Photographer Richard Ross has documented the U.S. juvenile justice system for the better part of a decade, producing the books “Juvie Talk” and “Girls in Justice” based on his experiences with incarcerated youth. He believes the kids he meets are proof of how our system has failed -- rather than failures themselves. Ross shares his brief but spectacular take on giving them a voice.

Going back to school can spark both excitement and stress, as students navigate social circles and workload. For 21-year-old college student Ben Rolnick, who suffers from severe social anxiety, meeting new people and facilitating conversation present a challenge -- but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t think they’re worth it. Rolnick offers his brief but spectacular take on seeking acceptance.

Walton Ford is a painter whose work examines the relationship between humans and animals in the wild. These creatures, he believes, “would rather be left alone.” As a child, Walton was always inspired by the natural world and would bring a sketchbook to museums and zoos. Now focused on exploring wilderness beyond reality, Ford offers his brief but spectacular take on the imagined animal.

Actor and singer Utkarsh Ambudkar has appeared in the movie “Pitch Perfect” and television’s “The Mindy Project.” This fall, he’ll star on Broadway in Lin Manuel Miranda’s “Freestyle Love Supreme.” But despite these high-profile performances, Ambudkar, who is South Asian, hasn’t found it easy to avoid casting cliches. He shares his brief but spectacular take on making up his career as he goes.