I'm new to Los Angeles and - frankly - new to photography as anything more than a symptom that breaks out at family get-togethers and while traveling. Actually, the first place that really inspired me to look with a different "eye" was New Orleans. I fell in love with the cocktail of colors, people, style, architecture, music, sex, and steam and how all of that literally dances, taking fluid shape before your very eyes as you walk down the street. I had to learn to capture that magical blend.

That's what I find through the lens and in processing what I shoot when I get back to my Mac. Today, I shoot Los Angeles from the street. I love this city. It's so vibrant and colorful, so rich in style and so bold.

At the same time, this is a city of angels who live in corners, under bridges, huddled on Skid Row, forgotten by the nouveau riche and the policy-makers, left to scrounge and suffer their mental illness and addiction for all to see. While I want to preserve their dignity, I also believe they are people whose plight should be seen for what it is: neglect and falling into our collective "crack" in consciousness. Perhaps if we learn to see all people and hold that all life is precious, we will demand a more humane treatment and equitable living conditions for all our brothers and sisters.

I love the brilliant and colorful, avant garde, hot and sassy, rebellious and playful nature of LA. Nestled in a cornucopia of building architecture and blaring street art and murals, Angelinos come to life every day. Every chance I get, I want to be there with a camera and to learn to see.