1 of 20

Music | Hindsight by DJ Shadow

It is 12:45 a.m. I am in the midst of opening 20 files and making prints for the Freedom Fighters presentation and reception that will be happening in a little over 2 weeks. With huge printing problems earlier, I wanted to make sure I had plenty of time to fix or have an alternative ready to go. In all, 39 prints of portraits will be made and framed.

It appears the printing is going well (knock wood) with a streamlined process in place. I'm breezing through the first 20 and should be done soon.

I love these late night productive moments.

Freedom Fighters, Day 2

Music | Song for My Father by Horace Silver

Day 2 was as the first day. More amazing people to photograph for the Freedom Fighter series. It was nice to see some familiar faces who are apart of this gifted group of people. There were a total of 39 portraits I shot in the last 2 day. I've gotten succinct in having to photograph so many people in a very short amount of time. I am with each subject for at most 3 minutes where I take maybe 4 to 6 exposures. That includes introduction by the way.

2015 Freedom Fighters, Part 1

Music | A Love Supreme by John Coltrane

The Writing Center at Roosevelt High School puts on a program where every Freshman student is given the opportunity to interview modern day Freedom Fighters, socially conscious individuals who has fought for the rights of people living here in Portland, Oregon. This is the 4th year I have been given the opportunity to photograph these heroes. A few from day 1 and 20 portraits...

Freedom Fighters, take 3

Music | Belonging (Lopsides Lullaby)by Joshua Redmond

I take huge pride in working with Roosevelt High School's Writing Program where incoming freshman work together and interview Portland Freedom Fighters, socially conscious individuals who make the world a better place to live. This is the 3rd year in a row where I was given the free reign to shoot portraits of these heroic figures who have given to the community. The students gather information from the Freedom Fighters and put together a book as well as a museum quality presentation documenting their stories, which travels around the Portland area as an exhibition.

Here are a few of the 16 portraits...







special thanks to Epson whose contribution allows for prints to be made

2013 Portland Freedom Fighters

Music | When Doves Cry by Prince

15 portraits shot over a period of 2 days for the Portland Freedom Fighters exhibition which opens next week. I printed the photos today, matting and framing takes place tomorrow. I'm pretty proud of this project because it existence was born out of a conversation over the phone with the project coordinator. Initially, she wanted me to photograph the Freedom Fighters during an event where they would be interviewed by various students. I knew there were other photographers were going to be there to cover that angle, so I suggested doing the formal portraits instead.

Because this entire project is based off a more grass roots level, funding was going to be an issue. In order for these photographs to be shown, I really wanted professional prints made and that they would be matted and framed. Epson managed to come thru and donated all the paper and ink in order for me to be able to print the images myself. Roosevelt High School, where the students attend came thru for the frames and mats.

Thank You, Epson

Music | Aisha by John Coltrane

As posted before regarding the Freedom Fighter shoot 3 weeks ago, I was invited to be apart of the traveling exhibition. My only stipulation was that I wanted to get the images printed professionally and that they would be matted and framed.

I took the initiative to get the ball rolling for sponsorship and contacted Epson to see if they would supply ink and paper. I decided I would print the images myself to save on labor costs. Mid day Friday, I found out that Epson has accepted my proposal and will be sending me ink and very nice paper to print these images.


Thank you, Epson.

The Modern Freedom Fighter

Music | My Heart Stood Still (Complete Take) by Bill Evans

With the introduction by Emma Colburn to the Roosevelt High School Writing Center, that brings students face to face with local community Freedom Fighters to engage in dialog and interviews, I got the chance to photograph those leaders involved. Though last minute, I was able to photograph 19 portraits of some really great faces.

Propositions like this one are always a surprise. You never know what you are going to walk into. I ended up having an office to shoot in for the make shift studio to create the photos. Though ambiance was lacking, the 5 to 10 exposures of each participant was taken seriously by both of us.

I didn't have any idea when I shot these portraits that they may be apart of an exhibition to be shown on a national scale and a book to be produced. I decided to do some outreach programs to become more involved in the community. This is a great start...


Just a few of the Freedom Fighters series..."