Photographer Nick Del Calzo travels the country. His photography tells personal, deeply emotional stories.
Nick started as a journalist and moved to public relations yet he felt unfulfilled until he picked up a camera . He has photographed Holocaust survivors and Medal of Honor recipients. Last week, Nick photographed Doug LaViolette as part of his portraits of people who inspire and impact him.
"I'm thrilled to have that opportunity to do it as a gift for them for what they've helped me do," says Nick.
Nick DelCalzo
Doug LaViolette is the President of the Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation. In 1992, Brian died in a swimming accident when he was 15-years old. His family made it their mission to honor Brian's life by helping others succeed.
“When I receive the phone call from Nick DelCalzo a couple of months back that he wanted to photograph me I was stunned. I believe I actually laughed out loud and said “why me of all people?” After Nick explained more details that he is creating a series of portraits of individuals who have made an impact on his life I was clearly moved.
It was such a humbling experience to be included in the company of the extraordinary people whom he has photographed. Nick did not disappoint with his attention to detail, thoughtfulness and incredible care in creating my portrait. It was wonderful because it gave us a chance to have a lot of quiet time together, something we’ve really never experienced in the decade and a half since I’ve known him.
Please click on the link below for the full story by Sarah Thomsen that aired on WBAY-TV2 this past Friday.
Link to full story HERE
At Brian's funeral came a promise to accomplish great things in his name and memory. The Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation has granted 892 scholarships to students.
These people receive these scholarships and ... did that impact that for a higher purpose? I don't know," says Doug. "But it is pretty amazing."
Doug is still emotional to talk about his son. However, Doug is smiling in his portrait. He's proud of what he's accomplished in Brian's name. He also holds a sculpture depicting the void a family feels when losing a child.
The ripple effect of these good deeds are felt far beyond the room. "It goes on and on and on. It really does," says Doug.
