Commissions - Sidewalk Ghosts by Richard Radstone

Commissions

Commissions

Photographing people as they really are...

For over thirty-five years, I’ve collaborated with agencies, brands, organizations, individuals, studios, and thousands of people to capture truthful portraits and craft compelling stories. Photographs, interviews, text, recorded word, narratives, and content that support campaigns, community engagement, documentary, social, editorial, journalistic, and cultural assignments.

Send me anywhere. Ask me to photograph anyone or to document the context of their life, history, or environment. I know what to look for.

Inquiries
Production Office: 818-710-9742
Mobile: 818-424-9527
richard@sidewalkghosts.com

A few of the brands I’ve collaborated with

“If people could apply themselves to living intelligently, so that the larger problems have their roots in simple human needs? The whole world would evolve toward greater peace and happiness.”

Lindsay — Movie Goer

“My mom fell apart after the death of my father. I knew it was my time to do my part. All my hardships have made me who I am and have helped me to be a business owner and provider I am becoming.”

Dave — Son & Business Owner

“The three “P”s: Persistence, Promotion and Plugging. The banks have taken over everything. It’s kind of like a Ponzi scheme that will escalate into war; it’s going to be a different kind of war, like a cyber-war.”

Will — Apartment Tenant

“We need to think about our homeless seniors. It’s a sad thing how inflation and the cost of living has forced so many seniors out of their homes. We need to find a way to help them more!”

Sherry — IRS Accountant

“We were poor and every year my mom entered pies in the state fair baking competitions. That way we could afford to go to the fair because they waived the entry fee for anyone who enters events. So my mom baked.”

Matty — Pie Maker

“Sure we are going down, but somewhere it will renew. And with a little bit of brain effort, we can keep it positive. It’s getting too easy for kids,” She references Buddha, “Do not dwell in the past, do not live for the future, stay in the moment.”

Cassidy — Student

“Forgive, hope, love, live and be good to each other. We can choose, and I believe that if we can do that, it will be a better world.”

KK — Musician

“Too many individuals believe they are right and everybody else is wrong. And rather than each side listening to each side’s position or argument, they would rather blindly fight.”

Thomas — Father

“There will be no more gas, everything will run on electricity, like water and solar panels. Everything will be wireless. Tires won’t be rubber. We will be hovering over the ground, helping the environment and all that.”

Robert and Erik — Unknown Teens in 2011

“‘Our island has a saying, it's called ‘The Friendly Islands.’ And that’s the way I was born and raised; be respectful and take responsibility for what you do, no matter what size, color, shape or wherever others are from.’”

John — Stranger-Now-Friend

“I’d tell everybody to treat each other like you want to be treated. We are cut from the same cloth. It’s not about ethnicity. Even though the world sees it that way. But I don’t see it that way.”

Michael — Husband

“Are you in a routine for how you look at yourself, or are you in it for how you look at other people?” I search for any hidden meaning. I look both ways.

Diego — Unknown Man

“Now days a lot of people have more needs and wants. Too many put their wants before their needs. It is very hard to find out who they are, and it’s going to get worse.”

Sumal — Met On A Walk

“Sometimes I wonder if what we are actually doing is fruitful, or if we are just making more people money.”

Amy — At a July Celebration

“We need to get beyond all the civil bullshit… the terrorism… the ego I-am… and get into the collective I-am; to ascend beyond these lower realms in which we have been living.”

Autumn — Spiritualist

“When I was five I was shot because I am Jewish. I got hit by two bullets, one in the leg and the other in the abdomen. I lost fifty percent of my blood and almost died.”

Ben with Friend Taylor — Antisemitism Survivor

“I’d rather roam on a golf course than be stuck at a desk.”

Brent — Advertising Executive

“Life is too short to be an asshole.”

Casey — Neighbor

“Addiction is a sick and confusing love. When I was living in a tunnel, selling my body, and you’re telling me I would choose to do that. You think I would choose to do that? Honestly, I just want to live a sheltered life for some time. I’ve seen enough.”

Cat — Drug and Street Survivor

“My life is dedicated to giving people a second chance at a responsible life. From ex-convicts to recovering addicts to whatever, it does not matter; I want to help them.”

Cleve and Friend Manu — Mentor

“I did have an anger management problem, I paid the price, but all is in check now. Life is good, I’m re-married, happy, and have freedom of mind and time to do what I love doing.”

