I knew Morocco was a photographer’s playground.  What I didn’t expect, however, was how challenging it would be to capture the full spirit of the place and it’s people in a still image.  It became clear immediately that the presence of my camera sapped most scenes of their genuine character, exacerbating the challenge of capturing the real feel of the place.  This image was made early one morning as the city of Marakesch was coming to life. It is comprised of several exposures I took from a secluded spot in an alley.

To see more images from Mark's trip, follow the link.

The poverty in Nicaragua is numbing and as deplorable poverty is anywhere, it is especially devastating in a land where there is absolutely no safety net.  The work goal is to provide, in a very small way, whatever is needed at the time of the trip; whether it is painting a school, building a wall, hauling materials.  The mission goal of the trip is to be a witness to the people we see and visit, whether they are in the neighborhoods, in the schools, on the street, or in the hospitals.  Despite the history of American involvement in the region, the people are wonderful to us, very open and in spite of their conditions, almost always have a smile.    

 - Scott Ferguson

Play the video to see some of Scott's photographs from Nicaragua

Many more photos after the jump. 

Redwood National Park http://www.nps.gov/redw/ 

Backpacker Magazine http://www.backpacker.com/

Tom Clynes Bio http://members.authorsguild.net/tomclynes/bio.htm