Oakland is a city of contrasts—resilient yet vulnerable, fractured yet connected. Amidst its shifting landscape, faith leaders stand as both anchors and mirrors of their communities, reflecting the struggles, hopes, and transformations taking place around them. ‘People of Faith’ is a photographic exploration of these individuals, capturing them in the spaces where they serve.

Through environmental portraits, this series reveals the humanity of spiritual leadership—its burdens and its grace. Each image is a dialogue between subject and setting. From grand sanctuaries to modest storefront churches, from mosques to temples, each space holds stories of devotion, perseverance, and change.

These portraits invite viewers to consider the evolving nature of faith in an urban landscape marked by gentrification, inequality, and cultural flux. They also serve as a testament to the enduring power of belief—not just in the divine, but in the possibility of healing, justice, and collective renewal.

By centering those who guide others, ‘People of Faith’ aims to question what it means to be a spiritual leader today, and spark conversations about the intersections of faith, identity, and belonging in contemporary Oakland.