Rotary Program March 29

Larry Louie - The Photographer The two greatest passions in his life are travel and photography. "Both broaden one's view of the world. Travel helps us develop tolerance and appreciation of others and ourselves. Our world and all the people are interconnected - we are individually all different and yet the same. My photographs document my journey in life and allow me to share with others the diversity and beauty of the world I see." Larry's love for photography and travel developed at a very young age with his first National Geographic Magazine. Born in Hong Kong and raised in Edmonton, Canada, Larry was educated as a doctor of optometry. His journey into photography started right in his own backyard. He started his series Homeless Men by photographing the "down and out" people of his home city, Edmonton. His Burnt series involved monitoring local police frequencies and rushing to the burnt sites. And of course, his love for nature and the outdoors brought him and his camera to the Rocky Mountains of Alberta quite frequently. After optometry school, Larry experienced a renewed enthusiasm and appreciation for photography. After viewing an exhibition of Josef Koudelka's work at the New York's Guggenheim Museum, he became interested in black and white photography and photojournalism. He also discovered another problem: he likes his profession as an optometrist, but also likes to travel and photograph. He, therefore, has decided to split his time between his optometry practice and his passion for travel and photography. Larry takes several trips a year to many different places around the world. He takes special interest in places far off the beaten path where the indigenous people and their cultures and practices are rapidly becoming extinct. In 2008, through his photography, Larry became an avid supporter of Seva Canada and their projects around the world. Over the years, Larry has received many awards and recognitions for his work