Congratulations to the winners of the portfolio category! The Nikon Portfolio Award goes to Brittainy Newman, and the Gitner Family Award goes to Traci Westcott. Congratulations to all!
Nikon Portfolio Award: Brittainy Newman
“I can cry in front of them, I can tell them my secrets. I buy them things and they calm me down. I just feel comfortable around them,” says twenty-six-year-old Lisa Schalm as she poses for a portrait inside of her bedroom in Brockport, N.Y., on Oct. 14, 2017. Lisa suffers from depression, anxiety, and borderline personality disorder and said that these reborn dolls are the only solution to help calm her symptoms. A reborn doll is a manufactured skin doll that has been transformed by an artist to resemble a human infant with as much realism as possible.Nomi Allen, 18, and Isaiah Malaria, 15, crashed their friends car (not present during the scene) on a state highway in Jeffersonville, N.Y., on Oct. 7, 2017.Dave Paskell, 56, poses for a portrait in the backyard of his home in Rochester, N.Y., on Sept. 10, 2017. “Sometimes I feel as though I was born at the wrong time. My mannerisms, sensibilities and moral compass seem those of the past. Yet at the same time, I’m inexorably part of the present looking through an open door to the future,” said Dave.Attendees participate in throwing hay during a hayride at the Hofstee Farm located in Bethel, N.Y. on Oct. 7, 2017. Designed to be an enjoyable country day, the hayride is also an educational experience for people wanting to learn about sustainability and farms.Inside an abandoned movie theater in a working-class section of Havana, a girl practices a handstand during a circus training session in Marianao, Cuba on Jun. 21, 2017. As a Cuban, the circus is a lucrative career path and a rare opportunity for Cubans to make real money on the communist-led island.New Politics performs at the Main Street Armory in Rochester, N.Y. on Sept. 8, 2017.Joan Fernandez Cabrera poses for a portrait as Cantata the clown in Santiago, Cuba on Jul. 15, 2017. After becoming the first Cuban circus clown to perform with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Joan Fernandez Cabrera, 30, saw that dream disappear this past May when he learned that the 146-year-old circus closed its curtains for good. He and 500 clowns, acrobats, and stage crew members were left scrambling for new jobs at the end of an era. Motivated by the American value system, he looks for success back in his home country of Cuba by joining the Cuban National Circus.After 146 years, Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus took its final bow on May 21, 2017, at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, N.Y. “From the bottom of our hearts we want to say thank you all very much, and please enjoy and celebrate the Greatest Show on Earth one last time,” says Kenneth Feld, CEO of Feld Entertainment. The iconic circus declined in recent years due to high operating costs and long, costly legal battles with animal rights groups, such as the one to eliminate elephant acts.
NO FUNNY BUSINESS – After becoming the first Cuban circus clown to perform with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Joan Fernandez Cabrera, 30, saw that dream disappear this past May when he learned that the 146-year-old circus closed its curtains for good. He and 500 clowns, acrobats, and stage crew members were left scrambling for new jobs at the end of an era. Motivated by the American value system, he looks for success back in his home country of Cuba by joining the Cuban National Circus.
