Riad Edwards Photography

06/21/2024

The Shine Event Part 2: More Photographs

I hope everyone had a peaceful and memorable yesterday! Let us continue to work towards future progress, social Justice and equal opportunity for all.

I’m still feeling the love from the Shine Event Liberation Coffee House in LA last Thursday. I can’t stress enough how grateful and how honored I am to have had the opportunity to be a part of this beautiful and necessary project. Thanks again Bryan! You are one incredible human being! 😊

The Shine Project Emerge from Domestic Violence
Portraits of Triumph over Domestic Violence in the LGBTQ+ Community
In collaboration with Los Angeles LGBT Center & College for Creative Studies Detroit

The Shine Project features a series of portraits showcasing triumph over domestic violence in the LGTBQ community. The photographs focus on showcasing the beauty of the soul that shines within all of us, rather than the darkness that the perpetrator used to dim that light with abuse. The images are powerful, strong and luminous. The stories of recovery, strength and love are inspiring.

http://www.bryanthompsondesign.com/the-shine-project?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0ZmYwMQxsvD2Cl4mOqdWWVXyMSWkwUyG3-CQ-lv5iLKzbkDnorfj9BP_0_aem_ZmFrZWR1bW15MTZieXRlcw

All proceeds from the sale of portraits benefit the LGBT Center Domestic Violence Assistance Programs

06/21/2024

The Shine Event Part 1: Video of Bryan’s Speech

I hope everyone had a peaceful and memorable yesterday! Let us continue to work towards future progress, social Justice and equal opportunity for all.

I’m still feeling the love from the Shine Event at Liberation Coffee House in LA last Thursday. I can’t stress enough how grateful and how honored I am to have had the opportunity to be a part of this beautiful and necessary project. Thanks again Bryan! You are one incredible human being! 😊

The Shine Project Emerge from Domestic Violence
Portraits of Triumph over Domestic Violence in the LGBTQ+ Community
In collaboration with Los Angeles LGBT Center & College for Creative Studies Detroit

The Shine Project features a series of portraits showcasing triumph over domestic violence in the LGTBQ community. The photographs focus on showcasing the beauty of the soul that shines within all of us, rather than the darkness that the perpetrator used to dim that light with abuse. The images are powerful, strong and luminous. The stories of recovery, strength and love are inspiring.

http://www.bryanthompsondesign.com/the-shine-project?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0ZmYwMQxsvD2Cl4mOqdWWVXyMSWkwUyG3-CQ-lv5iLKzbkDnorfj9BP_0_aem_ZmFrZWR1bW15MTZieXRlcw

All proceeds from the sale of portraits benefit the LGBT Center Domestic Violence Assistance Programs

06/14/2024

Today’s the big day!!!

The Shine Project
Portraits of Triumph over Domestic Violence in the LGBTQ+ Community
Thursday, June 13, 6:30 - 9:00PM
Liberation Coffee House
Los Angeles LGBT Center
6725 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90038

I am so incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of this pivotal and inspiring project.

file:///var/mobile/Library/SMS/Attachments/42/02/FACD42E6-C3C6-4AD0-B902-2C11A83EA175/rachel.heic

All proceeds from the sale of portraits benefit the LGBT Center Domestic Violence Assistance Programs.

05/18/2024

I am pleased to announce that the official event for The Shine Project is finally here, AND on a personal level, this will be the very first time having my work exhibited in a art gallery setting! I am truly honored to have had the opportunity to contribute to this pivotal and necessary project. Thank you Bryan Thompson for having the courage to share your personal experiences and trauma, and transform it into something beautiful. By bringing awareness to an issue that’s often overlooked, you also managed to create a space in which others felt safe to speak up and share their own experiences, so thank you. I also want to give a big thanks to Rachel for simply being YOU. You exude joy and your strength, charisma and perseverance are truly inspiring. Keep on shining. ✨

The Shine Project
Portraits of Triumph over Domestic Violence in the LGBTQ+ Community
Thursday, June 13, 6:30 - 9:00PM
Liberation Coffee House
6725 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90038

Proceeds from the sale of portraits benefit the LGBT Center Domestic Violence Assistance Programs

In collaboration with College for Creative Studies Detroit, The Shine Project Emerge from Domestic Violence features a series of portraits showcasing triumph over domestic violence in the LGTBQ community. The photographs focus on showcasing the beauty of the soul that shines within all of us, rather than the darkness that the perpetrator used to dim that light with abuse. The images are powerful, strong and luminous. The stories of recovery, strength and love are inspiring.

Model: Chakra Rae Yoga
Photography: Yours Truly
Makeup: Henry Felton

“I’m grateful for what I’ve been shown & through in this world because it’s so empowering when we take back the shame and turn it into light. We get to drench ourselves in it. We become magicians. Alchemists. We turn tin into gold.” — Rachel



Abuse of any kind is wrong, and we all deserve to be safe in every relationship we choose to have.

If you need help call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−7233 or TTY 1−800−787−3224

04/17/2024

Our Ho***rs are back! I spent a pretty big chunk of time editing this shot, and I have to say..., I'm pretty happy with how it turned out. If you'd like to see more of my favorite Wildlife & Landscape shots, I invite you to check out my gallery:

https://www.riadedwardsphotography.com/landscape-wildlife-photography

02/10/2022

It's been a hot minute since I last shared some of my portrait photography work. So today, I thought I'd throw it back to June 10th, 2021, when my good friends Kris and Woody joined in matrimony and said, "I do." Love you two!!! 😘

A Celebration of Love, Pride & Diversity “The love in our family flows strong and deep, leaving us memories to treasure and keep.”

12/10/2021

A Blissful, Afternoon Nap “Hold him a little longer, rock him a little more, read him another story, you’ve only read him four. Let him sleep on your shoulder, rejoice in his smile. He is only a little boy for such a little while.”

12/10/2021

The holiday season reminds us all of cherished annual traditions with family and friends alike. Before this year comes to an end, I wanted to share one very important tradition that the Craig family has included me in for the past four years.

Thank you Lindsey for recognizing the true value of a photograph, and thank you for continually seeing value in my work. I'm incredibly to be included in just one of your family's traditions.

A CRISP, AUTUMN AFTERNOON AT THE BAKER CABIN SITE “All families are different and unique, but they all have one thing in common - love.”

10/21/2021

Take me to the sea, where I can get back to me.

07/01/2021

I’m so proud of my friend Bryan! I am truly blessed to have been included in this beautiful project.

Last summer, Thompson went back to his favorite place in the world: Provincetown, Massachusetts. The visit was bittersweet, however.