These photographs, from my series The Irish Travelers, A Forgotten People were taken in Ireland at various halting sites, illegal encampments, and the annual Ballinasloe Horse Fair in Ireland. All of my photography is non-staged and captured at the moment. Generally speaking, I prefer to observe rather than interact, but I try to talk to my subjects and get to know them before photographing them. Sometimes I have only a few moments to engage before photographing them. I try to choose a non-distracting background when setting up my photograph, and sometimes move my subject slightly to avoid other people or objects. I want to make whomever I photograph as comfortable and natural as possible.

In developing my Irish Traveler series, I’ve found it most challenging to photograph middle-aged Traveler women. Most of the women I have encountered are reluctant to have their photographs taken because they think they are either underdressed or too old and often offer up their children instead. Older Traveler men are also often reluctant to be photographed, but generally speaking, I’ve had better luck photographing them than the Traveler women.

Photography, especially documentary and portrait photography, always inspires me. I also get inspiration from traveling with my fellow photography friends to locations like Ireland and the Mississippi Delta. It’s enlightening to see and discuss how others see the world and what they’ve been able to capture after a long day of photographing.

Before I make a portrait of somebody, I make a connection with them. Making a good portrait requires trust - your subject puts trust in you, and you put faith in them. Ideally, I want the people I photograph to feel instinctive, and comfortable in front of the camera. 

If I can reveal some inner expression from my subjects that feels authentic and convey that to my viewers in a way that creates a reaction, I have made a successful portrait. Sometimes I can disclose more about a person through a photograph than what they may convey through words.

If I could plan the dinner party of my dreams, I would invite Dorothea Lange, Mary Ellen Mark, Sally Mann, Richard Avedon, Robert Frank, and Irving Penn. I would also send invitations to the great writers: Emily Dickinson, William Faulkner, JK Rowling, Roald Dahl, John Grisham, Charles Dickens, and Fyodor Dostoyevsky (from my son).