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Victoria photographer's image selected for national exhibit

  • Photo by Contributed Photo/Kevin Jordan Photography •
Victoria photographer Kevin Jordan's photograph of 9-year-old Wayneisha was displayed in Heart Gallery exhibits in Washington, D.C., and New York City.
  • Sonny Long •
  • Originally published April 12, 2012 at 4 p.m., updated April 12, 2012 at 10:35 p.m.

HEART GALLERY

Heart Gallery is a traveling exhibit featuring photos of foster children in the state's care who are seeking permanent adoptive homes.

Many of the children in the Heart Gallery are considered more difficult to place because they are older or in a sibling group. The Gallery serves as a reminder that children never outgrow the need for parents, according to the Heart Gallery website.

Victoria photographer Kevin Jordan's image for Heart Gallery of Central Texas is of 9-year-old Wayneisha, who is up for adoption. The photo was selected to represent Texas in a national exhibit that was on display in the U.S. Capitol and in Penn Station in New York City in November.

Jordan talks about the experience of working with Heart Gallery.

How did you get selected to take part in the Heart Gallery Exhibition?

Originally I was asked to participate by Cindy Tharp, who was instrumental in organizing the photographers for the South Texas Heart Gallery. We have photographed dozens of kids since then. We do it as a community service to hopefully help these kids find a good home.

Talk about working with the kids.

The children get to come to our studio, although we have traveled as far as San Antonio to work with a group of five siblings. They are accompanied by their social worker. We want this to be a "special occasion" for them and give them lots of attention and try to involve them in the shooting and editing process. Most of them are a bit shy, but eventually warm up to us and have a great time. A few have not wanted to leave.

What was your experience like with Wayneisha?

We spent about 30 minutes with Wayneisha, but will take as long as needed to let the kids relax so that we can get a number of natural portraits that really show off their personality. Wayneisha was a bit quiet but very easy to work. I think she enjoyed being the "star" and had fun.