Street portraits from a city of 10 million faces. One frame, one conversation, one connection at a time.
"Willy's been fishing at the Santa Monica Pier since he was 5. He says it's less about the fish and more about being outside doing what you love."
In many ways, street photography feels similar to what Willy described. On most days, I don't capture a single image I feel strongly about. But it's being outside, seeing something I've never noticed and meeting people that makes me happy. Getting a good photo in the process is the bonus.
"What if the safest thing you did today was cross a street someone painted illegally?"
Jonny shows how one person's determination can impact a neighborhood. He leads guerrilla crosswalk paintings at some of LA's most dangerous intersections — places waiting years for official improvement. His activism keeps the streets safer for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers, one intersection at a time.
"Even with my terrible Spanish, a few words and hand gestures were enough to feel welcomed by strangers willing to let me take their portrait."
There's something deeply nourishing about connecting with someone beyond language. CDMX reaffirmed why I love street portraiture so much. It's that feeling of humanity that links us all together — even if only for a brief flash.
About six months ago, I was let go from my corporate job. It was scary, but it also felt like a door opening. I started this account just wanting a space to create and express myself. I didn't know where it would lead.
Street portraits have always been more about the human connection than the photo itself. Every frame is a conversation, a moment of shared humanity in a city where it's easy to feel anonymous.
Los Angeles melds so many stories, faces, and cultures all at once — and that's why I love it here. Street photography is a way of weaving through the city's vast tapestry. Every photo taken feels like a small act of solidarity, a tribute to this town's diversity.
Fuji X-T5 · Fuji X100V · Meta Ray-Ban · Edited on iPhone
Portrait sessions · Prints · Collaborations
DM on Instagram → @streetpovtraitsDemo site · Actual images from Unsplash (demo purpose, replace with Hajime's work)