Downtown Oakland

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.