Los Angeles-based street photographer Valerie J. Bower shoots with the knowledge of an insider, which shows in her ability to personalize her subjects and tell the broader story of the very proud subcultures and social communities she shoots. Bower’s photos emulate the visceral experience of walking down a South-Central LA street, capturing the city’s bouncing lights, unique characters, and the crazy scenes that unfold before your eyes.
From behind her Minolta x-700 film camera she shoots photos that host a dialogue about the importance of documentary images, the way they inform and enlighten people, the way they enhance memory, and all of the numerous emotions you experience from looking at them.
Amadeus Magazine recently premiered their new video documenting Valerie's experiences shooting at the Watts Life Car Club Picnic, a low profile car hop on Broadway in South Central, and riding the blue line from Long Beach to downtown Los Angeles.
All photography by Valerie J. Bower.