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Aug 2021

The Potential Within

Text by Ciana Bruce/ Photos by Charletta Cloud & Ciana Bruce Church and education sustained her passion for serving others. But her potential paved the path for a new service — leadership. Jacquelyn Ponder, who […]

The Potential Within: Jacquelyn Ponder, Black woman with short curly hair wearing a long black dress with white floral patterns and black shoes — Preaching Women Honoree 2013
Photo: Jacquelyn Ponder ©Jacquelyn Ponder

The Potential Within: Jacquelyn Ponder in a green top receiving an award from a woman in a white shirt during ceremony — Pastor Ponder being presented with an award at President Obama’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA)/ Tribute to Preaching Women Celebration Dinner Ceremony Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo: Charletta Cloud

30 likes

15

Jul 2021

Amber Fields: June Photographer of the Month

Interview by Avery Fields/ Photos by Amber Fields Amber Fields, 18, from Brooklyn, New York, is our June Photographer of the Month winner. She currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia. Fields competed against three other photographers […]

June 2021
Photo: Amber Fields
© Amber Fields

Amber Fields: A silhouette of two people looking over the sunset and beach waters. — June 2021
Photo: Amber Fields
© Amber Fields

Amber Fields: Pink flower on a branch of a tree. And blurred trees in the background. — June 2021
Photo: Amber Fields
© Amber Fields

Amber Fields: wooden staircase leading down to a beach. Blue skies, clouds, and trees to the left of the stairs. — June 2021
Photo: Amber Fields
© Amber Fields

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7

Jul 2021

Standing in the Gap: The Life of Missionary Gussie Breedlove

Text by Stephanie Breedlove/ Photos courtesy of Gussie Breedlove One of the unsung heroes of the Atlanta community is Missionary Gussie Breedlove. This story explores her life and impact on poverty-stricken communities throughout Atlanta. Missionary […]

Misssionay Breedlove at a impoverished community after a clean up event. Photo: Gussie Breedlove ©Gussie Breedlove

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24

Jun 2021

Jan Düerkop: May Photographer of the Month

Interview by Avery Fields/ Photos by Jan Düerkop Jan Düerkop, 37, from Hamburg, Germany, is our May Photographer of the Month winner. He competed against three other photographers and his photo received the most votes. […]

Jan Düerkop: building mirrored against a puddle — I was up very early in the morning to catch the reflection of the rising sun on the Elbphilharmonie here in Hamburg.
As there was a puddle in front of me, I was able to create this reflection shot while crouching in the water.
Hamburg, Germany
May 2021
Photo: Jan Düerkop
© Jan Düerkop

Jan Düerkop: Building with a lot of windows reflecting a historic building during day light — A historic building reflecting in the windows of a modern one.
I like the kind of “pixelated” look of the reflection of the old building.
Hamburg, Germany
March 2021
Photo: Jan Düerkop
© Jan Düerkop

Jan Düerkop: building surrounded by water just before sunrise — Another shot from early in the morning. This time I made a long exposure of the Docklands office building which is formed like a speedboat. The long exposure time helps to bring up some colors and smooth out the waves.
Hamburg, Germany
March 2021
Photo: Jan Düerkop
© Jan Düerkop

Jan Düerkop: tall building with many windows reflecting the cloudy sky — The clouds reflecting in the windows of an office building. The building itself is kind of ugly, but as a mirror, it works great!
Hamburg, Germany
April 2021
Photo: Jan Düerkop
© Jan Düerkop

Jan Düerkop: sunrise above harbor — The sunrise above the industrial harbour of Hamburg, Germany.
Shot from the top of a building where we were not supposed to be that early in the morning.
Hamburg, Germany
February 2021
Photo: Jan Düerkop
© Jan Düerkop

Jan Düerkop: body of water reflecting lights and television tower at dusk. — This picture of the television tower of Hamburg was taken during a blue hour walk with my significant other who is the reason I started photography in the first place and is now one of my biggest motivators to get out and shoot some pics.
Hamburg, Germany
May 2021
Photo: Jan Düerkop
© Jan Düerkop

Jan Düerkop: three buildings staggered behind one and other with blue sky — A city view from inside the luxury shopping district “Jungfernstieg.” It was just a snapshot passing by, but during editing, I saw the potential and cropped some clutter to make the look cleaner.
Hamburg, Germany
April 2021
Photo: Jan Düerkop
© Jan Düerkop

Jan Düerkop: large body of water in front of a city at dawn. Lights from the city reflect of the water. — My winning photo for the Bokeh Focus Photographer of the Month award in May 2021. It shows the city of Hamburg with its landmark building Elbphilharmonie in the middle. It is usually blue but the reflective windows caught a log of the red sundawn.
Hamburg, Germany
May 2021
Photo: Jan Düerkop
© Jan Düerkop

Jan Düerkop: a body of water mirroring the city at dawn. — The historic city center during blue hour. For this long exposure I placed my camera on the railing of a pedestrian bridge. I had to try it several times as the bridge was moving everytime another person came onto it.
Hamburg, Germany
March 2021
Photo: Jan Düerkop
© Jan Düerkop

Jan Düerkop: large body of water surrounding ships at dusk. lights reflect against the water. — Some big ships in the harbour of Hamburg. This is actually a composition of 3 HDR brackets. The biggest challenge for this was that there was not enough light to shoot with a fast shutter but while using a long shutter some blur occured due to the movements of the ships and the dock cranes. A lot of manual editing was done to remove those.
Hamburg, Germany
May 2021
Photo: Jan Düerkop
© Jan Düerkop

