CALIBER

Janika and Gabrielle (9 months)

Sometimes a picture is just a picture. And sometimes a picture is a glimpse into a life that makes us think about our own. And about our shared humanity.

I took this portrait this week at the Women’s Daytime Drop-in Center in Berkeley. I went there to learn more about this tiny nonprofit that, for several hours a day during the week, gives a home environment, breakfast and lunch, and social services to homeless and low-income women. Many of the women have children.

The feeling of welcome and sisterhood in this little house is almost overwhelming.

I never thought that I would become so attached to people and their stories because I took photos of them. Or that their stories and willingness to share with me would transform my ideas of who people really are, and what they can be.

There’s a lot more to this photo if you want to dig beneath the image. You can read more about WDDC and this mother and child here.

If you want get involved, send me an email. julie[at]calibersf.com