Throughout history photographers have used their cameras as instruments of social reform - they show the world a problem with the hopes of inspiring a solution. Lewis Hine was successful in his aims when he photographed children working in mills in the early 20th century, which later inspired Congress to pass a national child labor law. Photographers like Dorothea Lange and Walker Evans were hired by the Farm Security Administration to wield their cameras in an attempt to open the public's eyes to the struggles of the rural poor. While success stories are rare when it comes to social reform photography, that hasn't stopped local artist Manuel Rivera-Ortiz.

Currently on display at the India Community Center, "Manuel Rivera-Ortiz: India" is a collection of photographs taken by the Puerto Rican-born international photograph during two month-long trips to India. The 36 color photographs in the exhibit are both intimate and inspirational, the result of Rivera-Ortiz's ability to wed his flair for photojournalism with his own personal experiences growing up in poor in his native Puerto Rico.

"I know poverty firsthand," Rivera-Ortiz says. "So when I am on the ground there is this simpatico and it happens quickly. The people feel at ease with me and I feel at ease with them. I feel at home and that's what has allowed me to get so close."

After moving with his family to Rochester in 1982, Rivera-Ortiz went on to receive both his bachelor's degree in English and literature and a master's degree from Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. He began working in editorial production for both magazines and newspapers in Manhattan in order to "save pennies" to fund his global photographic missions. He soon began taking pictures of citizens in third-world nations and other countries with the goal of garnering attention for the plight of the people. His past work has focused on countries like Cuba, Kenya, and Bolivia.

"One of the things that happens when you're poor is that as a child you don't understand why, but you end up feeling forgotten," Rivera-Ortiz says. "I think I have a duty because I understand how they feel, because I've been there ... I feel I have a moral obligation to help. Even with just a little interaction or showing the audience through my work that this is a real need and these are real people. It's not just India, or Cuba or Bolivia. It's in Rochester, New York."

Rivera-Ortiz is currently working on two photography book deals that he hopes will further his aim to inspire people to help out when possible. He is also currently working on future projects, including one in China. For Rivera-Ortiz this is all out-of-pocket, charitable work. He doesn't sell his photographs, but does donate them to help the cause.

"Even if I somehow got extra money," Rivera-Ortiz says, "I would give it back to the countries I photographed. This is not to get rich quick. I just want to ensure that these people are never forgotten."

"Manuel Rivera-Ortiz: India" | Through May 31 | India Community Center, 2171 Monroe County Line Road, Macedon | 377-2100, www.icor.org | For more information on Manuel Rivera-Ortiz, visit www.rivera-ortiz.com.