Message

resume-photoThere is a saying that a picture is worth a thousand words, but I say each speaks one word at a time over and over again. So that each picture is not just a thousand words but a thousand emotions traveling through time making us feel today what others felt when they lived them.

If we feel, we care, and if we care, we protect and value the images of our history. This compilation of my photos represents what I feel American life and lives around the globe is all about: the dreams, the heartaches, the laughter, the love that defines our very existence and the continuity of life. It is the single most important reason why we as world citizens continue to participate in the struggle for world survival. The reason why we live, love and die on every piece of earth. The common thread of humanity which permeates through every fiber of every life in every nation on every continent.

The impact of powerful photographs crosses boundaries, language barriers and governments and is the one remaining vestige of truth that each one of us can define, judge and remember no matter what age, race, religion or nationality we are.

Throughout our planetary existence the images of love in our lives have moved even the coldest of countries and the hardest of hearts. Only through compassion and understanding of our common humanity will peace prevail.

These pictures are what it feels like to me to live in the front row of life.

Bio

terrishot

Step into the world of preeminent American photojournalist Terri Cavoli and make the trek to her upcoming gallery shows or via the Internet. Her award-winning photos offer a window into the lives of the people she photographs and give the viewer a glimpse of an experience that may be entirely unexpected and unique.  Evoking sadness, joy, pain and anger—her photos are noted for their ability to capture the emotion and intensity of the moment and transfer it to her audience.

“Each picture is a moment in time and a view of the world that is sometimes what I believe and sometimes just a shot that is so moving, fun or spectacular that I want to share it.” Said Terri.

A 23-year veteran documentary photographer, Terri graduated Magna Cum Laude from Kent State University in 1991. That year she also received the Julius Greenfield Memorial Prize – the school’s top award for excellence in photojournalism – and began a professional career that has led to her creating her own business.

“ ‘Slice of Life’ is not only the description of what I shoot but of my growing body of work. As I’ve grown professionally, I feel an increasing sense of responsibility with the people I photograph. ‘Slice of Life’ expresses my vision to educate but not exploit the human experience,” Terri said.

Her commitment to responsible photojournalism and the people she photographs has led to a focus on law enforcement. Terri was often called to tragic crime and accident scenes as the unofficial Police Beat photographer for a large daily newspaper. Befriended by the officers, she was invited to enter a world that many never see.

“I began to be drastically affected by what I shot and realized the impact of the situations and pictures on the officers, the victims and our community. What I hope to achieve is to tell stories that include the emotions of the officers involved and the impact their jobs have on them and their families,” she said.

Her commitment to telling the story of law enforcement grew stronger when she was invited to attend and photograph National Police Memorial Week in Washington DC by the family of a slain Florida peace officer. “My connection allows me to truly show the emotions of these officers because I know their names and have met their families. I sense what they sense,” she said. “I feel I can speak for them visually in a way they can’t speak to the public.”

And after the September 11th terrorist attacks Terri was given special access on Capitol Hill and inside the Pentagon. She also spent time on the ground in New York City talking with exhausted officers. “I want to be there for those I believe in who are literally in the line of fire every day,” she said.  “I want to stand with our thin blue line helping portray the human side of my American police officers.”

Described as “Kennedy-esque”, her growing body of work is featured within her boutique collection online. Her documentary photo stories and exhibits include “When Heroes Die,” a tribute to American police officers killed in the line of duty;  “The People Mourn Diana”, a European view of the events following Princess Diana’s death and funeral; “Kids in America”, a diverse view of moments in the life of children; and “Knights in Narcotics”, a news documentary featuring the real-life drama of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office undercover narcotics teams.

For Terri telling the story started before graduation as a student helping with college publications in Ohio and interning as a newspaper photographer for The Elyria Chronicle-Telegram, The Cleveland Plain Dealer and The Akron Beacon Journal. She also worked as a staff photographer for The Lorain Morning Journal. She then followed her passion to Jacksonville as a staff photographer for The Florida Times-Union. While there, she initiated a cooperative project with FEMA, statewide law enforcement agencies and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office to help make Florida media safer at statewide disasters.

Since then Terri’s photos have been on the cover of national publications such as Police Magazine and Navy Proceedings, as well as in many other clients’ publications and homes.

“I want my photos to help people understand that the majority of our public servants and military are good and dedicated professionals who are comprised of the best of us,” Terri said.  “These are the parts that the mainstream media ignores.”

Destined to make an impact on all who view her work, Terri remains in the front lines and is building an unprecedented historical and educational body of work in a variety of categories.

“ I want to do everything possible to enhance future generations understanding of our time through the authenticity of the moments of history I have been so privileged to capture in my stories and photographs.”

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