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May 2021

Taylor Mackenzie: April Photographer of the Month

Interview by Avery Fields/ Photos by Taylor Mackenzie Taylor Mackenzie, 20, from Michigan, is our April Photographer of the Month! She received the most votes out of three other competitors. In the third week of […]

Taylor Mackenzie: close up on woman's face with a hand gripping her mouth — Mackenzie’s studio, Michigan
October 2019
Photo: Taylor Mackenzie
© Taylor Mackenzie

Taylor Mackenzie: close up on woman's face with one hand gripping her chin and another hand on the top of her head — Mackenzie’s studio, Michigan
October 2019
Photo: Taylor Mackenzie
© Taylor Mackenzie

Taylor Mackenzie: man wearing a face mask saying "Black Lives Matter" while hold up a fist that is being grabbed and handcuffed — Mackenzie’s studio, Michigan
April 2021
Photo: Taylor Mackenzie
© Taylor Mackenzie

Taylor Mackenzie: close up on woman's face with a hand on each cheek — Mackenzie’s studio, Michigan
October 2019
Photo: Taylor Mackenzie
© Taylor Mackenzie

Taylor Mackenzie: woman in the dark surrounded by hands reaching at her — Mackenzie’s studio, Michigan
October 2019
Photo: Taylor Mackenzie
© Taylor Mackenzie

News

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15

Apr 2021

Ali Sardar: March Photographer of the Month

Interview by Olivia Goss/ Photos by Ali Sardar Ali Sardar, 26, from Atlanta, is our March Photographer of the Month winner. He competed against three others, and his photo submission received the most votes. Ali […]

Ali Sardar: Lovers part ways at the cliff in UK — Lovers part ways on the cliff.
United Kingdom
January 2018
Photo: Ali Sardar
© Ali Sardar

Ali Sardar: Mountain top seen through Colorado trees. — Mountain top seen through Colorado trees.
Colorado Rocky Mountains
August 2016
Photo: Ali Sardar
© Ali Sardar

Ali sardar: Mountain range in the heart of Colorado peak trails. — Mountain range in the heart of Colorado peak trails.
Colorado Rockt Mountains
August 2018
Photo: Ali Sardar
© Ali Sardar

Ali Sardar: A deep blue night sky full of moonlight in Marietta, Georgia — A night full of light.
Marietta, Georgia.
May 2018
Photo: Ali Sardar
© Ali Sardar

Ali Sardar: View from train window to see other modes of travel — View from train window to see other modes of travel.
Georgia
December 2019
Photo: Ali Sardar
© Ali Sardar

Ali Sardar: Descending from the sky to see the shadow of itself — Descending from the sky to see the shadow of itself.
Atlanta
July 2016
Photo: Ali Sardar
© Ali Sardar

Ali Sardar: Woman n black contemplating self in gilded mirror at Ritz Carton. — Bessma at Ritz Carlton awaiting.
Atlanta
January 2021
Photo: Ali Sardar
© Ali Sardar

Ali Sardar: Woman in black sitting at black tabl surrounded by clasic art in gilded gold frames. — Bessma at Ritz Carlton contemplating.
Atlanta
January 2021
Photo: Ali Sardar
© Ali Sardar

Ali Sardar: Selfie with Ali contemplating life — Selfie with Ali contemplating life.
Atlanta
May 2018
Photo: Ali Sardar
© Ali Sardar

Ali Sardar" Bright ball of light in a night sky. — TransAtlantic flight through the stars.
Atlantic Ocean
December 2017
Photo: Ali Sardar
© Ali Sardar

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Jan 2021

Whitney Jones: December Photographer of the Month

Interview by Olivia Goss/ Photos by Whitney Jones Whitney Jones, 20, from Atlanta, is our December Photographer of the Month winner. She competed against three others, and her photo received the most votes. Jones previously […]

Portrait of young woman with shoulder length dark hair and very pale skin wearing a sleeveless dark red dress and a long sheer red veil type scarf over her head and around her shoulders — Model Kina, tented under a sheer red fabric, looks out directly into the camers for this outdoor shot. Atlanta.

” Photographer: “Shooting with Kina was such a dream! She is one of the kindest people I have met while on a shoot! She really wanted to do a shoot with this red tulle she had so we came up with this super cool idea!”
November 2020
Photo: Whitney Jones

Model Adeline poses on location at a sandy lakeside beach. Atlanta.

Photographer: “This photo was taken in freezing weather, but the viewer would have had no idea! Adeline was such a trouper for this shoot! At one point she was even in the lake for some shots. I just loved her commitment to the plan even with freezing temperatures!”
November 2020
Photo: Whitney Jones

Portrait young woman with long dark hair wearing sunglasses and a lavendar top sitting in frontof orang fall foliage — Model Liz glances over her sunglasses while sitting in front of bright gold and orange blossoming roadside shrubs. Atlanta.

“Photographer: “This photo was taken on the side of the road near my apartment! I saw these flowers on the side of the road and we stopped there the next day to take a few pictures!”
November 2020
Photo: Whitney Jones

Portrait of 2 young women bothh with waist liength dark hair holding hands looking back over their shoulders as they climg a grassy hill - both wearing slacks and light blue jackets — Two young women hold hands and enjoy a cool day walking in Piedmont Park. Atlanta.

