"..The people of Chinatown West have been extremely reluctant to have had their photograph taken. I have been told that this is out of fear that their soul will be stolen by the camera. I've been shooting nonetheless. I feel like I'm on the outside of a chain-link fence looking in."
For many, San Francisco Chinatown seems like a familiar place. It is by far one of the most visited communities in all of San Francisco, and as one may expect, tourism is its main economic thrust. For those who have visited this geographically small (yet heavily populated) community, recollections of their experience might include such things as: exciting parades, delicious restaurants full of indistinguishable chatter, beautiful architecture adorned with color, and magnificent street side shops (packed with merchandise that either radiate with elegance, or amaze and amuse).
Undeniably, these are all characteristics of Chinatown, however there remains so much more that is hardly seen or experienced. What is not often remembered is that not everyone within its boundaries are visitors. For many, Chinatown is home.