The "Naked Truth!"

     PLEASE READ THIS IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR MY PHOTOS!

(Note: I wrote this post as the ridiculous drama was unfolding on Feb 19, 2009, just after I took the links to my online photo albums off this site....for now.)

I am supposing that some of you who are visiting my personal photo site right now are doing so because of the recent newspaper piece in the Standard Times. (And if you're reading this as one of subscribers to my post...thank you, and I want you to know about this part of my life as well.) Let me say outright, to anyone who cares to listen, that I take my joy and passion for photography seriously, and delight in sharing it opening with anyone who is interested for the sake of photography, and not scandal.

Unfortunately, a small band of narrow-minded and mean spirited townspeople have decided to make this an issue, which seems on the surface rather silly to me. However, when one works in a public setting, and on top of that works directly with the youth of our community, as I do as the Town’s Youth Advocate, It’s all too easy for those who do not support our services to find ways to attempt to intimidate and attack my character and professional reputation.

Well, that tactic simply will not work with me. I am proud of my professional reputation and good standing in the community, and I refuse to be bullied or harassed by a few noisy and far-right wing individuals whose primary mission, if they are honest about it, is use this "photo flap" as a way to discredit me and avert attention away from the fact that many residents want the services of the Youth Advocate to continue, and not be eliminated, as three of the current Select Board members would like to have happen. However, as most people who know me realize, I have nothing to hide, with my photography or anything else in my life for that matter, and so access to my photo site remains available to all.

Do know, however, that I did remove one photo that one person apparently found objectionable, which, had that person contacted me directly, I would have been happy to do anyway. And what was thatphoto, you may ask? It was a pic of two of my grandsons, barely two years old (two years ago now!) playing peek-a-boo around a trash can at Round Hill Beach two summers ago. One had a diaper on, the other boy, was naked, engrossed in the moment of play and unaware that grampa, (me) was fifty-feet away snapping a photo. That photo, along with several others taken on that day and over the same summer, comprise a series of photos that most rational people would call an online family photo album. That’s it my friends. That’s the big deal!

SOME BACKGROUND

I first learned about this invented hoopla on Wednesday, February 11th, when Chief Pacheco called me saying that he had just finished a conversation on the phone with a resident who was apparently complaining about my photos. The caller, as I later learned from others, has been making noise about this for several months (who knew?) and stated that he or she planned to make a "really big stink about." Apparently this little drama has been floating about in the rumor mill since this past fall. And if this is true, one wonders,"Why is it coming out now and not sooner?" And if there was anything to all this, how come it was not brought to my attention sooner than right now? Oh wait....I can answer that! Why? Because the ruling majority on the Select Board want to eliminate the Youth Advocate's position. It is my hope that eventually the public will come to know just who the principal "mud-slinger" is in all this. And when they do find out, the pieces will all come together, hopefully before the April Town elections!

BACK TO MY PHOTOGRAPHY

Ironically, if you scroll down to the article that I wrote just before this post some weeks ago, (before this little "photo-flap" unfolded) it pretty much sums up my focus and passion of photography, so I don't have to prove anything to anyone. However, it still saddens me that a few people cannot seem to appreciate, or perhaps don't know how to value, photography as it is, in it's given setting and natural form. So after you have satisfied yourself by viewing my photo albums, I hope that you might come back here, read some of my posts, and perhaps gain a better understanding of me as a person, and how the joy of writing and photography come together as art and nothing more.

Thanks for hearing me out on this. I realize that many who are following the news threads of this issue also want to see the albums themselves, and up until today that was possible. However, because some people are now viewing the photos due solely to the recent publicity, and not for the purpose and value for which they were intended, the spirit of their initial intent has been compromised, so I have password protected all albums until further notice. But here's the link if you still want to visit.

 Kevin Lee Photography.

Comments

[Mary Beth Walsh]

Kevin,
I am just appalled that this has befallen you! Every picture I have ever seen of my girls or any of the kids at the retreats has seemed like such an incredibly generous gift of your amazing talent! I appreciate your photos and the love that you have offered to children more than words can express.
In the Light,
Mary Beth Walsh

[Ruth Freitas-Brightman]

Kevin,
Funny, I stopped getting the newspaper 3 months ago, went for blood work at St Luke's, then for breakfast and the paper was there in front of me, that is how I saw your article.
You have always been an caring, upstanding, supportive advocate for my twins over the past 6 years. You genuinely care about what happens to all these children. Leave it to a few mean-spirited people to twist the facts around, there is no doubt in my mind this is a political move. Someone either wants an advantage of some sort for themselves, or they have no clue about what these kids need! . I support and appreciate everything you have done for us, during, what has been at times, very stressful. Your photography talent is of the highest level, you have a phenomenal gift of seeing things in an artist way that many of us could only wish for!
If there is anything I can do, Please let me know, I would be more than happy to lend a helping hand.
P.S. When I told my girls what happened, they said they would like to write a letter about you too!
Regards,
Ruth Freitas-Brightman

[Tara Mitchell]

Kevin,

I sincerely hope that the town reconsiders eliminating Youth Advocacy. The service you have provided, and continue to provide, enrich the Dartmouth in ways the town is clearly not taking into account. Anyone who rightfully acknowledges all that you do would want nothing more than to maintain and bolster your position in these troubled times.

During a time when school programs are being cut left and right, you provide a safe space for Dartmouth's "at risk" children and teens. During a cut-back on police officers and public safety, you are significantly contributing to a lower crime rate by providing a positive, understanding environment for teens to work through their issues peacefully. At a time when Dartmouth's parents may be under stress from the financial crunch, you are encouraging open communication to keep families healthy and strong. You protect the abused, and you speak out for the little ones who many believe should be seen and not heard. You have never once in all the years I have known you demonstrated anything short of a profound respect for life and children. Your photos clearly reflect that, and are inspiring and artistic.

When I graduated from Dartmouth High School, I proudly wore my "Dartmouth Green". Green for new growth, for youth, for Dartmouth's proud commitment to her beautiful land and little farms. But if Dartmouth casts away the strong and gentle force defending it's "Sprouts", they may be in the market for a new color. Maybe brown for barren future prospects, red for increased violence, or grey for brittle, old corruption... Pity, I loved the Dartmouth Green.

[Caitlyn]

Kevin Lee, Dartmouth youth loves you so much, and we hate the fact that anyone would ever write such terribly exaggerated and false story about you. Personally Kevin, I hate this whole ordeal. And i hate the people who are involved in trying to get rid of you. THE DARTMOUTH YOUTH NEEDS YOU! I don't want to see you go, and i don't know what i will do without the knowledge that i could just show up at your office for advice.I hope that we are fighting a winning battle to keep your position. We love you Kevin!

Hugs and Smiles, Caitlyn

[Sara Smith]

Kevin Lee,
I have enjoyed your photos for years. I find them a true expression of the seeking of the Divine Light in youth and in all. They are an artistic expression of the God in all of us. To see them in any other "light" is truly a twisted line of thinking of a sick mind. I pray that these people can learn to open up their hearts. I can't tell what their agenda is from your posting, but to attack a person's reputation in this way is a very, very sick way to push whatever agenda you may have. Remember, the rest of us, those who know the real Kevin Lee, love the beauty of your soul and appreciate all you have done for youth.

Blessings from a parent who has trusted you with my son for over five years,
Sara Smith