I’ve known Suitcase Joe for a long time. Before he became a well-known photographer, he was just a guy in Richmond, juggling restaurant jobs and dreaming big. We both worked in the restaurant world, hustling through long shifts. He left Richmond for LA nearly twenty years ago, chasing something more.
In Los Angeles, Joe found his passion for photography. He wandered the streets, capturing raw moments that many overlook. The camera became a tool for him to slow down and really see people. His first book, Sidewalk Champions, gives viewers a glimpse of Skid Row, not through pity but with respect.
Recently, I visited his pop-up gallery in Oregon Hill and felt a surge of emotion. His photos told profound stories of struggle and resilience—images of street life that many would rather ignore. He captures real people, sharing moments of vulnerability mixed with joy, pain, and raw truth.
Joe’s journey through Skid Row was daunting at first. He recalls feeling intimidated as he ventured deeper into the area. But he persevered, gradually earning trust. “It took time to be accepted,” he shared. Now, he refers to his time spent there as “Skid Row University.” He learned about survival and authenticity, becoming more aware of his own preconceptions.
His work goes beyond mere documentation; it aims to foster understanding. Joe describes the people he meets as full of life—the good and the bad. “If you look beyond the surface, you can find real connections,” he said. Many people in Skid Row deal with deep issues like mental health struggles, but Joe highlights their humanity. He advocates for a shift in perspective—seeing them not as problems but as individuals with rich stories.
It’s intriguing to note that nearly 40% of the homeless population in Los Angeles suffers from mental illness. Yet the resources available often seem to trickle down without ever reaching those in need. Joe is frustrated by how little funds meant for homeless services actually get to people living on the streets.
As Joe continues to document life, he’s also providing a voice to those often ignored. His upcoming book, City and Soul, will merge portraits with stories, honoring the complexity of the lives he’s captured. And he’s working on a documentary that follows his experiences in various subcultures across LA, showing the world through his lens.
In a time when many feel disconnected, Joe’s journey reminds us of our shared human experience. “At the core, people want to be heard and loved,” he says. Despite the harsh realities, he believes in the potential for change.
It’s crucial to recognize and support creators like Joe who shine a light on overlooked communities. His work encourages empathy and understanding—qualities we all can strive for in our daily lives.
For more about Joe’s inspiring photography, visit his Instagram: @suitcase_joe.
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