Clarence with childhood friends

Clarence Harrison surrounded by childhood friends. Oh – and a really tall guy who just happened to play in the NBA.

Last Wednesday night, I had the pleasure of documenting a fantastic event to celebrate the Georgia Innocence Project’s first exoneree, Clarence Harrison.   It’s been 10 years since he was finally found innocent of heinous crimes that he did not commit.  He served nearly 18 years in prison, and had just about lost hope.

But the man I met and had the opportunity to speak with throughout the evening was anything but hopeless.    He is a remarkable man- he was kind and gracious.   It was truly an honor to meet him.

I put together a short (well, it was intended to be short, I got a little carried away…) slideshow of some of the highlights from the event.  These are by no means all of the photos!  I took about 530 frames and narrowed it down to my 225 favorites and will be working on that gallery over the next couple weeks.    There were so many interesting, fun people at this event- so many moments I tried to capture.

My favorite photo is included in this slideshow though.  It’s my favorite because I think it’s Clarence’s favorite.  It was very important to him that I made a picture of him and his childhood friends.  He told me they’ve all run around together since the 3rd grade!    I hope you love it, Clarence!    Included in the photo is also former NBA basketball star Joe Barry Carroll, a supporter of the Georgia Innocence Project, and now a local businessman.

One more note-  in the top photo, of all the childhood friends, the gentleman second from the left…you’ll notice him in many of my shots.  I was drawn to his sweet spirit and constant smile.

 

Amanda Myers is a photographer based out of Duluth, GA.  She specializes in newborn, child, and family portraits, but thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to shoot such a special event for a cause near to her heart.