The Eaton Fire this year really reminded me to be thankful. First that my mom, who lives in Pasadena, was fine and our family came through it pretty well. But then every day I photographed in burn zone and saw the incredible loss it reminded me to always be grateful for what I have.
Most the time when I photograph in Altadena it is in solitude since so few homes have been rebuilt. I have been lucky though to have had some incredible conversations with people this year. A lot of people just wanted to tell me how they felt, or what they witnessed, or what special item they lost. A lot of these conversations have been really powerful, especially when they talk about their resolve to rebuild. It is also so random how I have come in contact with some people, like I was guided to that spot.
I saw Jun Li Lujan being interviewed on TV last week about being the first resident to be back living in a home that was rebuilt. I figured out what street she lived on and went over to photograph the house. As luck would have, I caught her at home and was able to photograph her. Her house is in Hastings Ranch, in Pasadena. Jun is a dynamic human, and she took the loss like it was a challenge to rebuild. She is a contractor and home designer, and she had built the home that was lost. Her positive outlook was admirable. In May I talked with Rob Moreland for half an hour about his Eaton Fire experiences. I learned a lot about the progression of the fire and timeline from him. He was another person with a positive outlook as was John who I met in September. There were a lot of great neighborhoods with good people who were impacted in the Eaton Fire. A lot of people up there are still hurting.
I believe my Eaton Fire Portfolio was assigned to me. Too many times, I have been at the right place at the right time to get amazing images or meet people. Although this process has been hard on me, I am grateful the task was given to me, and I will continue to do my best to complete the mission.
One final thing, I am also still thankful for the photographic talent I was born with and for everyone who has helped developed me as a photographer since then.
CA DSC 9701 1-14-25 - Del Reay Avenue, Pasadena, California - probably less than ½ a mile from my mom’s home.
CA DSC 7092 10-31-25