Acknowledgments

I would like to offer deep thanks to everyone at Peachpit and New Riders. Thank you for providing the opportunity to share what I love to do day in and day out and for offering such strong resources for a large international photography community. Your contributions to the world of visual storytelling matter each time someone turns one of your books’ pages.

Particularly, I’d like to acknowledge this book’s production team. Books like this aren’t put together solely by the author. Rather, a supportive and extremely knowledgeable group of individuals works together to make my words and images flow as smoothly as possible. I couldn’t ask for a better team to work with for my first book.

Ted Waitt, Peachpit’s acquisitions editor, is at the core of this project. I’m ever thankful that his interest in my blog posts prompted our conversations on photo graphy, lighting, and ultimately, the topic of visual storytelling.

My editor, Susan Rimerman, has been at the helm of this project since the beginning, providing guidance every step of the way. From trans-Atlantic phone calls to our hundreds of e-mails since the book was in proposal stage, Susan has continuously offered her expertise in transforming ideas into an extended production.

Peggy Nauts, my developmental editor, worked extra hard to make sure my words made sense. She helped hold my sanity together while putting up with my jokes and Texasisms.

Danielle Foster, the book’s production editor (and probably a distant cousin given how small this world is), kept the wheels greased, and proofreader Elaine Merrill finessed my copy and paid attention to the details.

Kim Scott, the book’s interior designer, and Aren Straiger, the cover designer, presented my images and text in a way that dresses both up. Visual stories are often not told alone, and Kim and Aren did a great job putting this one together.

To each and every person and animal I’ve photographed and will continue to tell stories about, your generosity in allowing me to observe and capture parts of your lives and activities makes for a special experience each time I go on assignment or happen upon story. I won’t forget the landscapes and places that have invited me in.

Among friends and colleagues around the world who pick up a camera every day to tell visual stories, particular thanks to Wyman Meinzer, who saw in my work something that could piece together a part of the larger narrative that surrounds a people and a place.

To all the readers of this book, thanks for not only your interest but ultimately your initiative to contribute to the stories that keep this world turning.

My appreciation goes to the College of Mass Communications at Texas Tech University for providing me the chance several years ago to share what I do professionally in an educational setting. I hope that teaching what I do encourages others to pursue opportunities in visual storytelling.

My family’s support over the years has meant a great deal. Everyone from my parents, Jay and Marsha, to both sets of grandparents and beyond has taught me how to work hard and nurture my creative enterprise.

I thank my wife, Amanda Waters Foster, for her inspiration and loving support. Every day I understand more clearly why I call her my hero.

Last but certainly not least, I would like to thank God. Without him, the grand story of life wouldn’t exist.