A collection of photos taken in Nicaragua, Guatamala and Kenya are on display at the Albert Schweitzer Institute through March 2010.
The 21 large, vibrant images showcase the people and landscapes photographer Matthew Andrew has encountered over the past two years during humanitarian travels through Nicaragua, Guatemala and Kenya.
"It's an amazing opportunity," Andrew said. "I love when people ask questions and are wondering about the photos. I love explaining my experiences."
Andrew, a senior communications major at Quinnipiac, says his photos bring stories of suffering, misery, joy and beauty into focus. "I tried to capture the various aspects of the trips that were important to me and the people with whom I was with," Andrew said. "Each picture tells a story."
In one of the breath-taking moments on display, Andrew captured a young Nicaraguan girl bursting with excitement after receiving a plastic bag of school supplies."When I take a picture, I try to put the camera where it normally wouldn't be," he said. "You capture the emotion and expression that tells the story."
Andrew said he hopes his photographs will leave a lasting impression on all who see them. "I hope they inspire them to do things in this world," he said. "There are a lot of things in this world that people can fix and help with. Maybe this will give everyone else some willpower to take initiative."
The free exhibit will be open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through March 2010. For more information, please call the Albert Schweitzer Institute at 203-582-3144.