What surprised you most about doing this story?

After spending several days on the project, I came to like the inmates and looked forward to seeing them and to watch their progress. It was difficult to connect the men I was photographing to the people who committed the crimes that landed them in prison.   [See the slide show]

What challenges did you encounter, and how did you work them out?

The logistics of photographing in prison are rigid. I was always escorted and was only able to take pictures of people who had signed media releases – and that made it difficult to show "normal" prison life away from the Shakespeare project. I finally made a list of situations I wanted to photograph – cafeteria, weight pile, inmates hanging out in the cellblock – and worked from there. The warden at Luther Luckett was very helpful and supportive of our project and that was crucial.

How did it change you as a photographer?

Working on a long-term project requires patience and a more thoughtful approach rather than, say, reacting to a news story. I was always making lists of situations I had photographed and things I needed to look for on my next visit to the prison. I shot a lot of pictures that never made it into the story but were important to make at the time. You never know how things will fit together in the end, and it is impossible to go back and recreate those moments.

Describe one lasting impression or "moment" you have from doing this story.

After the final performance we said our good-byes to the guys. They had shared so much with us, and we had been a part of their lives for two weeks. It was an emotional moment. They headed to the yard and their cells, and we headed up the sidewalk to leave the prison. I got in the car and turned to Mary and I think we were both speechless. I was satisfied professionally for being done with the field work but emotionally drained. I drove away from Luther Luckett lost in thoughts and looking forward to seeing the pictures.

Email the photographer: Andy Nelson

Email the writer: Mary Wiltenburg