“I Am Now” is the beginnings of a long term personal project looking at the modern day effects of dioxin, more commonly known as Agent Orange, in Vietnam. Most associate this chemical with the warfare that happened here four decades ago, but far fewer are aware that the effects of one of the most toxic substances ever made by man, still continue today, and are estimated to continue for up to five more generations. It can take hold of the body in many different, yet now fairly predictable ways. Physical defects, mental defects, and at worse, both. Some of the luckier ones have dealt with the disability, are working toward fruitful lives. Others, with no such speck of hope, remain caged in their body and whatever thoughts might be in their mind. They did nothing to deserve this. Their parents did nothing to deserve this. No humans on Earth did anything to deserve this. How can corporations, governments and man unleash such substances on the world, and then wash their hands of it, offering not a single shred of responsibility? Countless stories and images of these plights have already been recorded, yet in order for us to never forget, I will continue to show that this is happening right now, and every instance of now into the foreseeable future.

A group of girls take part in a procession to the river. As part of their Puja ceremony, these Rajasthani nomadic peoples spend ten days worshiping the goddess Dashama. At the end of the Puja, the followers march to the river where the goddess' likeness is given back to the river and elements.

A girl runs through Shewzigon Temple, Bagan, Myanmar

A man rides on the Yangon Circular Railway, an open air train that circumnavigates the captital city and it's rural suburbs.

Men and boys manually catch and wrangle loose swine into waiting truck in rural Myanmar.

Half Cast, is the beginnings of a project looking at those who exist between two worlds. Fathered by American soldiers during the Vietnam War, they have lived with appearances much different that those around them, and many have gone to great lengths to find their fathers in the US, and some even dream of taking their family to the US in hopes of a better life.

It's about an hour ride from Saigon to Ben San, one of several leprosy centers in Vietnam. On the way, I chat with Dr. Hai, the current director of the center, and learn an interesting fact. I ask questions about the patients, and he corrects me. "Actually, we don't have any leprosy patients here. We call them ex-patients." The bacterial skin disease was totally wiped out here more than ten years ago he goes on to explain to me. Yet, referring to those in his care as such is both a correct statement, and a misnomer at the same time. Yes, leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is treatable and with antibiotics and other treatments can and has been eradicated. But its effects, both physical and social, last a lifetime. Not different from any other countries where it claims victims, lepers in Vietnam are essentially cast from their homes and from society, generally never to return. Ben San is both a hospital to treat those with lingering effects, and a sprawling ground, with private homes, where those who are well enough, live with their families in a safer and more comfortable environment than living at large outside its gates.

In the mental illness ward of Ben San Leprosy center, outside Saigon, Vietnam, more capable patients assist others with their daily tasks.

A portrait in found light.

Under Great Northern Skies: Sa Pa, Vietnam. Lying in the high hills on the border of Vietnam and China, grand landscapes are home to several different ethnic minority groups.

Controlled chaos ensues as fishing boats arrive with a fresh catch and sellers vie for the best selections. Phan Thiet, Vietnam.

A young boy is found in a small piece of light outiside a tent where a Rajasthani Puja was taking place. They are nomads from the southern state, and travel to north to Manali every year in search of work.

A woman and child peer out of a train waiting for departure at central station, Yangon, Myanmar, formerly known as Burma.

Remnants of the Vietnam war, known as the American War here, are on display and mix with youth from generations separated from warfare, yet still here to keep in their memories, in Phuoc Long, Binh Phuoc Province, southern Vietnam.

At An Lam Saigon River, a boutique hotel located just outside of the city, each guest is provided with a personal butler to attend to any needs they may have, providing an unparalleled level of service not found elsewhere in Ho Chi Minh City’s selection of accommodations.

An early morning wet tarmac at Tan Son Nhat airport, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

A view of Saigon, as seen from Chill Skybar, one of the cities most modern night spots. Shot on assignment for Le Monde.