Friends and Neighbors is an ongoing photographic series highlighting the people of San Francisco’s North Beach community (and beyond). This project pays tribute to the local shop owners, merchants, friends and everyday faces of this vibrant neighborhood who have made a lasting impact on our lives.
Yen.
I’d love to say this is another San Francisco-adjacent story that neatly fits into my portrait series, but this one takes us a little farther south—to Pacifica—where I spent an afternoon with some old LA friends.
This session feels especially meaningful. Yen was one of my very first Art Directors and, without exaggeration, one of the most influential people in my design career. In many ways, he helped shape the entire trajectory of my design career from that very first interview. So when I learned that he and the fam were preparing to leave California for Japan to begin a new chapter, I knew I wanted to capture a few moments before they turned the page.
As Yen and Tess wandered through the now-empty rooms of the home they lovingly built and filled with life over the past seven years, there was a palpable mix of emotions in the air. Excitement for what lies ahead. Gratitude for everything that came before. And a deep reverence for what this house represented—a vessel for memories, milestones, laughter, challenges, growth, and family.
Yen and I spent the afternoon talking about the future while reminiscing about the past. We talked about family, spirituality, the universe, and the winding paths that brought us both here. We reflected on our early days grinding away in a small studio, full of ambition and uncertainty, and marveled at the distance traveled since then. From those humble beginnings to this moment—his soft pullback and a new life abroad, my own journey still unfolding—it felt like one of those rare conversations that quietly marks the passage of time.
This session feels especially meaningful. Yen was one of my very first Art Directors and, without exaggeration, one of the most influential people in my design career. In many ways, he helped shape the entire trajectory of my design career from that very first interview. So when I learned that he and the fam were preparing to leave California for Japan to begin a new chapter, I knew I wanted to capture a few moments before they turned the page.
As Yen and Tess wandered through the now-empty rooms of the home they lovingly built and filled with life over the past seven years, there was a palpable mix of emotions in the air. Excitement for what lies ahead. Gratitude for everything that came before. And a deep reverence for what this house represented—a vessel for memories, milestones, laughter, challenges, growth, and family.
Yen and I spent the afternoon talking about the future while reminiscing about the past. We talked about family, spirituality, the universe, and the winding paths that brought us both here. We reflected on our early days grinding away in a small studio, full of ambition and uncertainty, and marveled at the distance traveled since then. From those humble beginnings to this moment—his soft pullback and a new life abroad, my own journey still unfolding—it felt like one of those rare conversations that quietly marks the passage of time.
Elias.
I spent an afternoon with my buddy Elias @ebikahi at his sandwich shop on Columbus Street. Drinking tea and meeting the patrons. He once had a spot on Lombard St. called @caffesapore but you’ll have to chat with him directly for that story.
Elias is one of the most optimistic humans I’ve come in contact with since moving to SF. We’ve had conversations that cover topics across all of life and he always reminds me about the NOW. Stop by and grab a sando, and maybe some life wisdom. If you’re lucky you’ll get on his private catering email where he’ll let you try out some of his new culinary ideas for his catering business. He’s one of those people who make you appreciate what you have and relinquish all arrogance. Don’t forget to ask about the Rally for Rangers - a worthwhile cause Elias keeps close to the heart.
Elias is one of the most optimistic humans I’ve come in contact with since moving to SF. We’ve had conversations that cover topics across all of life and he always reminds me about the NOW. Stop by and grab a sando, and maybe some life wisdom. If you’re lucky you’ll get on his private catering email where he’ll let you try out some of his new culinary ideas for his catering business. He’s one of those people who make you appreciate what you have and relinquish all arrogance. Don’t forget to ask about the Rally for Rangers - a worthwhile cause Elias keeps close to the heart.
Charlie.
Another optimistic soul that is the backbone of this community.
Charlie is a WSI lifeguard who has been at Joe DiMaggio pool for 17 years and often shifts to many pools in the city. We’ve even run into him at Camp Mather.
I remember the first time I met him was when Tracey started to swim on a more regular basis in the mornings before work and sometimes Lee would accompany her. I stopped by once and signed to Lee through the window to come outside so we could walk home. Charlie immediately ran out after making sure I “was the papa”. Don’t know how many people would have done the same to keep him safe and in general just have that kind of awareness for our community. True family atmosphere and vibes on every interaction
Charlie is a WSI lifeguard who has been at Joe DiMaggio pool for 17 years and often shifts to many pools in the city. We’ve even run into him at Camp Mather.
I remember the first time I met him was when Tracey started to swim on a more regular basis in the mornings before work and sometimes Lee would accompany her. I stopped by once and signed to Lee through the window to come outside so we could walk home. Charlie immediately ran out after making sure I “was the papa”. Don’t know how many people would have done the same to keep him safe and in general just have that kind of awareness for our community. True family atmosphere and vibes on every interaction
Joni.
I don’t know how old Joni is because you never ask such things but this is the absolute literal definition of doing amazing things at any age. Joni is another human I’ve met over the last few years that shares our love for water.
I spent an afternoon with Joni at the Dolphin Club, which was established in 1877. The club itself needs a retrospective and time to photograph the history and its surroundings. Joni has been going to the club to swim the frigid bay waters since the early 1980s. An almost daily activity that most people her age would consider a qualification for someone in their 20s. She swam the English Channel, many annual Escapes from Alcatraz and a slew of others. Her name used to hang among the greats at the club ( until it was too sun-faded and had to be moved) and her portrait still adorns the inside walls of the Frank Stan Room, where we caught some nice afternoon light. Oh if only these walls could talk.
Joni, like many others in the neighborhood, is multilayered and this day was just a snapshot of her beautiful personality. One day I’ll get in the water as well.
I spent an afternoon with Joni at the Dolphin Club, which was established in 1877. The club itself needs a retrospective and time to photograph the history and its surroundings. Joni has been going to the club to swim the frigid bay waters since the early 1980s. An almost daily activity that most people her age would consider a qualification for someone in their 20s. She swam the English Channel, many annual Escapes from Alcatraz and a slew of others. Her name used to hang among the greats at the club ( until it was too sun-faded and had to be moved) and her portrait still adorns the inside walls of the Frank Stan Room, where we caught some nice afternoon light. Oh if only these walls could talk.
Joni, like many others in the neighborhood, is multilayered and this day was just a snapshot of her beautiful personality. One day I’ll get in the water as well.
