Sleeping beauties

PHOTOS: FUNAKI

I decided for my last show of 2010 that I wanted to show some of my archive that I have done of people sleeping. I took alot of criticism for these images as people were not very fond of me sneaking up to people while they are asleep. The truth is its kind of hard to do a series on sleeping people while they are awake. I never once sneaked up on anyone either. I walked up to them as usual and if the light was good i took some photos. These were taken between 1999-2001 and ten again in 2007.

PST LIVE IN NYC

PHOTO: FUNAKI

The good homies from Colombia, Palenke Soultribe will be playing in July in New York City. They used my photo to circulate the flyer.

The Mayor of Skid Row

PHOTO: FUNAKI

The self proclaimed Mayor of Skid Row "Pepper" was over by my office the other day. The mayor runs the row with an Iron fist. Pepper is always interesting to talk and shoot. He has also been in magazines and art shows all over the world.

Chicano Batman

PHOTO: FUNAKI

I met a really great L.A. based band called Chicano Batman. I was assigned to photograph them for L.A. records 100th issue due out in a few weeks. I got a copy of their CD and its a great mixture of 70's Mexican, brazilian and doo wop. Easy to work with also!!

Taylor

PHOTOS: FUNAKI

I met up today with the homie Taylor to begin my 2011 portfolio. Taylor is my good friend Jason Corral's cousin. Jason was the original model that I started shooting almost 20 years ago and he has been in many of my shows. We decided to do some good 'ol fashion street shots in a new location. I also wanted to use alot of bold color in these.

California Cocktails

PHOTO: FUNAKI

The infamous night club in Lincoln Heights. On a typical friday night you would see the nastiest chicks going in there with these ranchero type guys. That place was a hub for sex, coke and all sorts of crazy things. The cops were constantly raiding the place finally shutting it down. The sign is what I liked the most because its all spelled wrong representing the type of establishment it was. It reminded me of a club in the valley that used to be called El Majestic

UNAmerican Girl

PHOTO: FUNAKI

Awhile back I went into a store at The Grove called American girl. It is an upscale doll store where you custom make your own dolls. They are nice don't get me wrong, but the don't have the appeal that a little kid can lug it around and actually play with it. It's more of a status symbol for a mom to take their kids and show off. I saw these dolls over in the Skid Row area and I liked these better. These are accessible and you can actually get them dirty, play with them and have fun. If it breaks which it probably will then you buy another because it was only $5.00. I called these dolls "Unamerican girl"

Fully Endorsed in the LBC

PHOTO: FUNAKI

The good homies BodegaMan and UniteUs wanted some shots for their upcoming collaboration Mixtape "Every dollar counts". The final shot was this one for them to endorse the studio.

La Lengua

PHOTO: FUNAKI

I was doing some mural photos when I ran into Cirila and Prisciliano drunk and probably high in the alley I was shooting in. Once I saw these characters you know I went straight to them to get some portraits. Cirila was trying to tell me how to take the picture and where it would look good. Basically she was trying to art direct the art director. When I told her to be quiet, listen to my instructions and stop acting like a big baby she stuck out her tongue at me like a big ol baby. I call this one "La Lengua" or "The Tongue"