Urban Renewal in Los Angeles, California, USA
Frank Gehry’s Walt Disney Concert Hall is at the forefront of an urban renewal in downtown Los Angeles.
Place you live: Downtown Los Angeles
Place your photo was taken: Walt Disney Concert Hall in Downtown LA
Can you sum up LA? 10 years ago, you would not dare to step out of your car in Downtown LA. It was a wasteland of failed urban planning, homelessness, drug use, and blight. Skid row was ground zero for this. But in the last few years, zoning law changes have led to an explosion of renovated loft buildings and new commercial development that feels much more like compact New York than sprawling LA. Now, it is one of the fastest growing neighborhoods in the city, with new restaurants, bars, fashion labels, artists, and businesses giving off a feeling of youth and energy that is palpable.
Occupation: Photographer
Preoccupation: People who I can stand to be around
What is a perfect day in LA? Short, fun shoot in the morning, dog park in the afternoon, beer and dinner with my wife.
If someone was visiting, what must they do? Eat at one of the thousands of food trucks
A perfect meal in LA? Umami Burger, an amazing Japanese influenced burger joint.
What is the best thing about your spot? The weather
What is the worst? The culture
A little known fact about where you live? LA is actually quite humid
Where is your favorite place in the world? Paris
Who are your three favorite photographers? Henri Cartier Bresson, Christopher Beyer, Jason Lee Parry