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Last month, two photographers travelled to regions devastated by Hurricane Katrina, seeking to help. This is their story. i By Dave Ellis & Rebecca Sell
Life isn't all about images, but saving pictures helps brighten lives
Date published: 2/26/2006
'VE ALWAYS WANTED to do something meaningful in life. In my 37 years, I've hit many mile-stones. I served my country. Went to college and obtained a degree. Started a career in a field that I love. Married the best woman I've ever met and started a family that has become my universe. However, I was still searching for a purpose that would lead to greater individual achievement and personal fulfillment. I want to someday look back on my life and be secure in the knowledge that I used my time to accomplish some good in the world. I never dreamed that it would take an event as epic as Hurricane Katrina to launch me toward my goal. Operation Photo Rescue was born out of a personal need to do more for the storm victims than the old clothing, canned foods and meager monetary donations that I was able to offer initially to those in need. It was also important to me as a journalist, who has witnessed enough of the tragedies of others, to be able to put my camera down and stand face to face with those in need--and tell them that I'm here to help. OPR's mission is simple: to save as many of the storm-damaged family photos as we can get our hands on, all free of charge. Insurance can't restore memories--but we can. This grass-roots organization, started by staff photographer Becky Sell and me, with substantial support from The Free Lance-Star, has truly blossomed into the fulfillment that I have been searching for. It's also an effort that has taken on global proportions, as we have heard from volunteers from as far away as Europe and Africa. I'm in danger of OPR taking over my life. It is an exciting and trying time. In my sleep, I have even dreamed about restoring photographs. Our goal--and the path to what I see as my life's greatest achievement--is to create a permanent non-profit organization that will continue to restore the images damaged by Katrina--and to restore those that will be damaged by future disasters. The effort has been full of highs and lows. It's the greatest feeling in the world to see the tremendous gratitude in the eyes of those we are helping. And it's devastating to tell some that the only photos that they have left are beyond saving. The big picture
Date published: 2/26/2006
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