From the BXP photo archives: Development and Finishing Institute, 2004

I began my project on DFI, the Harlem finishing school, in April 2004 while debating the pros and cons of making my first trip to Iraq. Iraq essentially swallowed the next five years of my life, until I finished Full Disclosure.

That experience separated me from the more joyful side of photography and from my gentler, earlier work. Conflict images rose to the top of my selects pile; more life-affirming pictures usually sunk.

I’m revisiting work from before my travels, and I’m reconnecting with the issues and people that animated these images—and my life. (See below.)

Dessert during DFI etiquette class, Plaza Hotel, NY, NY, April 30, 2004,

DFI instructor Denise photographs her students, Plaza Hotel, NY, NY, June 5, 2004

Student/model awaits her turn to walk (formal wear), DFI fashion show, NY, NY, May 1, 2004

DFI students wait to walk (casual wear), DFI fashion show, NY, NY, May 1, 2004

Student walks, DFI fashion show, NY, NY, May 1, 2004

Boys play games during DFI graduation , NY, NY, June 26, 2004

Girls and young women prepare for DFI graduation, NY, NY, June 26, 2004

Preparation before DFI graduation, NY, NY, June 26, 2004

DFI Executive Director Rose at graduation, NY, NY, June 26, 2004

DFI graduation, NY, NY, June 26 2004

Students pose, DFI graduation, NY, NY, June 26, 2004

Lunch after DFI graduation, NY, NY, June 26, 2004