Mindfulness and The Oprah Magazine

When magazines seem to be getting thinner with fewer original photographs, O, The Oprah Magazine is a model for great editorial imagery and content. O, published by Hearst in New York collaborates with great photographers, and is fun to shoot for. I've worked with their talented photo editors a number of times and each assignment has been a day of learning and freedom.


Cheri Maples and her dog at a favorite place for meditation near her
home in Madison, Wisconsin.

A few months back, before all this snow I spent the day in Madison, WI with Cheri Maples, a ex-policewoman turned Buddhist monk and teacher. She founded the Center for Mindfulness & Justice and a follower of Buddihst monk and activist, Thich Nhat author of Being Peace. Cheri now teaches criminal justice personnel mindfulness techniques to better perform in their jobs.


Cover of February, 2011 O Magazine.
Photo: Ruven Afanador



Full version of the published portrait of Cheri Maples

Now weeks later, the same location is lovely as before and blanketed with snow.


This photo: Maureen Brady

Photo editor: Olivia Barr
Make up: Lindsey Williams
Assistant: Derick Smith