Daniel — Professional Gambler

“I’m tired of the little gestures. If we are going to change, we have to do more, get involved, and educate ourselves. It is amazing how little knowledge our current people know about the environmental impact of industry and population.”

Bronwyn — Environmental Economist

“We have to become proactive. I don’t want to see collective anarchy or people overreacting. Anarchy scares me, but if we do fall to it, I hope that once the dust settles, we will be in a better place.”

Rusty — Producer, Father, and Writer

“I became very active in community service over twenty years ago when a group of us started the first Northridge Community Council. We changed the way things were done.”

Don — Property Owner and Community Leader

“People have a lot of shame for following what they want, and most of our baggage is carried from our childhoods. I’d like to see a world where people actually learn things rather than having standards forced on them.”

Heather — Artist

“’Two men sit at a bar in Alaska, One says, ‘I don’t believe in God.’ I went to check my traps and got trapped in a storm. I got on my knees, ‘God are there, I’m gonna die if you don’t help me!’ The other man says, ‘you’re here today!’”

Joe — Mechanic

“No matter what type of tough terrain you have to drive through, you have to get there somehow, someway. I never let a situation like the cop, or anyone, profiling me stop me from ever-moving forward and putting one foot in front of the other. We all have to learn to do that.”

Latin, Caprice, and Daughter — Past Homeless Family

“The people have to turn back to God.”

Binu — Cricket Player

“I was very successful. Became very rich in five years. But due to the greed of others, I lost it. I even realized that my marriage was under false pretenses, so I gave what I had left to her and I’m much happier now.”

Jerry — Financial Advisor

“It’s OK to be bored every once in a while. With TV, Satellite, Social Media, iPads, iPhones, it’s easy to be entertained every minute of the day. But do we actually listen for new ideas, poems, business ideas, songs, or anything else?”

Dmitry — Entertainment Layer

“Live life intelligently, and acknowledge that mistakes are bound to happen. Take them as lessons and learn from them. Don’t beat yourself up in accepting that nothing and no one is perfect, even yourself.”

Michelle — Starbucks Customer

“It’s perfectly sane to go mad in order to understand.”

JJ — Alcoholic and Poet

“I have learned that from experience. I’m a worrier at heart. Something that was part of my life from the start, growing up with a dad who was very negative and worried about everything. But after time, I realized that is not a healthy way to live.”

Marlene — Widower and Single Mother

“How far I’ve gotten has been from meeting people who did not pre-judge me. Oh, you’re black! Or, anything like that. You know what I mean. I’ve found out that not everybody is bigoted and I try to be that kind of person.”

Jason — Entrepreneur

“The way the world is currently heading is dangerous. It is not about us knowing what is the best for those around us, it is about our ability to listen. To not live life based on what we do or want, instead of living a life based on what we can give.”

Jessica — Activist and Mother

“Hating yourself is the worst thing to do. If you respect and love yourself, you are doing the world a huge favor. If you don’t like yourself, what you do will not be genuine.”

Kat — Follow Your Heart Cashier

“Is the world a better place because I was in it?”

John — Adult Film Photographer

“If you are ten feet underground and want to go to the top of Mount Everest. Remember to take baby steps. Little miracles happen every day. Take the time to notice them”

Sharron and Ashley — Lifetime Friends

“Last year at this time my father died, he was my best friend.”

Kimberly — Daughter

“Save your money. Invest it on classic things and your education. Stay away from the trendy, it will only take it away from you and leave you with nothing to show.”

Monica — Student

“What if people start paying more attention? We can only make a little change by ourselves. But, at least for the immediate influence for those around us, that can make a difference.”

Levi — Stranger I Met at the Pacific Design Center

“Too many of my friends have fallen to hard drugs. I’ve seen it ruin their lives. I remember learning in high school, stay away from drugs. Being told Marijuana is a gateway drug. And now, seeing how it is affecting my friends, I fully understand.”

Justin — Hypnotherapist

“I have not done terrible things, just stupid things. I’ve had a hard life, scab labor, fifteen years in the gutter, ten years in jails/prisons, four years in a mental institution. All I can say now is, be good and do good.”

Mark - Human Being

“I see a lot of technology and it is going to be the key to the future. But, I don’t know if it is going to be in a good way, or in a bad way. I’m just concerned with the plan.”

