Los Angeles, Real America
Life in Los Angeles is a prime example of contemporary American society.
Los Angeles is one of the largest cities in the nation and has an even larger influence on mainstream culture in this country. This has been the case for decades and there is no legitimate reason why it should not be considered a part of the quintessential American experience.
The concept of what is and isn't “Real America” delegitimatizes the lived experiences of millions of people in the United States, disproportionately ceding power to cities and states that are both less populous and less diverse.
It is an expression of the institutionalized racial hierarchy that lies at the foundation of this country and is being weaponized by the current administration.
I’ve been photographing Los Angeles for almost half my life. As a lifelong resident (not born, but certainly raised), I have a direct connection to many of the neighborhoods and areas I document. The people, cultures, and organic diversity present in the streets, markets, schools, and apartment buildings are not the result of any purposeful DEI program but a simple fact of life. And it works exceptionally well. I'm not describing some naive vision of utopia but a thriving city filled with people that come from different places but share a common space. Yes, there are problems. And god yes, some people are assholes and others are racist AF. But those aren't issues unique to any one place but rather part of the human condition. What is unique is how hard we ride for each other when it counts and how strong our communities are. I may be alone but it's important to keep working towards true solidarity and living in close proximity to one another is how true alliances are formed. It's slow, hard work but it does happen.
At this point you may be wondering what this rant has to do with photography and my Archival Recordings project. Well, here's the thing: documenting and sharing the photographs I capture of everyday life in Los Angeles has always been inspired by a desire to share my perspective with the world at large. This work is critical at this moment in history because so much effort is being put into erasing it. It's a response to the backlash against what defines being American means to me and the inability (or lack of desire) of the media to effectively push back. The creation and elevation of a new American archetype that reflects the world I (and other likeminded photographers) record is desperately needed.
"Los Angeles, Real America: is not only a theme that I will be exploring throughout the year and beyond through online photo essays, it's also the subject of the first Archival Recordings printed publication of 2025. Exclusively available as a part of the paid subscription to this newsletter and at in-person events, this mini photo book was originally scheduled for a summer release but I think I should have it out by end of May.
