I just think it's important to be direct and honest with people about why you're photographing them and what you're doing. After all, you are taking some of their soul.

I want my photographs not only to be real but to portray the essence of my subjects also. In order to do that, you have to be patient.

Reality is always extraordinary.

That's the way I learned photography: You make your picture in the camera. Now, so much is made in the computer. ... I'm not anti-digital, I just think, for me, film works better.

The subject gives you the best idea of how to make a photograph. So I just wait for something to happen.

I was fascinated by my own prom pictures.

I'm interested in reality, and I'm interested in survival. I'm interested in people who aren't the lucky ones, who maybe have a tougher time surviving, and telling their story.