Salvation Army Bell Ringer

For the photo essay, I decided to go talk to one of the bell ringers we all see outside grocery and department stores. I went to WalMart, located on SR 64 in Bradenton, Fl. Here, I met Lee Morgan, 54 who told me all about his job. What one may not know is that this job is actually a job. He gets paid from 9 to 5, and he is out there most of the week.

Lee Morgan, 54, is a bell ringer for the Salvation Army. This is his first year.

Morgan talked to many customers, and many were willing to talk to him. Here, a couple discussed how they just bought the teddy bear for an Adopt a Family child.

Many people and their families donated, even if it was just lose change.

Morgan rang the bell, even if no one was outside. He said people rely on the bell and associate the bell with the Salvation Army with the holidays.

By the time I arrived to the post, the bucket was near full with dollar bills.

Morgan said Good Morning to just about every person who passed. Some didn't even acknowledge his wishes.

It was surprising how many people walked past without even looking at the station. What Morgan was very adamant about was that all the money donated went back to the community. He, who is a recovered drug addict, as benefited from the help of the Army.

Morgan stood outside Walmart with a smiling face and a ringing bell even when no one was around.

Morgan said his hand was stiff and stuck holding the bell. He said that was what happens when you get old.

Photo Illustrations- PhotoShop Fun

I have not had much experience with PhotoShop, and this was a good way to learn how to use different tools that I had never had any reason to use before.

"Middle Sea" The piano was located in an antique shop on San Marco, and the beach imposed as the white keys is from Ala Moana Park in Hawaii (taken during my trip there this summer).

I have always liked the look of one item in a photo being color, and the rest black and white, so here is my contribution to that. The license plates are located at the same antique store as the mini piano above.

Here, the plates have an increased saturation, increased contrast, and an added "Fluorescent Chalk" effect.

Fashion Forward to the 1930s

Fashion expression of another era... The 1930s to be exact.

Not only is fashion an expression of clothing, but a culture.

All of the following photos include Chris DeMaio, 21, and/or Kaity Jackson, 21, in St. Augustine, Florida.

Props make the world go round

Give props in class, we set out to use them in new and fun ways. It brought out the childish imagination in all of us...and, our sweet photographic skills.

Great art all starts with a box of crayons. Photo by JD Bray

Dream big... just like Hannah Montana. Photo By JD Bray

Christmas can bring on more stress than anything in the world. Photo by Maggie Studwell

Balloons bring out the child in all of us! Photo by Alaina Cordes

We like this face better than his. Photo by Alaina Cordes

Take the opportunity when you can to make new best friends. Photo by Alaina Cordes

St. Augustine Juxtaposition

Photos taken by James Webb and Alaina Cordes.

Although the downtown area of St. Augustine is seen as economically stable, it is not the case for surrounding areas. It is common knowledge that Lincolnville in St. Augustine is one of the poorer areas of town. Yet, it is full of life and genuine people. The following depicts the culture and poverty in Lincolnville. The story may have been told numerous times, but it this was my first experience in such a proximal neighborhood.

Buildings exhibit "NO TRESPASSING" signs to keep out unwanted visitors, but it does not keep nature from entering the house.

Tarps covering and protecting the roof have been there so long, they have become worn and frayed by the Florida weather.

There seems to be a pattern of porches furnished with weathered chairs, empty bottles and cracked pillars. Everything is protected with chain-linked fences.

Among the deteriorating wood and broken concrete lies a culture that is openly celebrated. The mural on the outside of Lincolnville is a prime example that the people and the culture sometimes outweigh the appearance of a community.

As we walked around Lincolnville, we encountered many people sitting around their yards with their dogs and kids more than willing to say hello. We chose not to take photos of the people so that we did not disrupt the afternoons they were clearly enjoying.