The blog

Another day with David, working on his compassion book. We were taking photos at the UC Davis Raptor Center this time. Got to see (and be uncomfortably close to) a huuge eagle. All in all a very cool and fun experience.

I wanted to share a few things ive learned so far, photographically (is that a word?) with this project. First, model releases are of utmost importance. Thanks David for taking care of that. We want this to be as legitimate and as legal as possible. Second, a smile goes a long way. So does a sincere heart. Third, always remember your an intruder, regardless of how good your intentions are. Some people WILL be threatened and WILL threaten you to leave. Be strong, stand firm and most of all, be…compassionateFourth, look for stories.

David asked that I take photos at the Davis Community Meals, a rotating dinner service for the homeless here in Davis. I was excited and we went. Most of the homeless dont know David or I though, so it was very touchy not to step on any toes. Since we could get model releases for most of the homeless, I was forced to shoot the volunteers…only. It was a challenge, but thats what makes it fun. Later we met Cindy, who is a student here, and a mother of 3, homeless. She was the story that I and David wanted.
At one point, I aimed the camera to the eldest son, without saying a word. He was eating and I didnt want to disturb him. I shot off a few frames, feeling a bit annoying to him. We exchanged glances and he said to me, “its ok.” I dont know why that affected me so much, but this is a 12 year old kid who to me has seen the world. He said it with some resoluteness. Such confidence, yet he was so humble about it. That right there is a man. I truely respect that kid. I just nodded, my eyes welling up, and took a few more frames.

I am helping my my friend David work his way out of homelessness. You may know him as “that guy” on the Davis corner, asking people what their thoughts are on the virtue of compassion. Well, over the years he’s amassed over 3000 entries and is preparing a book to publish his findings. He is a remarkably gentle man, with an incredibly resolute heart. TED.com has taken a slight interest in this project, and I hope that David realizes his dreams.

There will be photos here and there taken on assignments with Davis. Some embody compassion while others are the opposite.

This first photo is of David

Short anecdote on the photo of the lady with the missing leg:
This lady (name disclosed) was once required to get on her knees and crawl up to get the the Grace House as the handicapped walkway hadn’t bee completed yet. Cindy talked to her, and apologized sincerely for having her to have gone through that. She said, “thats ok Cindy, God wants us on our knees.”

Thats compassion

Davis weddings are fun to shoot…especially when its with a great couple and youve got a friend shooting with you. Allison and Chris were exceptionally fun to shoot for and I really enjoyed the experience.

These photographs are a accumulation of 4 months of work, talking to, studying, observing and photographing the members of the homeless community in Davis, CA that use The Grace House, a Christian based rest&respite center for the homeless. During the course of the time I spent at the Grace House I met a variety of wonderful men and women, all of whom are struggling with homelessness. Even more so I meant those that are making an effort to give the homeless a means to get out of their troubles. Unfortunately, the Grace House is being threatened to get shut down by the City Council in an effort to “clean up the streets.” These photos were presented, in their entirety, at a fundraiser to keep the Grace House afloat.

I do hope you take something from these photos and please feel free to contact me if you want to help

Thank you very much
Deeba Yavrom

I got to drive around with the director of the Grace House going around town looking for where the homeless hang out giving them socks, granola bars and taking photos with their permission. This is all in an effort to properly create a slideshow depicting the lifestyle of homeless in Davis for the Grace in Action fundraiser this Valentines Day.

Thank you

captions will be coming…
All for The Grace House in Davis which is at risk of being shut down by the city council. A fundraiser will be held showcasing these photographs February 14th at the Davis Community Church, 4:00pm