“Photographer: “This photo was taken in Piedmont Park, Atlanta of a couple friends of mine! I loved being able to have fun with these two and showcase their beautiful relationship!”
November 2020
Photo: Whitney Jones

Portrait toung woman with red hair pulling black gove off her right hand with her teeth — Model Brooks begins to pull a glove off with her teeth in this experimental prism lens studio shot. Atlanta.

Photographer: “This was one of the first times I used my prism lens and I am in love with the results! It really upped the game for this set, and created a whole different vibe than without the lens!”
November 2020
Photo: Whitney Jones

Portrait of young woman with long red hair and bare shoulders cluthing a black blanket printed with pink flowers to her chest — Model Brooks holds pink flowers and looks directly into the camers for this on-location shot at the Clermont Hotel. Atlanta.

“Photographer: “This photo was taken at the Clermont Hotel in Atlanta! I just love how the green in Brooks’ eyes matches the chair she was posing on. It might be one of my favorites to date!”
November 2020
Photo: Whitney Jones

Portrait of a young dark-hairedwoman with a stripe shadow pattern of kighting over the wholeimage wearing a bare-shoulder black top resting her right forearm on top oh her head — Model Brenda poses dramtically standing in the light and shadows pattern cast by a projector in a photography studio. Atlanta.

“Photographer: “I was so unsure of how these photos with the projector were going to come out, but both Brenda and I were so shocked at how beautiful they were! This may be one of my most creative shoots to date! We did a whole bunch of different patterns, it was truly such a fun experience!”
November 2020

Closeup portrait of a young dark-haired woman holding a silver,glass tiled disco ball in front of her chest — Model Shayla in close-up shot holds a large mirror-tiled disco ball. Atlanta.

” Photographer: ‘Shayla won a giveaway contest for a free photoshoot I was having and I am SO happy she won!! She was such a sweetheart and the photos turned out so amazing!”
November 2020
Photo: Whitney Jones

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Dec 2020

Trevon Davis: November Photographer of the Month Interview

Interview by Salinah On Yeugo/ Photos by Trevon Davis Trevon Davis, 20, from Austin, Texas, is our November Photographer of the Month winner. He competed against three other photographers for his title and his photo […]

Trevor Davis Photo Gallery: Girk in light vlue gymnast leotardstanding out side looking at rainbow painted on wall. — A gymnast stands outside an Austin, Tx. stadium clearing her mind before preparing to start an aerial exhibition.
April 2020
Photo: Trevon Davis

Trevon Davis photo gallery: Young woman with short dark hair wearing fade blue jeans an blue top leaning against an outdoor railing against a bright blue sky. — On a Saturday afternoon a model poses outside in the town square of downtown Houston, Tx. “The sky was the perfect shade of blue and felt like I had the right shot.”
May 2020
Photo: Trevon Davis

A model poses in the clothing brand TrueGeekUSA streetwear in an Austin, Tx. park.
May 2020
Photo: Trevon Davis

A bystander stops to pose for a portrait photo on a hiking trail in Austin, Tx.
December 2020
Photo: Trevon Davis

Trevan Davis photo gallery: Young man with short dark hair stiing in the raod with arms clasped aroun knees staring into distance. — A model poses for a portrait photo in the middle of an empty Austin, Tx. street.
December 2020
Photo: Trevon Davis

In the home studio of Trevon Davis located in Austin, Tx. a model poses in the pristine light.
December 2020
Photo: Trevon Davis

Jay Dior sits in his car posing for his upcoming album cover shoot in Austin, Tx.
December 2020
Photo: Trevon Davis

Trevon Davis photo gallery: Couple embracing while lying on purple blanket next to a pool. — Two models pose showing their love and raw emotion for each other outside an apartment complex located in Austin, Tx.
The inspiration behind the editing of the photo came from rapper Future’s, 2016 studio album Purple Reign.
April 2020.
Photo: Trevon Davis

Trevon Davis photo gallery: Couple embracing while lying on white blanket on park grass — In an open field located in Austin, Tx. a couple lay in the grass posing for a portrait.
April 2020.
Photo: Trevon Davis

40 likes

11

Dec 2020

Nikki Raitz: Featured Photographer — Bokeh Focus Exhibit 2020

Nikki Raitz was one of our eight featured photographers in our 3d, immersive, virtual Bokeh Focus Exhibit 2020 — The New World: Isolation. Biography Nikki Raitz is 21 years old and currently pursuing a BFA […]

Art Photo: Dancer in abstract pose wrapped in red fabric against red background — During this shoot, I asked my models to work with the fabric rather than against it.
In this shot, my model has become a part of the swirling fabric around her, creating a new shape as a part of a whole.
Sept 27, 2020
Photo: Nikki Raitz
© Nikki Raitz

27 likes

17

Nov 2020

Kevin Barrett: October Photographer of the Month Interview

Interview by Salinah On Yeugo/ Photos by Kevin Barrett Kevin Barrett, 21, from Powder Springs, Georgia, is our October Photographer of the Month winner. He competed against three other photographers for this title, and his […]

43 likes

20

Oct 2020

Jan Düerkop: September Photographer of the Month Interview

Interview by Olivia Goss/ Photos by Jan Düerkop Jan Düerkop, 37, from Hamburg, Germany, is our September Photographer of the Month winner. He competed against three other photographers for this title and his photo received […]

Read interview on Bokeh Focus

Subway departing station at night with tall street lamps on right. — “This picture was taken in the winter and I had to make several attempts to nail the timing for the subway to depart during my exposure.”
Photo: Jan Düerkop

