ISS LA Fire Relief: When Community Matters Most

Some projects go beyond buildings, beyond art, beyond design. They step into the world of human resilience. When ISS asked me to capture their Los Angeles Fire Relief initiative, I dropped everything to be part of it.

ISS and I go way back—our work together has taken us from New Zealand to London, and now back home in Los Angeles. But this project was different. It wasn’t about spaces or structures—it was about people, loss, and hope.

 
Charred structure remains from the Altadena fire documented for ISS LA Fire Relief
 

Stories from the Ashes

In Pasadena, we documented the aftermath of the Altadena fires—the devastation, the rebuilding, and the people determined to keep going. One story in particular stuck with me: Sophia, a young restaurant owner who lost everything. She grew up in Van Nuys, like I did, and her resilience spoke volumes about the strength of this community.

My team captured behind the scenes photography and filmed a brand video that showed ISS not just as a company, but as a partner in rebuilding lives. They wanted the world to see what they stand for, what they care about, and where they put their resources.

 
Video interview setup with participant at ISS LA Fire Relief.
Speaker addressing attendees during ISS LA Fire Relief

The Power of Film to Build Connection

Months later, I learned that the three-minute film we created went on to do something extraordinary. ISS had been trying to build a relationship with a foundation that supports the terminally ill. When they shared our video, it opened a door that otherwise would have taken months to unlock. That one video accelerated trust, sealed a partnership, and proved that storytelling really can change outcomes.

 

Why It Matters

This project reminded me why I do what I do. Spaces of Impact aren’t just campuses or art—they’re initiatives that change lives. And sometimes, three minutes of film can carry the weight of a whole community’s story.

Close-up of twisted steel beams from fire aftermath in Altadena

Capturing Candid Moments

Throughout our time in Omaha, I leaned into the Behind the Scenes style of photography I’ve been refining. These images—artists at work, quiet gestures, small human details—added layers of intimacy to the story. By the end of the week, we had more footage and photos than we ever expected. It was exhausting, exhilarating, and one of those rare projects where I knew in the moment: this is special.