Gabby — Mortgage Agent

“Too many people get victimized by general stereotypes that other people create, either politicians or ordinary people. It does not matter where it starts, we just have to treat each other better. People are getting killed.”

Nazanin — Stranger-now-Friend / Santa Monica Promenade

“I’m a country boy. Come to Hawaii. Enjoy it for what it is. And please keep progress responsible.”

Nathan — Sous Chef, Son, and Father

“‘We have to respect each other and need to learn to be a good judge of character. To not tiptoe through the tulips; but to watch out for the landmines and use common sense. Like my mom used to say, ‘Wear your sweater!’”

The Student of Paz (Peace) — Unnamed Man

There’s a place not too far from my house that brings nostalgic dining back to life: Henri’s Diner, home to Nicke, the friendliest waitress in the area and one of my first strangers-turned-friend.

Nicki — Herri’s Diner, September 2011

“I work a lot. We have grandkids. For me, maybe I’ll die in ten years. I dream about buying property in Mexico. Maybe save money for retirement. I want my kids to have something.”

Sam — Carpenter

“’My dad said you can do anything you want to do if you work hard enough. He was very strict and I always addressed him with ‘yes sir’ or ‘no sir.’ He was a workaholic. I did not understand it at the time, but now I do. He was teaching me.’”

Ramon — Once a Child, Just Like You and I

“What I know is this, “if we take the time to educate ourselves. Take the time to look at each other's background, we’ll find the answer we are looking for. Take personal responsibility for yourself, for your kids, and for the environment that you live around.”

Damian — Met At Bus Station

“How you look and what you do now will be less important. People will be more thinking about what you do for the whole world, not as much how important you are, but how important you are to everyone else.”

Yoadd — On The Future

“To be or not to be, just be. What makes you different, makes you beautiful. Keep living, stay breathing and by all means, don’t stop contradicting. That’s what makes you who you are. And that’s a good thing, my friends.”

Rafael — Boutique Manager

“‘Know what you can’t fix and know what you can. I wound up in a mental hospital, I wound up on drugs, and finally God said, ‘Are you finished? Are you done messing around? Just sit down. Take a breath. Accept it. Learn from it, and adjust. It's time for you to move on.’”

Denny — Retired LAUSD Teacher

“I was a pilot in world war two and transported survivors from the death march. They were very undernourished and ill. The first thing they did was eat. And, from eating too fast; most of them developed Elephantiasis. I remember to this day the way their legs looked.”

Walter — WW2 Pilot

It’s stupid to tell other people what to do. That’s all bullshit! Run your own race for yourself, not for everyone else. Everyone wants to get in everyone's business. It just turns into anger and other shit like that. If we ever think we have it all figured out we need to realize one thing, we don’t!”

John — Film Editor

Matthew talks of society as “It.” It means an energy, a magnetism of sorts. Like attracts like. If It is dark, It will find dark; if It is light, It will attract light. But whatever It is, It makes sense to Matthew. And that’s alright by me.

Matthew — The Master of Confusion

“Are you f*#*ing stupid!” he slammed at me. I look him in the eyes. I’m speechless, there is no way I can understand what you went through. He stepped back, “your, f*#ing* right! He smiles. “I used to be a terrible person, but as I get older, I have grown.”

The Colonel — Vietnam Veteran

They quote from Matthew, “Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Twan and Chris — Black Friday Shoppers

“We are optimists. People need to think more about each other, not like in politics, where the thinking is not always about the people.”

Eric and Ivona — A Christmas in Arizona

“In Sri Lanka I was an Investment Advisor, and I am now going to college studying marketing and business. One day I want to own a station like this one. I really like my job, I meet all kinds of people and enjoy talking to them all.”

Umesh — MBA Student

“I used to have no remorse for anybody. I’d do anything, anytime, and with no questions. They called me Suicide. I’m not that person anymore.”

Pappy — OG

I pass them on the sidewalk, introduce myself, and 15 minutes later I’m invited into a home busy with activity as family members watch TV, play with children,or simply relax. Welcomed by some of the warmest people I have ever met.

Artist Janet, and daughter Marie, Stylist

“In Missouri, I started as a minister, then I got into comedy. My comedy was clean and for families, but my heart is still in the ministry.” He breaks away from our conversation, “Excuse me for a second, I have to announce the mine tour.”