Joan Fernandez Cabrera assists in tearing down equipment after the final show of the Ringling. Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus on May 21, 2017, in Uniondale, N.Y. “Being at Ringling Bros. and in the United States are the best things to ever happen to me. I am the first Cuban clown to perform with The Greatest Show on Earth,” says Joan Fernandez Cabrera. After 146 years, Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus took its final bow on May 21, 2017, in Uniondale, NY. Joan balances a wooden pole on his nose on the roof of his home in Havana, Cuba on June 21, 2017. “My clown acts have changed throughout the years in different ways. It’s like a tree; a little seed you plant and it grows and grows. You see how it nourishes with the water, with the sun. You realize that intuitively, you’ve changed,” says Joan.Joan plays dominos with his family outside of his home in Havana, Cuba on June 20, 2017.Joan looks in the mirror after receiving his haircut in Santiago, Cuba on July 13, 2017.Yunier Lopez (left) and Joan Fernandez (right) look out the window as they depart for their tour with the Cuban National Circus on July 4, 2017. “I think it cannot be ignored, that superhuman effort that they do when they leave their countries, their home, their people, their customs and come to Cuba to adapt, and even if they have here all their expenses covered they do not receive a cent for workings,” says circus director Jose Manuel (not pictured).“I think it is extremely fascinating being able to work with my brother,” says Yunier Lopez (front). “A duo we are regenerating again, in Cuba, in our country, where we were raised, where we grew up, where we still have an audience that follows us. An audience that is anxious and eager to see the duo of Cantaleta and Petunio in the circus ring once again”. Yunier Lopez and J.F.C. put their makeup as they prepare for a show in Sancti Spiritus Cuba on July 5, 2017.A clown is reflected in a motorcycle mirror while waiting backstage during the International Circuba Festival in Havana, Cuba on June 27, 2017.Circus performers peak through the curtains backstage during the International Circuba Festival in Havana, Cuba on June 26, 2017.Joan and Yunier performs for an audience during the International Circuba Festival in Havana, Cuba on June 27, 2017.The audience laughs at the Yayabo Theater in Sancti Spiritus, Cuba on July 10, 2017. “There isn’t a more satisfying thing for a clown than seeing the audience he is performing for having a blast. It is enough energy to fuel a gasoline truck,” says Yunier Lopez.A trapeze artist’s shadow is cast upon the audience during the International Circuba Festival Tour at the Yayabo Theater in Sancti Spiritus, Cuba on July 8, 2017. “There are cities in Cuba that don’t have the same economic situation as others. And when there’s a political, social, economic problem or any situation, the circus is the only instrument to relieve tensions,” says circus director Jose Manuel.Yunier Lopez lifts his two-year-old nephew Lucas Cabrera while waiting backstage during the International Circuba Festival in Havana, Cuba on June 28, 2017.
THE LOVE SHACK – Nancy B.B. Meyer is a firm believer that animals are angels. Meyer has been adopting and helping to place animals from shelters for over 30 years. From dogs and cats to snakes, goats, and pigs, Meyer has been able to find a home for every animal brought to her attention. And she’s never given up on an animal because it’s old or sick or has been abused.
Additional Drone Footage by Bryan Bennett
SILENCE ≠ CONSENT – Silence and self-censorship is dangerous. In a society that pressures women to be complacent, submissive, and polite, women go to extensive lengths in order to manage a guy’s feelings, despite suffering shame thereafter.Talking details is hard, but it’s good we’re finally starting to. We have seen a year where, instead of victim blaming and denial, victims are now believed. This is an audio story about the grey areas of consent, and how men and women misinterpret sexual signals.
Roles in collaboration with Malinda Ruit
Gitner Family Award: Traci Westcott
Brick City is Rochester Institute of Technology’s Homecoming is a celebratory weekend for the campus’ students, families, alumni and staff, with over 100 events during the 3 day weekend.Kailee Kwiecien, 5, plays on her Kindle before falling asleep in her hospital room at Golisano Children’s Hospital. Kailee is undergoing treatment for her third diagnosis of Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of muscle cancer. Kailee has spent 34 of her 75 months alive undergoing chemotherapy.Judith Jordan, 6, leans into her mom, April Jordan during her last appointment at Welcome Home Midwifery in Pittsford, NY. Judith accompanied her mom to most of her appointments and hesitantly cut her newborn brother’s umbilical cord after he was born, unassisted in the family’s home.Bishop Malik L. McFarley-Sample (left) and his husband, Malik Q. McFarley-Sample (right) pray together during a portrait, after Palm Sunday mass at Open Arms Metropolitan Community Church center in Rochester, NY. Bishop McFarley-Sample was ousted from his previous congregation after publicly revealing his homosexuality. In 2014 he relaunched his ministry and became the presiding prelate of New Beginnings International Fellowship.4-year-old Austin Bainbridge boxes his window reflection while his 2nd cousin, Megan Werner and her boyfriend, Jacob Chesnes (cq) watch at Rochester Institute of Technology in Henrietta, NY, on October 14th 2017. Bainbridge had fun during the Rochester Institute of TechnologyÕs Brick City Homecoming events, but the family took a break to relax together in the parking lot.
