Photographer makes good on a promise to homeless man

  In 1985 BJ Lacasse was new to Ft. Worth.  She was a green photographer who wanted to take shots of her new city at dusk.  So, when she could, BJ would shoot around Ft. Worth between 4pm and 7pm, shooting buildings, The Stockyards, sunsets and people.  But, it was one person, Johnny, who touched her heart.  Johnny was a homeless man.  BJ and Johnny became friends and BJ would run into him from time to time.  One day Johnny asked BJ to make a promise to him.  He asked her to document with dignity the lives of the homeless people in Ft. Worth.  He gave her a pen and said when you make it big and you have the influence to change lives, tell our story.  Now, as a successful published photographer, BJ said to herself, its time.  Twenty four years later, BJ Lacasse is making good on her promise to Johnny.  She spent three days on the streets of Ft. Worth in the swealtering Texas heat documenting the lives of the homeless.  Her photo exhibit opens Saturday, September 12th from 4 to 8 p.m. at Museum Place, 3100 Seventh St.  All proceeds from prints and donations will benefit the Presbyterian Night Shelter in Ft. Worth.