Rusty — Goldfield Ghost Town

“Trust in God, but teach your camel first. Meaning listen to yourself and be courageous enough to trust and to listen, but also keep a healthy balance of skepticism.”

John — Drum Circle Facilitator

“I’m engaged, have a baby on the way, and one day will be helping kids with my own children’s center. I’ve got a lot of life to share and the experience to help children make the right choices.”

Lawrence — Chatsworth Train Station

“Try to unite as best with everybody, we are all one and we are all unique. Look at what all the greed of the earth has created. Too many look at self-interest and not the benefits of the sharing process, and money is not happiness.”

Luigi — Stranger-now-Friend

“Right now I’m going to my grandson's school performance. I’ve got a great family, we have a lot of fun together.”

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“The secret to all is the ability to just listen and look. And I’m just beginning to learn how to look.”

Tom — Engineering Professor at Penn State

“It starts with the individual. We can be awesome if we all could find a way to do our part. But first we have to make ourselves whole, and from there we are able to help others out.”

Cesar — Scientologist

“‘I went to school in New York. I had a roommate who was carrying a dark conflict. He told me, ‘I was raised to hate black people. But since I met me you, I have no idea why I thought that way,’ I’ll never forget that conversation, it forever changed the way I look at people.’”

Keith — Studio Owner

“Our species is at a crossroads, and it depends on us as to which way we go. Do we continue the trend of living our life with fear, or do we look beyond that and see the world with love rather than fear?”

Michael — Angeleno

“The hardest part is each person trying to make a difference in getting everybody together. No one themselves thinks that they can change it. That’s the hardest part. Getting everybody on the same page.”

Erin — Met Her at a Jamba Juice

“I never finished high school, read authors like Tolstoy and Nietzsche, and other than being a bit Bi-polar, I lived in a pretty normal suburban neighborhood. My dad was a roofer and a reserve cop, and he taught me the importance of a good work ethic.”

Charles — Artist and Data Tech

“I hope that one day we can sit down and discuss all of our differences. That we can stop the killing. I’m tired of wasting money on bullets. We need to put it to good. Use it to feed the people. That’s where I like to see us heading.”

Dog — Husband and Father

“As a society we should steer more toward education. I believe if the world is an educated place, it’s a more positive, loving, and peaceful place. Then hopefully that would lead to everybody having better lives and we’d see less people in jail.”

Alex — Las Vegas Law Enforcement Officer

“So many talk about making big changes, but really, it’s the small changes that each one of us can do. Whether it’s turning off lights we’re not using, picking up the trash on the sidewalk, carpooling, or biking to work. We can actually make a difference.”

Jennifer — Aquarium Of The Pacific Docent

“About myself personally, or about what I’ve learned,” Maria asks. “I would just say Thank You! The words I lean to at this stage of my life. I think it is dangerous if we look just for happiness. Does that make sense?”

Maria — Chicana Gypsy

“There is definitely going to be a period of anarchy, especially within the United States. It will affect the entire world. Globalization will continue, and with the advancing of technology, the lines between races and different groups of people will begin to erase.”

Nicole — University Student

“As we grow older and face the stress and struggles in our daily lives. Try to make our own lives better, we stop thinking about the people around us. Sometimes even hurt others. There is so much on our planet we still have to learn about.”

D-Rock — Drummer and Chef

“You can cheat to be right, but that does not mean you are always doing the right thing.”

Fariborz — Martial Arts Master and Mentor

“Surround yourself with people who inspire you.”

Fire Dancers — Burbank, California, One Twenty Three AM

“The next generation of guys need to treat their women better. It’s not just the way they act, that Cholo thing; it’s the media too. They are messed up and trained to look at women as less than. What’s even sadder is the women are buying into it too.”

Taylor — Abuse Survivor

“My plugs were the width of soda cans. I’m working hard to find a good job and need to lose them. I’ve been getting them to recede. The last step is a surgical procedure that costs $500. I’m saving my money, I want to be a working musician and happily married.”

Aaron — Student, Musician and Neighbor

“I say hi to everyone, and it’s sad that so many of them do not acknowledge me.”

