Giving + Zoriah Photos

President Obama pledged 100 million dollars to Haiti, the United Nations, 10 million. The American people, through a private organization the American Red Cross, gave 137 million. 137 Million! We put our own government and the “United Nations” to shame. And that was just one organization’s number.

Many people like to “hate” on America, but who is always there when disaster or calamity strikes and is there in force. The U.S.A.   The American people are incredibly generous and always step up to the plate when something happens.  “We give more to charity, per capita and as a percentage of gross domestic product, than the citizens of other nations.” According to Elisabeth Eaves a columnist on Forbes.com  So say what you may about our policies but who will be there to bail you out when disaster happens. We will.

One of, if not my favorite, Photojournalists, Zoriah Miller was in Haiti a month ago doing a project on the slums. He had left the country before the earthquake but after hearing about it he made his way back.  Zoriah captures my attention with every photo and stands out among a plethera of bland photojournalists covering the Haiti disaster.  With my personal connection to Haiti I have gone through many photos taken since the disaster but when I saw Zoriah’s first post today on Haiti my jaw dropped.

Just another reminder, if anyone books a wedding with me no matter when it is, I will donate ALL my profits to help those suffering in Haiti.  Please see my previous post for more info.

Jefferson L. Morriss

http://www.photosforthepeople.com

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WARNING: The photos are graphic and not for those of weak stomach.

http://www.zoriah.net/blog/

Please view the January 26 blog and anything else that peaks your interest it’s all great work.

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Haiti+Weddings

Abassi/MINUSTAH via Getty Images

I visited Haiti in 2005 on a trip to help out an NGO, Clean Water for Haiti. Haiti has grown on me since leaving and I felt so strongly after hearing about it last night that I must do something to help out.

Hire me for  a wedding and I will donate ALL my profits(after base cost of products) to the disaster relief in Haiti. I am putting up 2 spots for the taking.  Not only will you get a great product from me but you will be helping out those desperately in need.  I will more than likely be donating it to World Concern a great organization out the Seattle area or Shiloh Compassion Ministries, an organization started and based in Haiti.  From what I know, World Concern is already on the ground helping out.  I am asking for the full amount up front so that it can go directly to helping out now.  94% of any money donated at World Concern goes directly to helping those in need which is really great compared to other charities.   You can check them out at http://www.worldconcern.org   The wedding must be within Whatcom or Skagit Counties.

I will sign a contract with you that holds me to the date of your wedding, whenever it may be.

Please contact me for more info and check out my site and see if I’m a fit for you.

http://www.photosforthepeople.com

-Jefferson L. Morriss

photos@photosforthepeople.com
A few photos I scrounged up from my trip in 2005

All Photos Copyright Jefferson L. Morriss 2005

Tony

A few pictures from my little session with Tony.

Enjoy.

-Jefferson L. Morriss

All Photos Copyright 2010 Jefferson L. Morriss

http://www.photosforthepeople.com

Eastern Washington Ghost Towns – Wilbur,WA

ALL photos copyright Jefferson L. Morriss 2009-2010

One might say that when you’ve seen one small town you’ve seen them all but I don’t think that is or should be the case. While similarities may resound, I have found that each place has or had it’s own personality. And while Wilbur isn’t technically a Ghost Town it was on my route and well, I included it.

The first thing I noticed rolling into Wilbur coming west on US-2 was the “Billy Burgers” sign.  A chubby face topped with what looks like a beret and batting eyelashes draws your attention away for a second if only for its silliness. Whether the burgers are any good or not, only billy knows.

I parked my car and set off on foot.  I hit up a local thrift store and was greeted by a kind old lady with an interesting question.  “Do these look like men’s pants?”  Sorting through an assortment of jeans she wasn’t quite sure with the different styles “these days”.  Frankly I wasn’t either, especially with the pair she showed me. I browsed for a minute and then bid my farewell.

Walking around the streets of a small town(pop. 914, 2000 census)with two cameras around your neck tends to get you noticed.  A few kids raking leaves were undoubtedly fascinated with me for some reason. As I walked by on the opposite side of the street they couldn’t help but stare. Small churches were planted here and there giving their faithful members a choice between denominations.  The city hall had the two-fold purpose of serving it’s citizens and hosting a library.

Growing up in a few small towns in the midwest I can appreciate the pros and cons of the small town atmosphere.  You get to know people quickly and easily, for what other choice do you have when you see them everyday.

I remember getting up early with my grandfather in Staples,MN and going across the street to have breakfast at Hardees(similar to Arby’s). Afterwards we might walk over to the automotive shop where gramps would chat with the salesman and mechanics.  Walking down the sidewalk a “Hey Joe, how goes it?” was not an uncommon thing to hear.  On the con side, if you are adventure minded individual like myself, entertainment in a small town was few and far between to find.   Going to Paul Bunyan land in Brainerd might be the thrill of the day or catching a local sports game was not uncommon.

Paul Bunyan(brainerd.com)

I appreciate where I have come from. The people, places and events have no doubt shapped me into what I am today as I’m sure all the kids in these small towns will experience as well someday.