On the Streets: Unnoticed

This series captures the diverse human landscape of San Francisco, focusing on groups of people who are usually not noticed or are easy to pass by on the street. It has become so easy to mindlessly pass by people, especially service workers or homeless individuals on the street when you are so focused on the small bubble you live in and have technology to hide behind.  I chose these seven photographs because I wanted to show a variety of cultures, emotions and perspectives to reflect the beautiful diversity in this city. 

Three street sweepers walk down Grant Avenue near Chinatown in San Francisco. Jo (middle) is originally
from Mexico City and came to California many years ago to attend college in Santa Rosa. She loves the
city, her co-workers, and the many store owners she has met while working in this area.

A man plays the erhu, a Chinese two-stringed fiddle, on a street corner near the entrance of San Francisco’s Chinatown, the largest chinatown outside of Asia. The Clarion Music Center in Chinatown offers private music lessons for traditional Chinese instruments.

Rick, part of San Francisco’s homeless community, has been living on the streets in the city’s Financial District for a year. One of his biggest challenges has been trying to find affordable housing and although there are homeless shelters throughout the city, Rick explained that he feels much safer living on the street alone than staying in a shelter.

A fleeting moment of recognition during a busy day at Civic Center Station in downtown San Francisco.

Chris, a construction worker from Fremont, repairs the staircase at the front of a house in the Castro District. He used to own his own construction business but now spends his time painting and remodelling homes for another company.

Two men working in San Francisco’s Mission District, which is home to a large Latino community. Chris (right) grew up in this area and used to be heavily involved with local gangs while he was living in group homes. He now lives in Stockton but works in this area and visits regularly to see his family and friends.

Two men working in San Francisco’s Mission District, which is home to a large Latino community. Chris (right) grew up in this area and used to be heavily involved with local gangs while he was living in group homes. He now lives in Stockton but works in this area and visits regularly to see his family and friends.