Story highlights German photographer Felix von der Osten spent time at an Indian reservation in Montana He set out to show the "beauty and richness of the culture" and arouse curiosity in viewersCNN —Growing up in Germany, everything Felix von der Osten learned about Native Americans came from the books of 19th-century German writer Karl May. “I wanted to show a slice of life (through) the beauty and richness of the culture,” he said. His American girlfriend had distant relatives living there who supported his idea and invited him to stay in their home. With their approval, he spent his first week walking around without his camera, introducing himself to tribal members and building relationships. Through conversations with tribal members, he also learned of the harsh realities of life on the reservation, from the difficulties youths face in pursuing educational opportunities to the drug and alcohol addiction killing some members.

---