They were just teenagers when they were convicted of murder and sentenced to a combined fifty years in prison.

Lashonia and Sean Thompson-El never knew each other growing up but still found themselves locked up, hundreds of miles apart, and alone with their anger and trauma. Today, the two are married and dedicate their lives to trying to prevent the violence they themselves used to cause. Their commitment to healing prevails through the pain and stress that come with life post incarceration. Together, they have crafted a love that liberates and empowers.

Team El is a collaborative project exploring the way society views individuals convicted of violent crimes by combining photographs made by the artist with photographs made by Lashonia and Sean. Through these intimate images we hope to break the chains that continue to confine the formerly incarcerated by judging them irredeemable.