CHILDHOOD INTERRUPTED – In January of 2017, Catherine Kwiecien, a mother of two young children, heard the news that no parent ever wants to hear, let alone for the third time. On the evening of Tuesday, January 24th, Catherine was informed that her then five-year-old daughter, Kailee Kwiecien’s Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of muscle cancer, had returned for the third time.
Kailee Kwiecien, 5, looks out her hospital room door, waiting for release paperwork after an inpatient chemotherapy treatment at Golisano Children’s Hospital in Rochester, NY on April 19th, 2017. Kailee is in her 3rd diagnosis of Rhabdomyosarcoma, muscular cancer, her first diagnosis at 2 years old. Kailee’s mom, Catherine Kwiecien takes a moment to relax before Kailee’s inpatient treatment. Catherine found out she was pregnant with Kailee’s sister, Morgan (right) just after Kailee’s original diagnosis. Kailee begins her morning routine of medicines shortly after opening her Easter basket, “I can’t even count the number of medicines Kailee is prescribed,” Catherine says. Kailee must take a slew of medications to combat the side effects of her chemotherapy treatment, such as nausea, but many of the medicines come with side effects themselves. Catherine is comforted by her mother, Anita Manuele after mass at the family church in Brighton, NY. “Church is always really hard for me…it’s just one of those places,” says Catherine, frequently overwhelmed by her daughter’s diagnosis. Kailee’s grandma, Anita Manuele rests her hand on Rose, a family friend, after a prayer in church on Easter Sunday. The bracelets say ‘Kick it Kailee’, and have been fundraisers for the family’s medical bills since Kailee’s first diagnosis. Kailee asks for a ‘group hug’ as Catherine and Kailee head off to the hospital. Catherine’s husband, Dan Kwiecien also works full-time, many of his shifts being overnight. “Usually we are just kinda passing each other and when he gets home, I leave and when I get home he leaves. On rare occasions, we are home at the same time in the evening. So we see each other one day every two or three weeks,” says Catherine. Catherine and Kailee walk into Golisano Children’s hospital for Kailee’s last chemotherapy treatment. Catherine has been by Kailee’s side through all 3 of her cancer diagnoses. Catherine comforts Kailee as her nurse accesses her catheter port to administer chemotherapy. “It depends on who’s accessing her, if it’s a nurse she’s familiar with, she’s fine. If it’s someone new, she freaks out. You can tell in her body language how it’s going to go before it even happens,” Catherine says. Catherine and Kailee finish a bed-time story while Nurse, Joe Escobar (not pictured) checks Kailee’s vitals during her blood transfusion. Kailee frequently needs platelet and red blood cell transfusions in-order to replenish her blood counts before chemotherapy can be administered. “She refuses to fall asleep by herself. I have to lay with her every night until she falls asleep,” Catherine says. After she puts Kailee to bed, she normally does lesson plans to prepare for her full-time teaching position as a special education teacher.
Last Updated: April 14, 2018 by ritnppa
Category: Portfolio
Congratulations to the winners of the portfolio category! The Nikon Portfolio Award goes to Brittainy Newman, and the Gitner Family Award goes to Traci Westcott. Congratulations to all!
Nikon Portfolio Award: Brittainy Newman
NO FUNNY BUSINESS – After becoming the first Cuban circus clown to perform with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Joan Fernandez Cabrera, 30, saw that dream disappear this past May when he learned that the 146-year-old circus closed its curtains for good. He and 500 clowns, acrobats, and stage crew members were left scrambling for new jobs at the end of an era. Motivated by the American value system, he looks for success back in his home country of Cuba by joining the Cuban National Circus.
Joan Fernandez Cabrera assists in tearing down equipment after the final show of the Ringling. Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus on May 21, 2017, in Uniondale, N.Y. “Being at Ringling Bros. and in the United States are the best things to ever happen to me. I am the first Cuban clown to perform with The Greatest Show on Earth,” says Joan Fernandez Cabrera. After 146 years, Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus took its final bow on May 21, 2017, in Uniondale, NY.
