The photography of Howard Buffett is about storytelling - but the stories are different from what we normally see. They are colorful, beautiful and yet haunting.

That's because Buffett visits places tourists are not likely to go, such as refugee camps and prisons. He looks into the hearts and hopes of these people. It has changed his life and the lives of others.

"The World Through the Lens of Howard Buffett" shows the reality of life according to the artist. It is on exhibit this month in the Anne Lloyd Gallery of Madden Arts Center.

Buffett spends most of his time managing the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, which supports wildlife and environmental causes and education and human service programs. He has a farm in Central Illinois and spends several months a year on his farm in Africa.

He has been a photographer for more than 20 years. He started taking conservation and animal photos but switched to focusing on people. He found that the way to help improve the conditions hurting the wildlife was often to improve the conditions of the people living with them. His focus turned to trying to find ways that would make lasting improvements in the lives of these people.

Cindy Clemens, who works with Buffett's images as part of her job as a graphic associate, says, "Howard's photos capture the human spirit in a way that is not often seen."

Take, for example, a photo titled "Shackles." At first the viewer might not notice what is on the boy's feet. The sadness in his eyes speaks, but it is the shackles on his feet and the condition of his clothes that tell the story of the conditions he faces daily.

The photo was one of several used to confirm the conditions of the boy and his companions to officials.

"One cannot look at his photographs without emotion stirring in your heart," Clemens said.

The story is not about the man - it's about a mission. Buffett would be happier if he could just show his photos and not have to do interviews.

But his voice changes when he talks about some of his experiences.

He has witnessed human suffering and death. "Pictures have an impact that words can not," Buffett said.

He has walked along railroad tracks surrounded by corpses. The pictures tell the story.

Buffett plans on globetrotting as long as he is able. He said he will continue to address and witness the human tragedies such as genocide going on across Africa.

One cannot see what he has seen and remain unchanged.

In addition to his photographs, Buffett looks for ways that can continue to affect people and areas for years to come.

One of the ways the foundation helps is to support digging wells. Clean water improves sanitation and eliminates some disease. The chance of survival improves.

His next project has him looking at the plight of illegal immigrants coming across the United States border in search of a better life but sometimes losing their lives during the quest.

The photographs in this exhibit tell of the determination of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

WHAT: "The World Through the Lens of Howard Buffett."

WHEN: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Madden Arts Center, 125 N. Water St. through July 30.

WHO: Howard Buffett is the author of six books covering subjects on conservation, wildlife and humanity. He is active in business, politics, agriculture, conservation and philanthropy. Buffett is married and has five children.

Lisa Morrison can be reached at 421-6977 or Lisa.Morrison@;lee.net.