In 1969 I spent several weeks photographing at Mepkin Abbey, a Trappist monastery in South Carolina, and here is my friend Brother Joseph - in his work clothes instead of the monks' usual black and white robes.

During the seven services, beginning at 3:20 am and ending at 7:35 pm every weekday, I tried to be respectful and unobtrusive in the Sanctuary but decided not to duck or crawl around when moving to get better angles or closer to the monks. One day I asked Joseph if my presence was a distraction. He told me the Brothers discussed this and were concerned at first, but after the first week they decided it was my way to worship.