Vancouver 2001…I was beginning the process of becoming a photojournalist. I was studying media and communications. I was making documentary films, editing sound, and shooting 35mm film SLR’s. I had just returned to Canada after 5 years abroad. A trip that took me through places like Syria, Lebanon, Sudan, East Timor, Indonesia, Romania…amongst others. I knew I wanted to tell stories. I knew I wanted to be a photojournalist.
During my student years in Vancouver, I met and to some degree, befriended a man living on the streets of Vancouver’s Downtown East Side, Johnny Fasciano. Johnny was addicted to heroin, crack cocaine, was HIV +, Hepatitis C+ and homeless. Johnny was trying to get off the streets and get clean. I think he knew the end was coming for him. Together we formed a working relationship. I documented his personal journey to overcome terrible life choices and simply find a place to live and die in peace. Over two years we worked to create a short documentary film title The Needs Of One. I created a lot of images during this time. I learned to work with difficult subject matter. I learned to be objective, impassive. Johnny taught me a lot about the role of media and the stories that we choose to tell. Below are some of my images from this time. All were created using a K1000 35mm Pentax and were shot on Fuji Colour Slide Film. These images always remind me of where I started, and for what reasons. I welcome any feedback you may be inclined to share. How did you get started?
