"There With Me" essay runs in The Skagit Valley Herald

This past summer, I was lucky enough to work for The Skagit Valley Herald as their photo intern.  In my free time between daily assignments and on weekends, I pursued a personal project on Latino gang culture.  The final essay, entitled "There With Me," just ran today in the Sunday edition.  The final product, I believe, serves a purpose in understanding the struggles of an individual trapped within a dangerous - yet "supportive" - lifestyle while fighting to escape for the greater good.

Raised in Juarez, Mexico, Ramon Luna came to the United States following the random murder of his brother. Blinded by rage and disconnected from his cultural roots, Luna turned to gang life in Skagit County, Washington state. After gaining a reputation on the street as a notorious fighter, Luna was accused of rape, burglary and kidnapping by a young woman who recognized him from a local party. In jail and awaiting the jury's verdict, Ramon was met by street minister Chris Hoke, a man Ramon had previously mocked. Through Chris's words and an out-of-the-blue admission by the accusing woman that she had lied, Ramon was set free by what he believes was forgiveness and the grace of a newfound God. Luna continues to live in Skagit County, this time with Chris Hoke at a new age ministry called Tierra Nueva, or "new ground." He has abandoned the gang lifestyle, despite the involvement of his current friends and family members. Ramon recently began to use his life experiences as leverage to reason others out of the gang life. 

Thanks to all my people at the SVH for bearing with me and this story on its path to publishing.  I appreciate it.  The essay in full resolution is available for viewing on www.jordanbstead.com.

Santarchy for The Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Josh Trujillo, a good buddy of mine (and the staff photographer at The Seattle Post-Intelligencer), makes me do weird things.  First, a tomato battle at a Seattle-local brewery a month or two back.  This time?  Santarchy.  Or, in Layman's terms, Santa + anarchy.  Sound fun?  Well it certainly was.  Something about hundreds of mock Santa outfits on a 14-hour pub crawl really ushers in the holiday cheer.

If you want to see the whole 49-image gallery on the P-I's website, go here.  Thanks for taking a peek into my wild weekend!

Welcome | Goodbye?...

As time surges forward, change is needed.  After showcasing my work as a blog on Flickr for many years, it is officially time for a change in the way my images are viewed.  Bigger is always better.  So: hello, Blogger.

If you wish to meander through old work, please visit: The Ol' Flickrstream.

Thank you for making your way here.  The internet is a big, scary place.  Stay a while and enjoy the view.

• Jordan Stead /// https://www.jordanstead.com/