Photographer: Thad Allender

Camera: Canon 20D

Inmate Nathaniel Carroll, right, peers out from inside his cell as inmates sort laundry in the maximum security D-cell at the Lansing Correctional Facility. Carroll, a repeat offender connected in a string of burglaries and assaults, draws portraits.

Lens: 17-35mm, f2.8

ISO: 200

Program: Manual

Shutter: 1/125

Aperture: f4

Natural light

I visited the Lansing Correctional Facility earlier this week to take photographs for the newspaper. I was given unfettered access to most areas inside the prison, including the maximum security cell block, which was my first stop.

Just like in the real world, a first impression goes a long way when meeting new people. So when I was introduced to inmate Nathaniel Carroll, I smiled, stuck my hand through the hole in his cell door, shook his hand and introduced myself. We chatted briefly about his paintings, which lined the inside of his cell, and then I I asked him if I could photograph him. He obliged.

As I walked down the cell block and exchanged glances with the men locked inside, I realized I had many misconceptions about prison life formed largely by sensational television shows and overdramatized books.

“Wow, people smile here,” I thought to myself.

The prison “community,” as they like to refer to themselves, was incredibly diverse, well-read and tolerant.

It took less time than I thought to feel comfortable behind the camera, taking pictures of complete strangers whose personal stories I’m glad I didn’t know.