Thesis - 1st Home Lunch

Grow....Cook....Serve

I recently got to see how Sidra and John have put their work into practice even in winter months. Despite the weather getting colder they have found ways to continue to grow herbs inside. The herbs are growing very well and are already being used at the dinners and lunches.

Growing at Scott Montgomery Elementary

Recently I was able to photograph Sidra, John and Martin-Lane working with some students from Scott Montgomery Elementary School. They continue to take care of the pumpkins planted outside of the school. As part of the care, students helped apply coffee grounds to the soil. The grounds are an excellent source of nitrogen for the pumpkins. As usual the children loved the apples John & Sidra brought with them from home.

Thesis - Hard Work

I've been trying to convey in my images the hard work it takes for Sidra and John to do what they do. On this day I could really see how tired they were from hosting a home dinner the night before. Some days, like this, are really hard for them but in the end its all worth while.

Creating a Pumpkin Patch....

I had the opportunity to photograph Sidra, John and Martin-Lane as they worked on one of their community projects. They have started a pumpkin patch at Scott Montgomery Elementary School and if everything goes well the students should have pumpkins come Halloween. When I asked John what he is hoping to teach the students, he said, "On one level just how simple food comes. On another level if you watch this thing come to life then you have more respect for life and the life of food and you won't take more. It's simple, you put seeds in the ground, you water it and it comes. It's nothing magic. On the other hand though its like wow, that's how it takes to grow a pumpkin. It's a lot of work. So you have a lot more respect for it."

Figs...Figs...Everywhere

Yesterday I spent the day with Sidra and her family. Their fig trees have been bountiful with fruit requiring them to pick several days a week. Although they have had the trees for almost 11 years, their daughter, Martin-Lane, was excited with each new fig she found.

Second Thesis Shoot with Ed Bruske

This week I was able to photograph Ed Bruske again. Since the last time I visited his garden has grown so much.

Thesis Shoot with Sidra Forman and Family

This past week I spent a lot of time with Sidra Forman and her family. Sidra is a chef, writer, florist and gardener; just to name a few of the many things she does. I documented what their life is like as they prepared for a catering event at their home. Sidra and her husband, John, are dedicated to using fresh, local and healthy food; not only for their guests but also themselves.

First Thesis Shoot with Ed Bruske

I started my thesis photographing a man named Ed Bruske. He is a DC resident who has an urban garden at his home, about a mile away from the White House. Ed grows fruits, vegetables and even flowers. I plan on working with Ed again as I explore how people, in and around DC, are making decisions towards sustainable living. How it is impacting their food, family and way of life.