury of Orem has been trying to get his biological sons out of Haiti, but has been denied humanitarian parole for the boys. But a volunteer attorney has helped him rush his citizenship. He is now applying for his sons, Menelick and Nesty, as citizens. Montfleury poses for a portrait, Wednesday, May 26, 2010."

I used to always grab my lights when I was assigned to a portrait. Now, more or less, I am reaching for my primes and seeking out light rather than creating it.

Such is the case with a portrait I shot last week.

Joseph Ernst Montfleury of Orem has been trying to get his biological sons out of Haiti, but has been denied humanitarian parole for the boys.

But a volunteer attorney has helped him rush his citizenship. He is now applying for his sons, Menelick and Nesty, as citizens.

I met up with Montfleury at the local library where we spoke for a bit before I even pulled out my camera.

I didn't have to do much explaining, he knew the story, he knew what he was trying to get across to the reader. His struggle and anxiety to get his boys to the U.S.

So it didn't take much time before I had the shot that told his story clearly and effectively.

I wish him all the best.