Kevin D. Liles Photography

Newspaper

Reaction to Immigration Changes for The New York Times

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I spent 24 hours in Albertville, Ala., this week to document the reaction of President Obama’s sweeping changes to immigration policy for The New York Times. For this story, I worked with reporter Richard Fausset, a staffer with the Times. We believed there was a possibility of lots of celebration on the part of immigrants, especially those here illegally, considering Obama’s directive would shield many of them from the threat of deportation. But that wasn’t the case. [Read more…] about Reaction to Immigration Changes for The New York Times

Friendship Baptist for The New York Times-Part Two

Friendship BaptistWatching a building that has housed the history of a people come down is never easy. Yes, Friendship Baptist was compensated well ($19 million) for its land, but it’s still painful to watch the walls, foundation, and history crumble into the Georgia clay. Perhaps that’s why there were only a couple church members present for the demolition of Friendship. The land the church has sat on since 1871 was purchased by the City of Atlanta last year so that a new stadium could be constructed for the Atlanta Falcons (as well as a new Major League Soccer team). Folks at Friendship had been preparing for months for the demolition, painstakingly and lovingly removing, packing, and storing for the next chapter. Above, The Rev. Charles Washington, associate minister for church administration for Friendship, watches the demolition. [Read more…] about Friendship Baptist for The New York Times-Part Two

Friendship Baptist for The New York Times-Part One

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It’s always wonderful when an editor gives you the green light to photograph a project you’ve pitched; When they take a chance on your vision  and trust that you will tell the complete story (or at least they hope you will). Such was the case recently when I photographed the last days of Friendship Baptist Church at its historic location at the corner of Atlanta’s Mitchell Street and Northside Drive. Above: Sula Burr, a Friendship Baptist visitor, arrived a couple hours early to ensure she had a seat for the final service on May 25, 2014. [Read more…] about Friendship Baptist for The New York Times-Part One

US Open for USA TODAY Sports

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Covering golf is never easy … long hours in the hot sun, a seemingly ever-changing group of leaders (especially on the first couple of rounds) who must be chased down and photographed, and fear that you’ll release the camera shutter at exactly the wrong time. These are just a few reasons. But photographing golf is also very rewarding. For starters, it’s hard to find a sport with cleaner backgrounds. And the fans … who doesn’t love drunken folks who scream “get in the hole!!!” every chance they get. That does become annoying, but I do love having such direct access to the fans. The only thing separating fans from photographers, and the golfers for that matter, is a thin rope that stretches along the entirety of each course. [Read more…] about US Open for USA TODAY Sports