A photographer born in San Jose, California, in 1981, relocated to Los Angeles around 2011 or 2012. There, they experienced a moment that left a strong impression: black smoke suddenly emerged from a street grate in downtown Los Angeles, creating an eerie and spontaneous scene. The photographer often reflects on how Los Angeles is not a single, uniform city but a collection of distinct environments, each with its own character. Despite the city's reputation for sunshine, they describe a pervasive noir—or dark, mysterious—atmosphere, particularly in the city's less visible, more complex areas. This intrigue with the city's shadowy side has become a central theme in their work, as they believe there's a transgressive pulse and a kind of intimacy that can be found if one looks closely enough. The photographer’s book, How About Never, captures both grand spectacles like fires and quiet, everyday moments. It spans the period from when they met their wife to the end of their marriage earlier this year. Their wife is a central figure in the book, though her face remains hidden until the final pages, where she appears in a vulnerable photograph taken in a hospital bed. The photographer chose not to include more flattering images of her, believing that vulnerability is essential for deep connection in relationships. The photographer began skateboarding at age 12 and became a professional at 16, maintaining that status for 25 years. They see parallels between skateboarding and photography, both requiring curiosity and a constant search for new perspectives. Skateboarding also taught them to react quickly and process information rapidly, skills that have shaped their photographic style. The photographer often describes wandering through Los Angeles like a dream, exploring the city as if it were their own subconscious, collecting images without knowing how they will be used. While some may see the book as bleak, the photographer insists it also contains a great deal of hope. The final image, showing a cat moving out of the frame to the right, symbolizes resilience and the will to keep going despite challenges. The book is published by MACK, and the photographer offers a piece of advice to aspiring artists: research and emulate the artists you admire, as this process can help your own creative voice emerge over time.