"The darker the night, the brighter the stars. Greater the hate, the closer you are with God. My stars are bright and I'm close with God." Jacob Hammer Evans, Tompkinsville Park, Staten Island, N.Y.

"Ever since I was young, I have enjoyed nature and animals; they keep your heart most pure." Li Yusheng of Brooklyn, N.Y.

"I'm on my way to pay my respects to a fallen officer at his funeral," said Officer Patrick Durkin who has served as a detective for 26 years in Area 2 Homicide on Chicago's far South Side.

Professional skateboarder Jake Dunnely poses for a portrait on the rooftop of the Ace Hotel in downtown Los Angeles hours before the global premier showing of “Away Days.”

"...it wasn't even mine, I just took one for my boys. That is what you do for your team. From the day I got to jail, I did everything in my power to get kicked out because that is what is expected. I'm a Houston Crip for life and I'll do anything for my boys," said Rule of Houston.

Originally from Pittsburgh, LA street artist & musician Ron King, wearing a jacket designed by himself, poses for a portrait on Broadway in downtown Los Angeles.

"It's the only time I can turn off my brain and focus on myself; I love the feeling," says Emma Knox-Hersey. Emma dangles from a tree in Skinner Butte Park in Eugene, Ore.

"Overcoming life's obstacles makes you realize things about yourself wouldn't otherwise learn. Unless a seed falls to the ground and breaks, it can never take root. Have an open heart and follow your passion." Matthew Ray Schultz, lead vocalist of Cage the Elephant

Marty Rogers has been the proud owner of Rose and Thistle for over 27 years, a thriving bar in Northeast Portland, Ore.

"I live for liberation from the construct. I am passionate. I am real. I am human. I work everyday to live free... be free," said Isaiah Panther, musician and performer based in New York City.

"We break bread here in section D-7, every game, no matter the weather. You're in Jets Nation," says Anthony Triola.

"Once I was able to let go of a drug addiction, I have formed an entirely new outlook on life. It hasn't been easy, but I like who I am becoming and now have six months clean." Kevin Corbin Crenshaw of Newark, N.J.

"Let go of your fear and let go of what people think of you so you can embrace who you really are. We are here on earth to create and share love...to push a new consciousness of love." Matthew Silver of Bergenfield, N.J.

"In my place, I can create without any distractions. I enjoy doing what I do best sitting in the dark, I’m a master in my cave.” says modern gypsy fashion designer, Linda Thithavong of Brooklyn, N.Y.

"I value the connection I am able to make with people from all over the world as a New York train conductor" said Tracy Worthy of East Harlem, N.Y.

Todd Courtney, US Army Infantry Veteran, hitchhikes Highway 99 through Oregon in search for work in Seattle.

"The world against me." Mal, music recording artist based in New Orleans, La.

Ritch Wiskirchen of Schaumburg, Ill. pauses for a quick portrait, captured while directing traffic on W. Jackson Blvd. in downtown Chicago.

"The sky's the limit; catch up!" Ike Murk of Saint Roch, New Orleans, La.

Cameron Bond holds up his single speed track bike after the Lord of the Griffith 666 alleycat through Griffith Park in Los Feliz, Calif.

"I am very passionate; an undiscovered superstar. My talents lie in acting, singing and songwriting, those are the spirit of my life. Unfortunately, I am on disability after a 13 year career at General Motors," glumly stated by Abdul Cage.

"It was a wake up call for me! Life's too short too to be on all that sh*t! Now I'm all about creating positivity and love." Josh caught a bus to the LA rehabilitation center to get clean and his life back together. The day before I captured Josh's portrait outside of Union Station LA, he was mugged while searching for a fix. The perpetrators took all of his belongings and was nearly left for dead.

Marcus Edwards of Los Angeles, Calif. poses for a portrait as he works security at Lightning in a Bottle music festival in Bradley, Calif.

Private Tunde Ogden from Lagos, Nigeria poses for a portrait in the barracks in Fort Jackson, S.C.