Robert has been trying to regain focus in his life ever since the death of his best friend in college. His girlfriend Sidney urges him to pursue his childhood dream of becoming a great photographer. While going to work one day, Robert runs into Marcus, a 12-year-old inner city boy whom he sees focusing on images through a set of cardboard tubes. Slowly, a friendship develops between the two as Robert teaches Marcus photography. Though the boy has a natural talent, his older brother Keith is wary of this stranger in their midst, certain that Robert will hurt Marcus one day when the 'hood becomes too tough for him to take. On a dare, Robert accepts Keith's invitation to cruise the neighborhood with his gang. But when a random encounter with another gang turns violent, Robert is forced to choose between his principles and his friendships. And he just might pay for his good intentions--with his life.