Bokeh photo at night of large white arrow painted on dark, wet asphalt street. — “A road marking on a pedestrian bridge in Wolfsburg, Germany. The bokeh lines are the light of a building of the ‘Autostadt’ in the background.”
Photo: Jan Düerkop

Bokeh photo of night traffic with medium blue sky and a tall building with center tower. — “This is a long exposure shot of the old postal office in Hamburg, Germany. I actually planned to take this one for a while and I am pretty happy how it turned out.”
Photo: Jan Düerkop

Closeup of front wheel and handlebars with headlampof bicycle — “This detail shot of a bike is actually the bike of my girlfriend. It’s a pretty old one which she got as a gift from her aunt; approximately 30 years old and still in a good shape.”
Photo: Jan Düerkop

Closeupof dandelion head with several blurred lights in the background. — “This close-up shot of a dandelion in full bloom was taken in the Hamburg harbor. I liked the contrast of the very urban surroundings and this dandelion lying around.”
Photo: Jan Düerkop

Rocky shoreline with large boat moored clsoe to shore against cloudy night sky. — “This boat was docked in the harbor of Texel during our pre-COVID holiday in the Netherlands. I only took this one shoot as we were actually in a rush to get to our boat and got lucky in terms of sharpness and correct exposure.”
Photo: Jan Düerkop

Weathered wooden pier posts and cross supports stand in dark, calm water uner dusky skies. — “Some remains of a pier in the Netherlands where I actually shot the whole golden hour and then had to select my favorite out of 45 pictures.”
Photo: Jan Düerkop

Multi-story,modern office building seen from perspective of looking up from the ground against an overcast, cloudy dusky sunset — “This office building in Hamburg is quite a known spot for photographers which you can also climb up to. I got lucky during golden hour to catch this one person almost in the middle of the building. It reminds me of old Aztec ruins.”
Photo: Jan Düerkop

TheElbphilharmonie opera house against an early dusk sunset sky. — “As a photographer living in Hamburg a picture of the Elbphilharmonie opera house Is mandatory in my portfolio. This one is special as I used the reflective steps of a building on the other roadside to create the reflection.”
Photo: Jan Düerkop

Close-up of heather with dewdrops in sepia tones. — “I went out to shoot some heathers blooming during this year’s season and got lucky with this shot which was during sunrise: The bokeh balls are actually dewdrops.”
Photo: Jan Düerkop
In Jan’s interview he tells us more about himself as a new photograpgher.
Find it on Bokeh Focus under STORIES.

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28

Sep 2020

Joshua Elliot: August Photographer of the Month Interview

Interview by Olivia Goss/ Photos by Joshua Elliot Joshua Elliot, 19, from Leeds, England, is our August Photographer of the Month winner. He competed against three other photographers for this title, and his photo received […]

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17

Aug 2020

Tyra Gathers: July Photographer of the Month Interview

Interview by Olivia Goss/ Photos by Tyra Gathers Tyra Gathers, 22, from Kennesaw, Georgia, is our July Photographer of the Month winner. She competed against four other photographers for this title and her photos received […]

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15

Jul 2020

Andrea Klerides: June Photographer of the Month Interview

Interview by Ciara Lawrence/ Photos by Andrea Klerides Andrea Klerides, 31, from Queens, New York, is our June Photographer of the Month winner. She competed against four other photographers for this title and her photos […]

Andrea Klerides, from Queens, New York, the winner of our Bokeh Focus June Photographer of the Month contest.
Photo: Courtesy Andrea Klerides
Read interview on Bokeh Focus

George Floyd Protest Astoria, New York park, black & white photo, woman on knees clasping hands looking upward — A woman holds a sign saying, “I can’t breathe,” at a protest gathering in an Astoria neighborhood park in Queens, New York.
Photo: Andrea Klerides

George Floyd Protest Astoria, New York park, black & white photo, closeup of young woman with black hair and glassesraising her right fist in protest — Young woman standing with neighbors – many that are masked to protect themselves from COVID-19 –raises her right fist in protest against George Floyd’s death.
Photo: Andrea Klerides

A stridently chanting,maskless young man at the park protest surrounded by neighbors.
Photo: Andrea Klerides

George Floyd Protest Astoria, New York park, black & white photo, looking at the backs of a large group of people kneeling on one knee with right fists raised — Protesters at neighborhood park take a knee with fists raised in protest.
Photo: Andrea Klerides

Clasping her hands and looking upward while chanting, this young woman protests with her neighbors against George Floyd’s death while he was in the custody of police.
Photo: Andrea Klerides
Read interview on Bokeh Focus

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24

Jun 2020

Atlanta Photographers Capture Protest & Unrest

Photos by Juan Pablo Ocampo & Luke Crawford Civil unrest has spread across the nation since the death of George Floyd. Dozens of cities have witnessed young people turning out in huge crowds demanding system change […]

A protestor carrying an American flag leads the crowd and marches in front of the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta on June 3, 2020. Wednesday marks day six of the Black Lives Matter protests in Atlanta.
Photo: Juan Pablo Ocampo
Read more on Bokeh Focus

A protestor sits on a skateboard while holding a sign in Atlanta on June 3, 2020. The crowd sits and kneels idly while receiving instructions from community leaders about the march that is about to happen.
Photo: Juan Pablo Ocampo
Read more on Bokeh Focus

Two protestors stand next to their vehicle and hand out snacks and drinks while protesting in Atlanta on June 3, 2020. Many protestors made sure others were well-protected, well-hydrated and well-fed.
Photo: Juan Pablo Ocampo
Read more on Bokeh Focus

