Yemen Before the Storm These photos were taken in 1999 before the bombing of the USS Cole Battleship in the port of Aden in Yemen, as well as before the tragedy at the World Trade Center in New York. Yemen at this time was a beautiful and welcoming place.

My Scholarship entry - A 'place' I have visited

Yemen | Wednesday, November 28, 2012 | 5 photos

I never stop learning, especially about myself and my place in the world, and what my photos can say about a place and it's inhabitants. I place a great deal of importance on being true to the subject and honestly reporting the elements within the viewfinder-as economically as possible. Shooting with a film camera taught me to be sensitive to a situation, crop on the take

Spend time with people, show an interest and speak in the local language if possible. Leave a tiny footprint but a positive and lasting impression.

I have worked as a chef for most of my life but as of late it hasn't done much to feed my soul. It has provided me with food knowledge that, like music is a cultural codebreaker. Understand people's music and how they grow and consume food can often help break down barriers. Behind those doors, behind those different customs and languages we can find a commonality of dreams for our families and communities.

I still have much to learn and would be thrilled to work under Jason. It could be an opportunity to help my nascent travel photo career. I'm prepared to work hard, be up well before dawn and stay for the last light and beyond.