Jan 102012
 
Proud and happy young african american girl in Oakland California

Last year I volunteered regularly at the Campfire after school program in West Oakland. The program gives affordable and enriching education and care to a great group of kids in a low income part of Oakland. They do a really good job with the kids. They help them with their homework (and see that it gets done!), feed the kids healthy snacks, play games (kickball, FTW) and give them a supportive and accountable environment. I was proud to be a part of what they were doing.

One of my duties included portrait photography of the students. Here are some of my favorite portraits of the students.

This first shot, this girl (or teen, or young woman) she was a spunky kid. Strong willed, smart and tough. I love to see her so fiercely happy here.

IMG 2829 1024x1024 Portraits of Children at the Campfire after school program

IMG 2872 1024x1024 Portraits of Children at the Campfire after school program

IMG 2871 1024x1024 Portraits of Children at the Campfire after school program

IMG 2870 1024x1024 Portraits of Children at the Campfire after school program

IMG 2861 1024x1024 Portraits of Children at the Campfire after school program

IMG 2857 1024x1024 Portraits of Children at the Campfire after school program

IMG 2837 1024x1024 Portraits of Children at the Campfire after school program

IMG 2835 1024x1024 Portraits of Children at the Campfire after school program

IMG 2834 1024x1024 Portraits of Children at the Campfire after school program

IMG 2833 1024x1024 Portraits of Children at the Campfire after school program

IMG 2873 1024x1024 Portraits of Children at the Campfire after school program

IMG 2827 1024x1024 Portraits of Children at the Campfire after school program

IMG 2825 1024x1024 Portraits of Children at the Campfire after school program

IMG 2824 1024x1024 Portraits of Children at the Campfire after school program

IMG 2819 1024x1024 Portraits of Children at the Campfire after school program

This last one is one of my favorites. I love how moody and unposed this is.

IMG 2862 1024x1024 Portraits of Children at the Campfire after school program

Mar 112011
 
environmental portrat of an African American boy, Oakland, CA

I like the simplicity and moodiness of this environmental portrait of an African American boy. There was also nice soft spring afternoon light. Taken in West Oakland, CA.

IMG 28621 Environmental portrait of African American Boy

Photo © Alex Schoenfeldt 2010. All rights reserved.
San Francisco Photographer

Apr 132010
 
Black and White Photo of Black Bride and Groom

I met Julia and Otto at a cafe near their house in Oakland. One of the reasons they picked me over other photographers they liked, I have photos of African American people on my website. The even said “You’d think black people don’t get married, looking at vendors websites.”

I think their wedding was at the Hiddenbrooke Golf Club in Vallejo.

I particularly like this photo because it is simultaneously formal, candid, and photo journalistic. I like to have a light touch during formals. Too loose, and people feel confused. Too tight, and you miss shots like this.

IMG 4788 BW 300x200 Black and white wedding photo of an African American Couple.

Black and White Photo of African American Bride and Groom

© Alex Schoenfeldt 2010. All Rights Reserved.
San Francisco Photographer