Here was my artist's statement for an "empathy" contest i entered it into:
Ansel Adams once said, “Some photographers take reality…and impose the domination of their own thought and spirit. Others come before reality more tenderly and a photograph to them is an instrument of love and revelation.”A photograph can ignite love and compassion for our fellow human beings less fortunate than us living in poverty. The photograph is the best weapon to combat these scandalous conditions, as it increases public awareness and inspires a personal revelation within each of us to help.
True to the spirit of photojournalism, I had been exploring this old train structure as the sun was setting, which cast deep shadows throughout the tunnel and illuminated the dripping tracks; when serendipity presented the opportunity to photograph this poor boy that had been wandering around. In that moment, his innocence and sincerity won me over as I started to photograph him. The authenticity of this photo should enhance its impact and intensify its truth; leading the viewer to a fuller understanding and deeper empathy for one of the world’s six hundred million children living in extreme poverty. My hope is that one day this child will have the opportunity to break the vicious cycle of poverty he was born into. 
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