Paradise Pictures: Blog

Black Lives Matter What Would Jesus Do Irvine California June 13, 2020

(Paradise Pictures) — Tue, 16 Jun 2020 22:45:42 GMT

This has got to stop, yet it keeps on happening. Unarmed children of God are being gunned down by police in the streets of America. Let me ask, should we just be quiet and "pray" change really does come this time? Should we bow our heads and ask God for the strength to "forgive" again? And Again? And Again? Well, this weekend, in Atlanta this time, there was another Police Killing as Rayshard Brooks, who was completely cooperative with Police officers, who patted down and unarmed, who said, "It's my daughter's birthday tomorrow" and "I can walk to my sisters from here Officer" was gunned down like a stray dog. Let's be honest now. More than likely, any of us melanin challenged adults would have been given a warning and probably a ride to our sister's house. But our brown brothers? Hell no, Rayshard was shot in the back attempting to flee because he couldn't bare the thought of missing his daughter's birthday.

The good news; even the churches are getting vocal and rising up. Following are images from Saturday June 13, 2020 as various churches (COR and Saddleback Church to name 2) rallied hundreds of Orange County residents and church members to march for Black Lives Matter, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and an end to systemic racism and police brutality in America. The marchers were supported by members of the Irvine Police and Orange County Sheriff Officers who marched along side. There are many poignant images from that day but, in light of this being a church sponsored event, I have to go with that ultimiate question of Christian Conscience, "What Would Jesus Do?".

Bless, Eric

#BlackLivesMatter #BLM #resist #nojusticenopeace #justiceforgeorgefloyd #justiceforbreonnataylor #allinthistogether #protestorangecounty #ocprotests #naacp #ericjohnsonartist #paradisepicturesphotography #streetphotography #socalphotography #photojournalism #lifeisart #orangecountycalifornia #nearmeintheoc

Black Lives Matter Why We Kneel Mission Viejo Ca June 8 2020

(Paradise Pictures) — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 15:18:56 GMT

Wow! A lot has changed in the 2 weeks since George Floyd was murdered by Minneapolis police. There have been daily demonstrations across the country and around the world, 4 police officers have been arrested, a national dialogue has begun questioning the role of police and demanding major changes, and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has apologized to players for not supporting them and their right to protest. It's a start. Arrests need to be made in the Breonna Taylor case and Collin Kaepernick should receive his own apology from the league and job offers. Until there is action, words are just platitudes to assuage the guilt.

Following are images from Monday June 8, 2020 as more than 1,000 residents of South Orange County marched for Black Lives Matter, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and an end to systemic racism and police brutality in America. The marchers were supported by 100's of honking arms and neighbors along the parade route chanting and shouting.... and, of course, 2 detractors, just 2. There are many poignant images from that day but, in light of Goodell's apology, the one that stands out for me is "Why We Kneel".

Bless, Eric

Black Lives Matter Mama Rancho Mission Viejo California June 3 2020

(Paradise Pictures) — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 07:32:36 GMT

My Southern California Orange County Rancho Mission Viejo neighbors came together to march for Black Lives Matter, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and to end racism. There were a lot of families with kids making it a supportive and encouraging walk for justice.

Following are images from our small peaceful, vocal, supportive demonstration in Rancho Mission Viejo California June 3, 2020. There are many poignant images from that day but the one that jumps out at me is the one heard by mothers around the world; "Mama".

#resist #nojusticenopeace #justiceforgeorgefloyd #justiceforbreonnataylor #allinthistogether #protestorangecounty #ocprotests #naacp #ericjohnsonartist #paradisepicturesphotography #streetphotography #socalphotography #photojournalism #lifeisart #orangecountycalifornia #nearmeintheoc #BlackLivesMatter #BLM

Black Lives Matter How Many More Santa Ana California May 31 2020

(Paradise Pictures) — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 05:49:33 GMT

The recording and world wide viewing of George Floyd's last moments of life, killed by a ruthless stone hearted Minneapolis Minnesota Police Officer, and George's haunting last words, "I can't breathe" has thrown open the books and shown the world the horrible treatment of people of color in America. This was not an isolated incident. Racism did not disappear with the passing of the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1968, it just went into remission hibernating beneath the surface. Trump, however, has massaged that sickness into a festering boil which, with the Police murders of unarmed Americans George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, has burst. The whole world is now watching as fellow Americans are sharing countless stories of Police abuse and killings of countless unarmed people of color all across this country. Red, Blue, Liberal or Conservative; No state is without this unforgivable sin.

Following are images from the peaceful, vocal, enraged demonstration in Santa Ana California May 31, 2020. There are many poignant images from that day but the one that really jumps out at me is the one that asks; "How Many More?".

Black Lives Matter We Failed Them Irvine California May 31 2020

(Paradise Pictures) — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 05:28:18 GMT

Following are images from the small peaceful, vocal, enraged demonstration in Irvine California on May 31, 2020. There are many poignant images from that day but the one that really jumps out at me is the first one; "We Failed Them".

Front Porch Project Moody Family

(Paradise Pictures) — Wed, 27 May 2020 21:46:17 GMT

Front Porch Project 2020

A Big Shout OUT to the Moody family for supporting our local food bank (FAM) Family Assistance Ministries with their "Front Porch Project Covid_19 photo shoot". These are crazy times and we are all is this together, right? And hey, it was a lot of fun and we got some great stuff. I love the black and whites.

If anyone in Southern Orange County is interested in being a part of the trending Front Porch Project please contact me at 502-314-8278. The shoot is only $50 (you can donate more, of course) and all of it goes to FAM. Bless, Eric

#EricJohnsonArtistPhotographer #LifeIsArt #FrontPorchProject #ParadisePicturesPhotography #LaderaRanchPhotographer #RanchoMissionViejoPhotographer #SoCalPhotographer #PortraitPhotographer #OrangeCountyPhotographer #LifeStylePhotographer