Capturing Kindness: President Carter’s Legacy with Habitat for Humanity Through Stunning Imagery

The nation and the globe are grieving the demise of former President Jimmy Carter. Beyond his time in the White House, he will be fondly remembered for his activities post-presidency which included his commitment to ensuring just elections globally and, of course, for dedicating his time to construct homes for the underprivileged through Habitat for Humanity International (HIFI).

Habitat for Humanity International for 15 years. After completing my studies at the Southeast Center for Photographic Studies at Daytona State College, Kim was employed as the staff photographer for HFHI.

In her initial year, they sought an additional photographer to assist in covering the annual Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter Work Project (JRCWP). When she inquired if I was keen on traveling with them to the Philippines, I quickly accepted!

There, I assisted in documenting a vast vacant lot as it was developed into a community. President Carter and volunteers from around the world constructed 293 basic cement brick homes in just a single week.

Following that, I captured images of subsequent projects in South Africa, South Korea, India, Mexico, Thailand, Haiti, Canada, and throughout the United States.

Or should I state, I photographed, NOT shot! While it is commonplace for photographers to refer to their art as “shooting,” it’s a serious faux pas when the Secret Service is involved—as my fellow photographers and I discovered during our first Carter Project in the Philippines!

Prior to the commencement of the opening ceremony for the 1999 Carter Project in Maragondon, Philippines, my associate George Hipple spotted President Carter and proclaimed, “I’m going to go shoot Carter!” Unsurprisingly, this immediately captured the interest of nearby Secret Service agents. As they recognized it was evidently a photographer who made the remark, they promptly corrected him, “You mean photograph, correct?” A lesson learned by all of us.

While numerous politicians and famous personalities often attend such charitable gatherings merely for a photo opportunity (and I have witnessed this firsthand), not Jimmy Carter. No, he was always present to genuinely contribute and exert effort. If given a choice, he would prefer no cameras or journalists documenting his actions. He was not there seeking recognition.

Nevertheless, as Habitat’s most renowned volunteer, Carter understood that his attendance brought attention to the organization and was therefore willing to act as a spokesperson.

I consider myself fortunate to have observed President Carter in action. Although I didn’t have extensive personal interaction with him, I became acquainted with several of the volunteers who routinely collaborated with him on his home and gained special insight into this remarkable individual.

I am thankful to have captured numerous incredible images of him. These photographs have been featured in books, magazines, and newspapers across the globe.

Here is a collection of some of these pictures in tribute to President Carter who will be dearly missed.