A protestor sits and holds a sign in Centennial Olympic Park on May 29, 2020. Everyone gathered in the park is ready to march to the Capitol building and back.
Photo: Juan Pablo Ocampo
Read more on Bokeh Focus

Protestors kneel during a peaceful demonstration during the first day of protests in Atlanta on May 29, 2020. Many are kneeling to protest the injustice of George Floyd being knelt on and suffocated for almost nine minutes.
Photo: Juan Pablo Ocampo
Read more on Bokeh Focus

A protestor holds a sign while marching in Atlanta on June 3, 2020.
Photo: Juan Pablo Ocampo
Read more on Bokeh Focus

A protestor stands before the Georgia Army National Guard in Atlanta on June 2, 2020.
Photo: Luke Crawford
Read more on Bokeh Focus

Protestors holding signs outside CNN Center in downtown Atlanta on June 2, 2020.
Photo: Luke Crawford
Read more on Bokeh Focus

Protestors take to the sky by climbing a billboard overlooking Centennial Olympic Park for a better view of the action in Atlanta on June 1, 2020.
Photo: Luke Crawford
Read more on Bokeh Focus

Protestors against the police barricade erected beside the CNN Center in Atlanta on June 4, 2020.
Photo: Luke Crawford
Read more on Bokeh Focus

Protestors walking with speakers playing worship music while holding signs in Atlanta on May 31, 2020.
Photo: Luke Crawford
Read more on Bokeh Focus

Police advance through tear gas as rebar, rocks, fireworks and water bottles fly into the police line in Atlanta on June 2, 2020.
Photo: Luke Crawford
Read more on Bokeh Focus

News

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16

Jun 2020

Sven Hühn: May Photographer of the Month Interview

Interview by Arianna Lasha/ Photos by Sven Hühn Sven Hühn, 30, from Wiesmoor, Germany, is our May Photographer of the Month winner. He competed against 4 other photographers for this title and his photo received […]

May photographer of the month winner, Sven Hühn, shares his experiences and advice for photographers of all ages..
Read interview on Bokeh Focus

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28

Apr 2020

New Breed of Cops: Michael Tashji

Text and Photos by Michael Tashji On a Friday night in Bloomfield, N.J., middle school children hang out at Foley Field to watch the highschool football team play. Officer Marvid Camacho provides security at the […]

Camacho and his son Matteo at Bloomfield Middle School.
Photo: Michael Tashji
Read story on Bokeh Focus

Officers Camacho and Romano enter the Bloomfield Police station.
Photo: Michael Tashji
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Camacho picks up his order at a coffee shop in Bloomfield.
Photo: Michael Tashji
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Camacho, Romano and Charles at the Old Canal Inn.
Photo: Michael Tashji
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Camacho patrols the hallways at Bloomfield Middle School.
Photo: Michael Tashji
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Camacho talks to his sons Matteo and Mariano in their bedroom.
Photo: Michael Tashji
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A Thin Blue Line flag displayed in Camacho’s back yard.
Photo: Michael Tashji
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Charles patrols the streets of Bloomfield.
Photo: Michael Tashji
Read story on Bokeh Focus

Charles and his friends at Bloomfield High School.
Photo: Michael Tashji
Read story on Bokeh Focus

Charles shoots a basket at Bloomfield High School.
Photo: Michael Tashji
Read story on Bokeh Focus

Charles watches football in his basement.
Photo: Michael Tashji
Read story on Bokeh Focus

Charles reviews an ongoing case at the Bloomfield Police station.
Photo: Michael Tashji
Read story on Bokeh Focus

Officers Romano and Camacho at the Bloomfield Police station.
Photo: Michael Tashji
Read story on Bokeh Focus

Romano and his son Matthew talk with a resident of Bloomfield.
Photo: Michael Tashji
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Romano holds his daughter Juliana.
Photo: Michael Tashji
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Camacho and Romano pay their tab at the Old Canal Inn.
Photo: Michael Tashji
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Romano coaches the Bloomfield Bengals at Foley Field.
Photo: Michael Tashji
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Romano weighs in junior league football players at Foley Field.
Photo: Michael Tashji
Read story on Bokeh Focus

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Nov 2019

Atlanta: Then & Now — Capturing Hidden Realities in Atlanta’s 1960s Civil Rights Movement

Text by Megan Butler and Photo by Rusty Miller There is tremendous power in the ability to freeze a moment in time. Memories captured by a photographer are never forgotten. Just one image can evoke […]

Interested in being part of our 2020 BOKEH FOCUS EXHIBIT?
Email Us Today!

Families gathered at an ice cream shop with adults chatting and children waiting for their cones. Black & white photo from 1960s by Rusty Miller — Families gathered at an ice cream shop chatting and children waiting for their cones. Photo: Rusty Miller

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14

Nov 2019

Atlanta: Then & Now — Lost In Atlanta: The Search For Rusty Miller’s Locations

Text and Photo by Juan Pablo Ocampo Rusty Miller explored 1960s Atlanta with a camera and documented parts of everyday life in the community. The vivid pictures told stories of quality of life, togetherness and […]

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14

Nov 2019

Atlanta: Then & Now — Lightning: Gone In a Flash

Text and Photos by Eric Naccarato A solitary figure walks along a lonely, worn-down stretch of road. Behind her lies a wasteland of urban development and construction. A skeletal high-rise looms, a symbol of the […]

Solitary figure walks alon all in sepia tones.

