Inner Visions

Whether within us as naturally and inseparably as breathing or infused in us by a deity, the spirit dwells. No matter that it is invisible, it is there.

New York Times photographer Chester Higgins Jr. has seen it and captured it in many forms. In his new book, “Feeling the Spirit” (Bantam Books), he culled the images of a 26-year journey across the African diaspora--Central America, Europe, the Carribean and the American South.

“I try to look for what is apparent,” he says. “But what is in front of me is not always what you can see--it’s what you feel.”

Although his work includes many ceremonies, he believes spirit precedes religion. It defines us. “We have to find a way to appreciate what is,” he says, “and what is, is pretty great. Life is the main event.”