I began my professional journey as a photojournalist in the Marine Corps, dedicating seven years of service and completing a tour in Afghanistan. Transitioning to civilian life, I pursued a creative writing program at UCSD, only to discover that my true calling lay in the visual arts of photography and videography. Currently, I am immersed in the study of documentary photography and video production at the University of California Berkeley, specializing in night photography and character-driven documentaries. My focus now centers on exploring masculinity within the Latino community, delving into the impact of "machismo" on the parenting approaches of Latino fathers for my upcoming master's thesis.

No Luck - Documentary

Initially, this story began as an informative documentary focusing on a historic business nestled in the vibrant heart of San Francisco’s China Town. As my documentary project partner, Sophia Sun, and I delved deeper into the narrative, we uncovered intriguing layers about the store owner, Kevin Chan. Kevin, who harbored dreams of becoming a police officer, dedicated long hours to his work, and grappled with uncertainties surrounding the succession of his cherished store. It soon became evident that the essence of the story lay in Kevin's personal journey, with the cookie factory serving as a poignant backdrop to narrate his compelling tale.

Brett the Busker

After graduating from UC Berkeley, Brett Torres worked briefly as a music teacher at the Berkeley Jazz Conservatory before stepping away to focus on his mental health. Brett, who has been managing Scrupulosity Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and social anxiety, found solace in street performances. Engaging with people through music became a therapeutic outlet for him, complementing his practices of meditation and medication in fostering better mental well-being. With twelve years of experience as a busker, Brett aims to conquer his mental health challenges and eventually resume his passion for teaching and one day perform at restaurants.

Now Zad, Afghanistan

During my seven-month deployment to Helmand Province, Afghanistan, I meticulously captured the essence of numerous missions. Among them, the standout events were the intense battles that unfolded in Now Zad and Marjah.

Growing up in San Diego, I was surrounded by bridges that served as both connectors and dividers. The beauty of the Coronado Bridge stood out to me, symbolizing the gap between the wealthy and the less fortunate. Driving over it to play soccer on weekends was a routine that underscored this divide. As a teenager, the Tijuana bridge loomed large, representing the stark separation between two nations. Walking across, I could sense the weight of poverty and hardship that marked its path. Now, as a spouse and a parent of two, my perspective on bridges has shifted. Viewing the Golden Gate Bridge, I no longer just see barriers but also the unity it creates—families coming together for vacations, bike rides, and leisurely walks, bridging not just counties but entire communities.

Poetry at Night

When I decided to take photos in downtown Oakland at night, my wife was worried about my safety due to the city's reputation for crime and homelessness. Despite this, I found that the community was full of kind locals who appreciated the city's history and saw its challenges as part of its character. I met a street vendor who shared his story with me and even got helpful advice on where to park. Another time, I lost my car keys during a photo shoot, and three men from a nearby church helped me search for them. This photo project aims to showcase the positive side of Oakland that often goes unnoticed, challenging the negative portrayal of the city in the media.