Atlanta Lightning neighborhood historic street map — Negro Residential District 137, with Lightning prominently featured in the dark grey area on bottom left. Credit: www.atlmaps.org

Atlanta street map - Lightning neighborhood to Herndon travel route — The time it would take to drive from Lightning to Herndon. Credit: Google Maps

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18

Aug 2017

Bokeh Focus Remodeled … Now Bolder & Modern

WELCOME TO BOKEH FOCUS! Youth Photos, Youth Focus: a platform for professional, amateur, and youth photographers to showcase photography and art about youth around the world and juvenile justice in the United States. At Bokeh […]

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Jun 2017

Kids Compete, Learn in Juvenile Justice Jeopardy Game

Text and Photos by Ali Sardar Spending a Saturday morning in a classroom is not something most kids want to do. So why did 110 kids between 9 and 17 years old in Lawrenceville, Georgia, […]

Steve O'Reilly standing in front of a group youth, explaining a situation — Steve O’Reilly, Strategies for Youth’s director of youth outreach program, explains to students what police officers are trained to do when they are called about a gun being pointed at someone.
Photo: Ali Sardar
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a youth wearing a NBA sponsored t-shirt, sitting in a classroom — Student smiles in amusement at the scenario on the screen.
Photo: Ali Sardar
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Students wearing NBA sponsored t-shirts sitting in a classroom thinking of what the best choice for the issue presented before them. — Students ponder the situation displayed by program director Steve O’Reilly.
Photo: Ali Sardar
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youth wearing NBA sponsored t-shirts sitting in a classroom — Students discuss possible answers with their team leader.
Photo: Ali Sardar
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a group of youth sitting in a classroom. — The youngest group of students are eager to see what the next scenario will be.
Photo: Ali Sardar
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Youth in NBA sponsored t-shirts sitting in a classroom — A student is ready to begin the next round.
Photo: Ali Sardar
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Youth in a NBA sponsored t-shirts discussing the answer. — Two students are eager to quickly discuss and answer before time is up.
Photo: Ali Sardar
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A youth sponsored by NBA reading a pamphlet about Strategies for Youth program. — A student reads the pamphlet about what to do and what not to do when interacting with police officers.
Photo: Ali Sardar
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A youth wearing a yellow Nike headband, sitting in a classroom with other youth. — A student is surprised to see a scenario she could relate to.
Photo: Ali Sardar
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Lisa Thurau is standing a classroom, explaining Strategies for Youth. — Lisa H. Thurau, Strategies for Youth’s executive director, spends a few moments after the program to explain its importance for the youth.
Photo: Ali Sardar
Read the full story

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May 2017

Rally Held to Support Jessica Colotl’s Immigration Fight to Keep Dreamer Status

Text and Photos by Ali Sardar ATLANTA — Advocacy groups and protesters rallied this weekend downtown in support of Jessica Colotl, whose Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals status was recently revoked. Her story made headlines […]

Jessica Colotl Rally: Kuck Immigration Partners, the law firm handling Jessica Colotl's case, was at the rally. Until recently, she worked at the firm as a paralegal. — Kuck Immigration Partners, the law firm handling Jessica Colotl’s case, was at the rally. Until recently, she worked at the firm as a paralegal.
Photo: Ali Sardar
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Jessica Colbotl Rally: A protester showed her support for Jessica Colotl at a rally Saturday to protest her Dreamer status being revoked by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. — A protester showed her support for Jessica Colotl at a rally Saturday to protest her Dreamer status being revoked by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Photo: Ali Sardar
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Colotl’s Immigration Fight: Jessica Colotl Rally: Two protesters gave the power sign as they held up their placard at the rally. — Two protesters gave the power sign as they held up their placard at the rally.
Photo: Ali Sardar
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Jessica Colotl Rally: The crowd gathered in front of the Richard B. Russell Federal Building Saturday to protest against ICE immigration actions and stand with Jessica Colotl. — The crowd gathered in front of the Richard B. Russell Federal Building Saturday to protest against ICE immigration actions and stand with Jessica Colotl.
Photo: Ali Sardar
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Jessoca Colotl Rally: A representative of Georgia Equality was one of the speakers about the actions taken against Jessica Colotl. — A representative of Georgia Equality was one of the speakers about the actions taken against Jessica Colotl.
Photo: Ali Sardar
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Jessica ColotlRally: A protester displayed her homemade sign to the crowd. — A protester displayed her homemade sign to the crowd.
Photo: Ali Sardar
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Jessica Colotl Rally: Protesters waved their signs in the 87-degree heat in Atlanta Saturday. — Protesters waved their signs in the 87-degree heat in Atlanta Saturday.
Photo: Ali Sardar
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Jessica Colotl Rally: A representative of the Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials expressed her concern about Jessica Colotl's immigration status. — A representative of the Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials expressed her concern about Jessica Colotl’s immigration status.
Photo: Ali Sardar
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Jessica Colotl Rally: The crowd paid close attention to the speaker, who was describing injustices in the United States. — The crowd paid close attention to the speaker, who was describing injustices in the United States.
Photo: Ali Sardar
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Jessica Colotl Rally: An elderly protester expressed her concern for Dreamers like Jessica Colotl. — An elderly protester expressed her concern for Dreamers like Jessica Colotl.
Photo: Ali Sardar
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Jessica Colotl Rally: Protesters were holding “#STAND WITH JESSICA” signs to bring attention to her case. Her status under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program was revoked in May. — Protesters were holding “#STAND WITH JESSICA” signs to bring attention to her case. Her status under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program was revoked in May.
Photo: Ali Sardar
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Jessica Colotl Rally: The crowd gathered at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Richard B. Russell Federal Building in downtown Atlanta to voice their concerns and protest the legal action taken against Jessica Colotl. — The crowd gathered at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Richard B. Russell Federal Building in downtown Atlanta to voice their concerns and protest the legal action taken against Jessica Colotl.
Photo: Ali Sardar
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Mar 2017

