Dave LaBelle knows the significance of role models and their guidance. Growing up on Creek Road, it was his high school photo teacher that gave him the guidance he needed to become a nationally known feature photographer.

LaBelle has taught students such as 2007 Pulitzer Prize winner Rick Loomis, Jon Newton of the Washington Post and Ojai native, world traveler and interim director of visual journalism at Brooks Institute of the Photography Greg Cooper. Now he's teaching kids in Ventura County how to use a disposable to make pictures that mean something to them.

From his own second grade classroom LaBelle and his wife, Erin, are teaching kids how to use photography as an expression through a program he's calling "Caring with Cameras" in hopes of giving them something to work for.
"A camera is a tool," Erin LaBelle said to the class. "In a way, it's a way to communicate quietly. It's your quiet voice."

The program is free to all kids and meets on Tuesdays from 12:30 to 2:30 for ages 6-9 and on Thursdays at the same time for ages 10-14. Caring with Cameras will meet for five more weeks.

LaBelle and Erin currently live in Lexington, Kentucky but return every summer to try and improve the community through the program and another project of LaBelle's, Pictures with Purpose.

Pictures with Purpose is another gift the family is bringing to the community. LaBelle has brought four of his students from the University of Kentucky, this photographer included, to help document the area and build stock of Ventura County.

Dave LaBelle is an inspiration to all who meet him. This summer he's looking to give young kids a role model and an opportunity to learn about photography. Given the knowledge and opportunities he's given these students and countless others, I would say anyone who can should take advantage of this great chance to learn from a local success and one of the best teachers and photographers in the country.