Joan balances a wooden pole on his nose on the roof of his home in Havana, Cuba on June 21, 2017. “My clown acts have changed throughout the years in different ways. It’s like a tree; a little seed you plant and it grows and grows. You see how it nourishes with the water, with the sun. You realize that intuitively, you’ve changed,” says Joan.
THE LOVE SHACK – Nancy B.B. Meyer is a firm believer that animals are angels. Meyer has been adopting and helping to place animals from shelters for over 30 years. From dogs and cats to snakes, goats, and pigs, Meyer has been able to find a home for every animal brought to her attention. And she’s never given up on an animal because it’s old or sick or has been abused.
Additional Drone Footage by Bryan Bennett
SILENCE ≠ CONSENT – Silence and self-censorship is dangerous. In a society that pressures women to be complacent, submissive, and polite, women go to extensive lengths in order to manage a guy’s feelings, despite suffering shame thereafter.Talking details is hard, but it’s good we’re finally starting to. We have seen a year where, instead of victim blaming and denial, victims are now believed. This is an audio story about the grey areas of consent, and how men and women misinterpret sexual signals.
Roles in collaboration with Malinda Ruit
Gitner Family Award: Traci Westcott
CHILDHOOD INTERRUPTED – In January of 2017, Catherine Kwiecien, a mother of two young children, heard the news that no parent ever wants to hear, let alone for the third time. On the evening of Tuesday, January 24th, Catherine was informed that her then five-year-old daughter, Kailee Kwiecien’s Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of muscle cancer, had returned for the third time.
Kailee Kwiecien, 5, looks out her hospital room door, waiting for release paperwork after an inpatient chemotherapy treatment at Golisano Children’s Hospital in Rochester, NY on April 19th, 2017. Kailee is in her 3rd diagnosis of Rhabdomyosarcoma, muscular cancer, her first diagnosis at 2 years old.
Kailee’s mom, Catherine Kwiecien takes a moment to relax before Kailee’s inpatient treatment. Catherine found out she was pregnant with Kailee’s sister, Morgan (right) just after Kailee’s original diagnosis.
Kailee begins her morning routine of medicines shortly after opening her Easter basket, “I can’t even count the number of medicines Kailee is prescribed,” Catherine says. Kailee must take a slew of medications to combat the side effects of her chemotherapy treatment, such as nausea, but many of the medicines come with side effects themselves.
Catherine is comforted by her mother, Anita Manuele after mass at the family church in Brighton, NY. “Church is always really hard for me…it’s just one of those places,” says Catherine, frequently overwhelmed by her daughter’s diagnosis.
Kailee’s grandma, Anita Manuele rests her hand on Rose, a family friend, after a prayer in church on Easter Sunday. The bracelets say ‘Kick it Kailee’, and have been fundraisers for the family’s medical bills since Kailee’s first diagnosis.
Kailee asks for a ‘group hug’ as Catherine and Kailee head off to the hospital. Catherine’s husband, Dan Kwiecien also works full-time, many of his shifts being overnight. “Usually we are just kinda passing each other and when he gets home, I leave and when I get home he leaves. On rare occasions, we are home at the same time in the evening. So we see each other one day every two or three weeks,” says Catherine.
Catherine and Kailee walk into Golisano Children’s hospital for Kailee’s last chemotherapy treatment. Catherine has been by Kailee’s side through all 3 of her cancer diagnoses.
Catherine comforts Kailee as her nurse accesses her catheter port to administer chemotherapy. “It depends on who’s accessing her, if it’s a nurse she’s familiar with, she’s fine. If it’s someone new, she freaks out. You can tell in her body language how it’s going to go before it even happens,” Catherine says.
Catherine and Kailee finish a bed-time story while Nurse, Joe Escobar (not pictured) checks Kailee’s vitals during her blood transfusion. Kailee frequently needs platelet and red blood cell transfusions in-order to replenish her blood counts before chemotherapy can be administered.
“She refuses to fall asleep by herself. I have to lay with her every night until she falls asleep,” Catherine says. After she puts Kailee to bed, she normally does lesson plans to prepare for her full-time teaching position as a special education teacher.
Category: 2018 What We Do