This Senegalese Muslim leader, or "marabout," is in charge of a few dozen young boy disciples. In return for the money they bring him from begging in the streets, he feeds and shelters them and teaches them the Koran.

After passing on a portion of his income to the next-higher marabout, however, his income is insufficient to provide the boys with much else, even basic medical care for common ailments such as infections, worms, etc.

I visited his compound as a guest of a Senegalese agency that is reaching out with appropriate medical treatment to the boys and encouragement for their masters. The expression in his eyes, the frayed and torn shirt, and the charms around his neck all speak to me of his burden to care for his charges as well as discharge his obligations to his superiors and sense of duty to God.

Taken in ambient light with no posing, just waiting for the moment.