Popular photographer Tyler Shields always has a new project on the horizon, oftentimes making headlines for being controversial, but this time he's using his star power for a good cause. Two days after the Oklahoma tornado left many devastated last month, with at least 91 killed and countless homes destroyed, Shields decided to take a drive to Moore to seek out humanity's enduring spirit. The photographic results of his trip are being raffled off to benefit the American Red Cross Oklahoma Tornado Relief on CrowdRise.
One would expect people to be broken from their experiences and loss but Shields encountered only hope. "Their spirit was so uplifting it really makes you realize the things you own do not own you; life is about living, not about possessions. I did not meet one person who complained, only people happy to be alive," Shields wrote on his website.
"I met this woman who told me the story of how her father built a storm shelter for her 30 years ago. She never liked it and had never used it until this Tornado came. She gathered her whole family into the small shelter and it saved all of their lives. It was amazing to hear her tell the story about how she hated this thing and now the small slab of concrete will forever be remembered as the savior of the family!"

The photo of the woman Tyler speaks of can be seen at the beginning of this article.
The photos he took on his trip are for sale, with the proceeds going directly to the families of Moore, Oklahoma. One particular photo of the wreckage (seen above and valued at $15,000) is currently being raffled with a $10 minimum (for every $10 you donate, your name is thrown into the proverbial hat). The drawing will be held on June 23, with shipping promised within one week after. If you want to check the photo out in person it will be on display prior to the drawing at Miller Gallery in Cincinnati, as part of Shields' SUSPENSE series.

If you want to purchase any of Shields' other photos from Moore, all you have to do is email info@tylershields.com with your request.