Community-based Organization Battles Chronic Absenteeism in Queens

Text and Photos by Becky Holladay “Good morning, Love Bugs, it’s a beautiful day!” Meaghan Holley sang through the door of an apartment. “Psych. It’s actually really gross out. But we still have to get up and […]

Chronic School Absenteeism: Primary school=age children in windter coats stand on steps to brick apartment complex walkway in the drizzling rain. — On a cold and drizzly morning, children who attend elementary school PS 104 Bayswater in Far Rockaway, Queens wait for the #NoExcusesBus to take them to school on December 12, 2016.
Photo: Becky Holladay
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Meaghan Holley, Director of Rockaway Rising, plays with a student while they wait for her older sister to finish getting ready. Holley started the #NoExcusesBus in March 2016 when she learned that nearly 70 school-age who lived in one apartment complex were defined as chronically absent, which means missing two or more days of school a month.
Photo: Becky Holladay
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Two students who ride the #NoExcusesBus wait for Holley to finish a conversation with their mother. Rockaway Rising’s approach to chronic absenteeism is to combat poverty as well, and attend to the needs of the childrens’ families in whatever capacity they need.
Photo: Becky Holladay
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A student waits for the #NoExcusesBus to leave for PS 104 Bayswater. The bus sometimes makes three trips in the morning. On this particular day, they drove nearly 75 children to school.
Photo: Becky Holladay
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Holley talks to a student about her behavior on the #NoExcusesBus, December 5, 2016.
Photo: Becky Holladay
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Students play a game with Holley while waiting for more students to get on the bus.
Photo: Becky Holladay
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Holley greets a student who’s come out to get a ride to school. In this particular district, students above the 2nd grade who live less than a mile from school are ineligible for the city school bus, which has an affect on attendance and chronic absenteeism.
Photo: Becky Holladay
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A student adjusts his hood in the drizzling rain outside school. Before the #NoExcusesBus, children who were ineligible for the city’s public school bus and had to walk to school would sometimes miss school if it was raining or snowing.
Photo: Becky Holladay
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Holley hugs a student while waiting for the #NoExcusesBus that runs from an apartment complex on Dix Avenue in Far Rockaway, Queens, to elementary school PS104.
Photo: Becky Holladay
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A student waits to disembark the #NoExcusesBus on December 5, 2016.
Photo: Becky Holladay
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A student takes a ride on the #NoExcusesBus on December 5, 2016. This particular morning, the bus made three trips between the apartment complex on Dix Avenue and the elementary school PS104.
Photo: Becky Holladay
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Holley gives a hand to a reluctant student on the #NoExcusesBus on December 5, 2016.
Photo: Becky Holladay
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A Rockaway Rising employee tries to cheer up a student by hand delivering him to the front door of the school on December 5, 2016.
Photo: Becky Holladay
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20

Jan 2017

Nonprofit Art School Helps Youth Thrive in Skid Row, Los Angeles

Text and Photos by Sean Myers LOS ANGELES — Nestled among nondescript warehouses and infamous streets, Inner-City Arts in downtown Los Angeles’ Skid Row is an oasis for artistic growth and self-exploration that serves more than 8,000 students […]

Art school Inner City Arts: Students sit at tables and paint glaze on handmade pieces in one of two ceramics studios. — Students paint glaze on handmade pieces in one of Inner-City Arts’ two ceramics studios. For many of them, it’s their first time learning about ceramics, touching clay and expressing themselves in a three dimensional form.
Photo: Sean Myers
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Art school Inner City Arts: Eight pottery wheels line a glass window. — Eight pottery wheels line a large glass window that over look the school’s gardens.
Photo: Sean Myers
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Art school Inner City Arts: Art studio shelves and tables are lit by an orange glow cast by a large skylight that has orange walls. — A dramatic skylight with bright orange walls casts an orange hue throughout the space
Photo: Sean Myers
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Art school Inner City Arts: — Photo: Sean Myers
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Art school Inner City Arts: Students sitting in a large circle play drums as a group inside a music studio at Inner-City Arts. — Students play drums as a group inside a music studio at Inner-City Arts, putting students in the present moment like the arts. Students slow down and really engage in the flow of their work.
Photo: Sean Myers
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Art school Inner City Arts: Students gather around a computer to review a project they created during class in the digital lab. — Students gather around a computer to review a project they created during class in the digital lab.
Photo: Sean Myers
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22

Nov 2016

Young People Protest U.S. Election in New York, Washington, Nationwide

Text by Karen Savage | Photos by Devin Khan NEW YORK — Chants of “not my president” and “love trumps hate” filled the air as thousands of young people stood shoulder to shoulder Wednesday night, filling […]

Protest: Young People Protest U.S. Election — Read the full story

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25

Jul 2016

Violence by Police, Against Police Risks Tearing Country Further Apart

Text by Daryl Khan | Photos by Karen Savage and Marco Poggio NEW YORK — Gavin Long was not among the peaceful crowds on July 10, the week before he savagely murdered three Baton Rouge […]

