I hadn't been paying very close attention to the local election campaigns until a couple of weeks ago, when I had the opportunity to photograph Oakland Mayoral candidates for the cover  of the East Bay Express. The issue is on news stands now and the cover features front runners, Rebecca Kaplan, Joe Tuman, Jean Quan, and Don Perata.

I photographed city councilwoman and fellow Virgo, Rebecca Kaplan, at her 40th birthday party down in Jack London Square.  It was definitely an evening full of energy and optimism. 

The images of Joe Tuman were shot at his more intimate fund raising dinner at the Brown Sugar Kitchen in West Oakland.  Joe has major charisma and his campaign staff were super warm and friendly as well.  

Jean Quan and Don Perata were both photographed at the big mayoral debate held at the Kaiser Center near Lake Merritt.   And while his photo didn't run in the article, Lionel “Larry” Young Jr., certainly caught my attention at the debate, with his charming, charismatic, and enthusiastic disposition.