Rocket J. Squirrel

"Sam Daugherty, and his dog, Rocket J. Squirrel, pose for a portrait during the third round of the Quicken Loans National at Congressional Country Club on June 28, 2014 in Bethesda, Maryland."

When I first began shooting pictures, I was very shy and timid of strangers.

As I became more confident in my style, I found that I was passionate about finding more about others and building relationships with those in the community.

Those I passed, whether on assignment or not, made me see daily life in a new light. One might pass the same person in the street every day and know nothing about their character.

I remember waking one morning years ago and telling myself I'd never be afraid to talk to anyone or ask to make their picture - and at the same time - leave them with dignity and respect when posed.

War veteran Sam Daugherty, and his dog, Rocket J. Squirrel, are two of the many that caught my eye recently and gave me a couple seconds to help share their story visually.

This picture reminds me that people are willing to share their lives with others and continue to make my job incredibly special.