Police Violence: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA. July 8, 2016. Young activists at the Radical Arts and Healing Collective in New Orleans prepare a banner portraying Alton Sterling, an African American Baton Rouge resident killed by police officers on July 5, 2016. — NEW ORLEANS, July 8, 2016: Young activists at the Radical Arts and Healing Collective in New Orleans prepare a banner portraying Alton Sterling, an African American Baton Rouge resident killed by police officers on July 5, 2016.
Photo: Marco Poggio
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NEW ORLEANS, July 8, 2016: Hundreds of people gathered at Confederate General Robert E. Lee Circle to call for an end to police brutality in the wake of the killings of Eric Harris, Victor White, Alton Sterling and other individuals.
Photo: Marco Poggio
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BATON ROUGE, July 9, 2016: Young protester standing near Airline Highway in front of the police headquarters.
Photo: Marco Poggio
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BATON ROUGE, July 9, 2016: Young protesters in front of the Baton Rouge Police Department headquarters.
Photo: Marco Poggio
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BATON ROUGE, July 9, 2016: A protester confronts a sheriff’s deputy in riot gear during a standoff near Airline Highway. Protesters are calling for justice for Alton Sterling, who was killed by Baton Rouge police on July 5.
Photo: Marco Poggio
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BATON ROUGE, July 9, 2016: A moment of collective prayer during a protest against police brutality in Baton Rouge. Protesters took the street to denounce the killing of Baton Rouge resident Alton Sterling and other individuals across the country.
Photo: Marco Poggio
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BATON ROUGE, July 10, 2016: Heavily armed law enforcement agents press through peaceful protesters. About 185 people who took to the streets tprotesting the killing of Alton Sterling were arrested between July 8 and July 10.
Photo: Marco Poggio
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BATON ROUGE, July 11, 2016.: Graffiti on a building near the place where Alton Sterling was killed in the early hours of July 5, 2016.
Photo: Marco Poggio
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BATON ROUGE, July 10, 2016: Heavily armed police attempt to disperse the crowd at a protest. Protesters are calling for justice for Alton Sterling, who was killed by Baton Rouge police on July 5.
Photo: Karen Savage
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BATON ROUGE, July 10, 2016: Heavily armed police arrest a peaceful protester at a protest. Protesters are calling for justice for Alton Sterling, who was killed by Baton Rouge police on July 5.
Photo: Karen Savage
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BATON ROUGE, July 10, 2016: Police follow protesters through Baton Rouge’s Beauregard Town neighborhood. Protesters are calling for justice for Alton Sterling, who was killed by Baton Rouge police on July 5.
Photo: Karen Savage
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BATON ROUGE, July 10, 2016: A photographer with his hands up moves away from police during a protest. Protesters are calling for justice for Alton Sterling, who was killed by Baton Rouge police on July 5.
Photo: Karen Savage
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BATON ROUGE, July 10, 2016: Peaceful protesters holding signs and taking pictures in Baton Rouge. Protesters are calling for justice for Alton Sterling, who was killed by Baton Rouge police on July 5.
Photo: Karen Savage
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BATON ROUGE, July 9, 2016: A Baton Rouge police officer pointing a long gun at a JJIE reporter during a protest on Airline Highway on the night of July 9.
Photo: Karen Savage
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BATON ROUGE, July 9, 2016: A Baton Rouge police officer who pointed a gun at protesters and reporters was back on the street less than 24 hours later at a protest in the Beauregard Town neighborhood.
Photo: Karen Savage
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BATON ROUGE July 10, 2016: A woman cries as police carrying assault-style weapons move closer to the crowd at a protest. Protesters are calling for justice for Alton Sterling, who was killed by Baton Rouge police just after midnight on July 5.
Photo: Karen Savage
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BATON ROUGE, July 10, 2016: An arrested woman is loaded into a police van seen beyond the feet of reporter Karen Savage, who was arrested at a protest in Baton Rouge. Protesters are calling for justice for Alton Sterling, who was killed by Baton Rouge police just after midnight on July 5.
Photo: Karen Savage
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Jun 2015

Broken Promises, Broken Lives

Text by Daryl Khan | Photos by Robert Stolarik The mostly black electorate of Baltimore elected a white candidate to be the next mayor in 1999. My editor at The Boston Globe asked me to […]

Baltimore Protests 2015 April & May — APRIL 28, 2015-BALTIMORE MD-USA- Large number of protesters were out in the streets Tuesday night to protest the death of Freddie Gray, who was killed while in police custody one day after his funeral. Minutes after the police made an announcement for the 10 p.m. curfew police began firing tear gas canisters at members of the media and protesters.
Photo: Robert Stolarik for The New York Times
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24

Dec 2014

A Tale of Two Cities

Text by Daryl Khan | Photos by Robert Stolarik “Government must focus on the needs of families, must be the protector of neighborhoods and must guard the people from the enormous power of monied interests. […]

NYPD officers Ramos & Liu killed during protests over Eric Garner case verdict — Brooklyn, New York, Dec. 21, 2014: A wall referring to the shooting of Michael Brown on a doorway of a building along Myrtle Avenue, the route the killer took toy get the subway after shooting the two officers.
Photo: Robert Stolarik for The New York Times
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Sep 2014

‘Shell Shocked’ Documents Violence in New Orleans

Text by Ellen Kennerly | Photos by Kara Khan It’s easier to get a gun than a textbook in New Orleans, America’s murder capital. ‘Shell-Shocked’ — a movie filled with violence, death and schoolroom chaos […]