KIES Opening | Students

These are the students of KIPP Infinity Elementary School.  All the preparation the teachers did in August are all for these 92 students. By being part of this school the students and teachers are committed to a lifelong relationship within a community whose aim is to help guide them to becoming students that not only excel academically, but also in character and in deed.  It's a lofty and challenging vision that is set before them, but each are giving their all to achieve it.

Work hard. Be nice. Unite.





KIES Opening | Preparing for the Students

For the past two months I've been documenting the opening of KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) Infinity Elementary School.  What I thought would be a chance to take photos of cute kindergarteners singing songs with their teachers, became something so much more. The values that these teachers are instilling into these children are lessons that I has an adult also need to learn.

"Work Hard. Be Nice." is the official motto of KIPP.  It's written on a wall somewhere in every KIPP school and office throughout the country. For KIES (KIPP Infinity Elementary School) that motto resonates to them as UNITE.

Understand.
Never Give Up.
Imagine.
Take a Risk.
Explore.

Each teacher works so hard to create an atmosphere where the students can learn, not only about good academics, but also about good character.  They are concerned about the student as a whole, not only their grades.  They consistently take the extra time to instill in the students to make the right choices, be ok with mistakes, and know that they have infinite potential to do whatever they want.  They give them a K-16 (four years of college) vision, not one that lasts them until nap time.

There's so much more I could say, but I'm going to let the founding co-principals and teachers speak about all this.  I've had the privilege of interviewing them as well and I'm working to have have something to show you guys within the coming weeks. Until then, here are just some images from the week before school started when the classrooms were being redone, and the teachers were planning their lessons for the year.

Leyla & Ian



I first met Leyla and Ian last year when I took photos for a show that Leyla put together with her students.  They're both teachers at the KIPP Infinity middle school, which is also where they met and fell in love.  We became friends, and soon after they asked me if I could shoot their wedding. I of course said yes and after a great time at their engagement shoot, we couldn't wait for the big day.

It's hard to put into words just how much love and energy there was that day between them, their family, and their friends.  Every detail seemed to just fall into place, and the whole day felt meant to be.  From the smiles, to the tears, and the amazing dancing, it was an unforgettable day that I feel blessed to have been there to capture.

Congratulations to Leyla and Ian!

The rest of their wonderful day can be seen here.

Preview: Leyla & Ian's Wedding

Leyla & Ian's Engagement Portraits

If you have never been to West Harlem, you are missing out on seeing one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in New York City.  If you've never met Leyla and Ian you are missing out on meeting a beautiful couple.

Leyla and Ian live in West Harlem around the park we had the shoot in. It's a place they frequently go to take walks together and relax in.

The combination of a beautiful location and a beautiful couple made for a great shoot. Here are some of my favorites from that day.

The rest of the photos from there shoot can be seen here.