Downtown, Los Angeles - October 13, 2010

In the tradition of Gary Winogrand and Lee Friedlander, who photographed the streets of New York in the 1920s, and 1960s and 70s, respectively, I photograph the streets of Los Angeles. These street photographers inspire me to capture the beauty and texture of my city.

The people, whether at play or at work, intrigue me. Los Angeles is my home. It's my favorite city besides New York. Walking along its streets on a hot sunny October afternoon, I photographed its diverse population and activities. I saw people shopping, working, and lingering. They all contributed to the overall exhilaration and excitement.

With my Leica, I attempt to capture the essence, color, light and shadows of the streets of Los Angeles. I get to know people through my camera. I see their demeanor, emotionality, expectancy, and position in time. We are all aware of each other and our relation to one another. Some smiled at me. Others observed me as I observed them. It's all beautiful.

I am drawn to the mundane that is life. When I am photographing, my senses are stimulated. I feel alive.