The blog

This will be one of my very few soapbox posts. I had the privilege of shooting an assignment on saturday and widened my outlook on life a bit. It was an society of organ donors event, and 2 families gave few media (me and NBC) the opportunity to photograph them as they met for the first time. Whats significant is that the Bernal family had a son who was shot and killed in a drive-by shooting at 21 years-old. At the same time, the Moss family had a father who was dying and needed a heart and kidney transplant. Serendipity stepped in and one mans death resulted in another ones life. Ruben Bernal was a young donor and had his organs removed and given to Robert Moss. These two famlies met for the first time and it was a hell of an experience. Tears were obviously shed, but what was most interesting to me is how these families are now connected, literally by blood, with one another. Both from totally different walks of life. one mexican, barely speaking english, the other white bred americans barely speaking spanish. it just seemed like a worthwhile things to do, be a donor. after all, people are such sticklers about “saving the environment” and being green, well whats more green that saving a life (that sounds weird, haha)
really though, what a waste to let your body deteriorate when you have life saving organs and tissue available to give. …so why not be a donor. for more info, this is where its at. https://www.donatelifecalifornia.org/ (california only…its a 30sec sign up process)

heres a picture of the Bernal family, left to right is sister, brother and mother of Ruben, and Robert Moss in the foreground when they first met

this is a new photo essay im working on. its pretty serious and could lead to my first award. Saturdays with Jorge and freaky animals.

Church take 3. So after having gone to the Dancey church twice, today was the big day, Easter celebration. I went once and just sat in on a class. I went a second time but took photos for a more low key Good Friday celebration, then the third time was today…for Easter. It was a very very interesting and new experience for me. I was in such an intimate environment, and its something that as a photographer ive always wanted, but never really had until today. At the same time, everyone was just so welcoming to me, often thanking me during the service for my presence there… I felt very comfortable. Here are the photos from this morning.

I had an assignment to shoot at an Eritrean church ceremony on Saturday night….late at night, 1am. What a place to be. I met this young kid, 21 years old, we were talking and he said it took him 2 months to come to the US from Eritrea, illegally. He was just saying how scary it was riding on these rickety boats to get here, how he got caught and was sent to the work camps. What a story and what a night…one of the most fun and visually interesting times ive had. What an experience walking into something like this as a complete outsider and working your way into taking photographs and learning so much about the culture and traditions.

Working on a few new projects concerning religion in Oakland. I was walking around International and found an open church, so i walked in and introduced myself. I sat through the first service last week and it went really well…no photos but they said it was good for me to come back for photographs, so here i am. Everyone was so friendly and eager to see me. Going back on Sunday…good people

If you see these, leave a comment and let me know what you think
Thanks

took photos at the Railroad Revival Tour, where Mumford and Sons and 2 other bands played. I had a really fun time. Met a few really cool photographers, which is rarely the case because most have a chip on their shoulder when you meet them…even a guy who does video for Nat Geo. Overall a fantastic night with some fun images
Go to the link to see em all
Railroad Revival Tour