Laura Boyd Studio

I was recently approached by one of my clients, Shira, about doing a pro bono shoot for the Bowery Residents’ Committee, where she works.   Regular blog readers may know Shira from her family sessions in 2010 and 2011.  I couldn’t say no to one of my favorite clients and to such a good cause.  If you aren’t familiar with BRC, they are an amazing organization in NYC that does homeless outreach.  They do so much more than what the phrase “homeless outreach” can say, though.  Here is a snippet from their own page describing what they do:

“Founded in 1971 by lodgers of Bowery flophouses who wanted to improve their lives, BRC is today a leading provider of housing and services to well over ten thousand of New York City’s neediest individuals. Offering a hand up, not a hand out, BRC asks: What can we do for you? BRC sees the potential in each person it serves and provides each the opportunity to find it through a robust continuum of housing and nonresidential programs offering health, mental health, treatment for addictions, vocational services, elder services, and supportive communities in which to live. Today BRC operates a continuum of 27 programs throughout New York, with a fiscal year 2012 budget of $54 million, over 600 employees, and hundreds more registered volunteers.”

So last month I spent a day riding around with Shira and others with BRC to photograph three different alumni of the program, one in his home and two on their jobs.  It was a really powerful experience to meet these three men, each of whom have come through so many obstacles in their lives.

I’m happy to share photos from one of those sessions, here.  This is K, who has been working at the Shake Shack in Battery Park for some time now.  He gave us a behind the scenes look at his job in the kitchen there.  As a sort of Shake Shack Fan Girl myself, I was beyond excited to get the chance to go into the kitchen there and see those amazing burgers on the grill.   We had all just eaten, but my mouth was watering. I think I could have sat down and eaten at least two more burgers after watching K cook up some.  :)  I don’t think I have ever seen someone show as much joy and enthusiasm at work as K.  Take a peek at a few of my favorite the shots from his shoot…