I’ve been photographing and documenting Skid Row now for over five years and my time there has completely transformed my life and personal perspective. In the beginning I set out to document the neighborhood for historical archives. Early on I was shocked to learn in a city of so many writers, photographers, and film makers, no one had documented the neighborhood on a long term basis and I decided to do just that. What I had not intended todo was fall in love with the community and the many wonderful and beautiful people who reside on its sidewalks and streets. The more time I spent in Skid Row the more time I wanted to spend there. The people are what continue to bring me back. Skid Row inadvertently taught me a lot about myself and gave me a better understanding of people who live inside the community as well as those who don’t. I remember a woman who approached me at random one afternoon while I was out shooting and she said to me, “If you spend enough time in Skid Row it will cut you open and reveal things to you about yourself. Sometimes it will be things you didn’t remember and don’t necessarily want to remember, but it can reopen wounds and let them heal properly if you’re ready. This place can peel back your layers like an onion. Years and years of layers that have been repressed. Some good and bad. It’s up to you what you want to do with it.” Then she was gone as quickly as she’d come, like so many of the people I meet in Skid Row. This book is a mere glimpse into the world I’ve been lucky enough to have been welcomed into over the last several years. Someday I intend to write a much bigger book about Skid Row and all that I’ve seen and learned but for now I present to you Sidewalk Champions. 120 photos selected from my archives of the last 5 years. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Suitcase Joe Foundation which directly aids the good people of Skid Row. You can preorder it now through Burn Barrel Press @burnbarrelpress A big thanks to everyone in Skid Row who have allowed me into their lives so I could share them with you. I’m forever indebted. #sidewalkchampions #burnbarellpres #skidrow #skidrowlosangeles #streetphotography #suitcasejoe https://www.instagram.com/p/CIbXDI-n67j/?igshid=1klbrhryv5s1l