Hillel — Entrepreneur, Husband, and Father

“I’d like to see younger people in the government. We need more young people in power. And what I mean about power is young people able to make decisions. They have a fresher perspective and listen to the people. It does not matter if they are Democrat or Republican.”

Roberto — Street Entertainer

“Act today as if you are living in the future. Visualize yourself in the future as you see it. Then look back on yourself, and think about your actions. Maybe you’ll think differently.”

Chris — Canoga Park, 2012

“There are two kinds of problems; those you can do something about, and those you cannot do anything about. Face the consequences, don’t quibble, just do it, and never take anything at face value.”

Mark — Northridge, 2012

“I went to war and have seen a lot of poverty, hatred and strife. After being there I realized that we are blessed to have what we have.”

Steven — Veteran and Bike Builder

“Spend as much time with your kids as you can, it goes fast. Enjoy it while it lasts. Slow down and listen to them, not half listen, really listen.”

Lena — Home School Mom

“G_D put light in the tunnel, but it’s just concealed, and your actions can reveal that light. Because it is there that G_D put you to transform the darkness into good.”

Rabbi Mentz

“At times, I’m sad about the world. I don’t understand how people can be so mean to each other. We have to be careful or we’re gonna be in trouble.”

Amanda — Enterprise Management Trainee

“As soon as I finish my education, I intend to return to Cambodia, where I plan to help the poor and the sick, and more importantly, do all I can to stop sex trafficking.”

Karnnitha — Dental Student

“I know this from experience, you can be happy. There is a place you can go. You don’t have to be miserable. Every addict has an excuse. You can either dwell in the past or you can choose to make your day better. And God can make your life better.”

Meghan — A Loving Mother Battling Drug Addiction

“I was lucky enough to work as a social worker. I worked with all kinds of kids by day, and hard to reach groups by night. That, plus thirty years working in oil refinery with Arco helped me to travel and see things.”

Ramon — Chapter Two: Social Worker

“We all should become more conscious of the violence in the world, and the frustrations of the people towards the warnings around us. What is encouraging though, is that I am noticing that the values of the younger generation are more aware, for sure.”

Bruce — UK Entertainment Correspondent

I’m an optimist. When you see youth and the children of today, how can you not have hope for the future of the world? I think it’s going to continue to be a good place.”

Randy — Scoutmaster

“If we give more people opportunity to express themselves, we become more like individual beings vs. a cluster-fuck of people. I don’t know, maybe that might help us find ourselves and we might be better human beings in the future.”

Carolyna — Artist

Stories

What Would Jesus Do?

From the archives of Project 365 “…have fun, but don’t live recklessly, for yourself or others. Focus on doing good, because what if it is your time and you’re not living up to your potential or doing bad things. You don’t want to go out that way. You want to be remembered for what good

Read The Full Story »

“It’s Totally Rad”

From the archives of Project 365 …more than an emerging artisan; she was a community activist. It was a Saturday afternoon. Fifty-one days since my commitment to interview a stranger and publish a story for 365 consecutive days. Lucky that my family had been patient toward a project that was still in its infancy as

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“Know The Sins / Do The Opposite”

From the archives of Project 365 “Be nice to strangers, and do your part to make the world a better place.” From left to right: Shane, Saya, and Kevin Not far down the road from where I live is a yearly tradition. A family fun destination, that, as fast as it is set up, it

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“Are You Guys Communists?”

From the archives of Project 365 I’d asked for the fourth time, “Who is playing on the stereo?” He said, “If you ask me again, I’m going to punch you!” Sitting in the car engrossed in my entry, I had asked my friend Michaelbrent (he was driving) the same questing four times in ten minutes. Some

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©2026 RICHARD RADSTONE / SIDEWALK GHOSTS
No image or content may be copied, downloaded, or transferred without written permission.

(818) 710-9742

inquire@SidewalkGhosts.com

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Code of Conduct

Richard's Bio

Richard's CV

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Privacy Policy

Code of Conduct

©2025 RICHARD RADSTONE / SIDEWALK GHOSTS
No image or content may be copied, downloaded, or transferred without written permission.

Richard's Bio

Richard's CV

Privacy Policy

Code of Conduct

(818) 710-9742

inquire@SidewalkGhosts.com

©2026 RICHARD RADSTONE / SIDEWALK GHOSTS
No image or content may be copied, downloaded, or transferred without written permission.