Check out the website launched exclusively for "Portraits of the 99%":
http://www.Portraitsofthe99.com
All photos will be posted there from now on.
Photos published:
San Francisco Chronicle (11/19, Datebook section)
The Story
As an editorial photographer I have a great interest in human stories. When the "Occupy Wallstreet" protests spread to San Francisco I was riveted by the variety of people, and the diversity of those working together on the same goal.
I saw an opportunity here to photograph a lot of passionate people of all ages, races and walks of life, as well as a way to spread awareness and show the intensity that is human nature. So I set aside a day and set up a small photo studio near the OccupySF protestors and took over 60 portraits.
In less than 24 hours after posting, the images had over 4,000 views. I was getting emails from people saying the work was wonderful and inspiring. Facebook and social media spread them like wildfire. News sources picked them up. This was when I realized that this project needed to be bigger.
My goal is to travel to the major cities in California Participating in the Occupy Wallstreet protests and setup similar mini-photo-studios and create portraits of as many of the protestors as I can. These cities include but are not limited too:
-LA
-San Diego
-San Jose
-Santa Rosa
-Oakland
-Sacramento
And the list is growing. If things go well, I may expand to other parts of the country, the ultimate goal of course, being New York.
The Impact
The ability to show the individual as a powerful person, a hero is vital to any campaign be it social, political or ethical. Raising awareness of the brave individuals involved will inspire others to take up this protest, hit the streets with their fellow man and stand up for what is right.
We need to show the world that everyone out there is rising up against tyranny - The people who wear suites, construction uniforms, scrubs, jeans, turtle-necks, tye-dye or simply shorts and a t-shirt - they are all standing strong, together.
What We Need & What You Get
The money will go primarily to flights, travel and hostels as well as food to keep myself and an assistant going. Remaining money will be donated to the Occupy Wallstreet movement. This project started on October 8th in San Francisco and I currently have contacts in Santa Rosa and San Jose. It's going, and it's not stopping. Your money will help me make it across the state, the country and if all goes will with the Occupy California fund raising, the world.
If you help out, you will certainly be rewarded with prints, posters and even a signed, limited edition book.
Other Ways You Can Help
Spread the word! If you have contacts with someone working at one of the protests (In any city in CA) drop my name and send them this link! Give em' my phone number, it's easy to find!
I'll gladly stay on someone's couch to cut costs. The more money leftover to go to the cause the better!
In general, send this page to everyone you know. Email, Facebook, Twitter, etc. Getting the word out is the most important part of this campaign!
