"I made a portrait of a guy named Ken who worked at a truck stop, and I returned a couple months later to show him the photo, thinking he would think it was special. All he said was, “It looks like me,” then we both laughed. I really don’t know what my pictures mean to the people who call these small towns home. And I don’t think my work will ever be widespread enough to find out. To me, however, these pictures—and photography in general—means a great deal. It’s an indispensable part of my life that gives me vitality and fulfillment. So when someone takes time out of his day to sit in front of my camera, I really feel an enormous sense of gratitude, even if it’s no big deal to the sitter."