Snoop Lion performs in Denver 4/19

I got into Denver at 10:30am Friday after leaving my house at well before 5 a.m. Seattle time to cover 4/20 weekend in the Mile-High City for Northwest Leaf. One crazy event I never thought I would get to shoot would be a smoker’s VIP party featuring none other than Snoop Lion. Making the event even more historic, the fact that Amendment 64 passed in Colorado, legalizing recreational use of marijuana. Washington state and Colorado are the first states to do so.

After a bit of back and forth to get the credentials squared away, I was lead into the beautiful Fillmore Auditorium. Soon, hundreds of medical Cannabis patients and recreational enthusiasts from across the country streamed in, having paid hundreds for access to the concert and film screening. They settled in and took a seat to watch Snoop’s new documentary, Reincarnated. The film explores Jamaica, rasta and Snoop’s work to make an authentic reggae album, and was pretty entertaining, from the glimpses I caught during the evening. Many of the attendees were smoking pot, passing joints and blunts from row to row. Sharing is caring.

Snoop Lion performs at The Fillmore Auditorium Friday April 19 in Denver to kick off 4/20 weekend celebrations at the High Times Medical Cannabis Cup. High Times gave Snoop Lion a lifetime achievement award during the raucous, smoke-filled evening.

Snoop Lion performs at The Fillmore Auditorium Friday April 19 in Denver to kick off 4/20 weekend celebrations at the High Times Medical Cannabis Cup. High Times gave Snoop Lion a lifetime achievement award during the raucous, smoke-filled evening.

Bryan Stoutenberg and Caiti Beckwith of Ann Arbor, MI smoke up before Snoop Lion performs at The Fillmore Auditorium Friday April 19 in Denver to kick off 4/20 weekend celebrations at the High Times Medical Cannabis Cup. High Times gave Snoop Lion a lifetime achievement award during the raucous, smoke-filled evening.

Snoop Lion performs at The Fillmore Auditorium Friday April 19 in Denver to kick off 4/20 weekend celebrations at the High Times Medical Cannabis Cup. High Times gave Snoop Lion a lifetime achievement award during the raucous, smoke-filled evening.

Snoop Lion performs at The Fillmore Auditorium Friday April 19 in Denver to kick off 4/20 weekend celebrations at the High Times Medical Cannabis Cup. High Times gave Snoop Lion a lifetime achievement award during the raucous, smoke-filled evening.

Snoop Lion performs at The Fillmore Auditorium Friday April 19 in Denver to kick off 4/20 weekend celebrations at the High Times Medical Cannabis Cup. High Times gave Snoop Lion a lifetime achievement award during the raucous, smoke-filled evening. “Your state legislators deserve a street named after them for legalizing marijuana,” Snoop told the crowd.

Snoop Lion performs at The Fillmore Auditorium Friday April 19 in Denver to kick off 4/20 weekend celebrations at the High Times Medical Cannabis Cup. High Times gave Snoop Lion a lifetime achievement award during the raucous, smoke-filled evening. “Your state legislators deserve a street named after them for legalizing marijuana,” Snoop told the crowd.

High Times gave Snoop Lion a lifetime achievement award during the raucous, smoke-filled evening, and he wasted little time smoking from his trophy.

With two blunts in-hand, Snoop Lion picks up a Cannabis-infused brownie thrown onto the stage. “How you about to throw something up here with a bite out of it?” he joked.

Bags of Cannabis, joints and blunts are seen after being thrown on stage as Snoop Lion performs at The Fillmore Auditorium Friday April 19 in Denver to kick off 4/20 weekend celebrations at the High Times Medical Cannabis Cup. High Times gave Snoop Lion a lifetime achievement award during the raucous, smoke-filled evening.

Smoke fills The Fillmore Auditorium as Snoop Lion performs Friday April 19 in Denver to kick off 4/20 weekend celebrations at the High Times Medical Cannabis Cup. High Times gave Snoop Lion a lifetime achievement award during the raucous, smoke-filled evening.

Balloons are dropped from the ceiling as the clock strikes midnight and 4/20 was officially welcomed.

Balloons are dropped from the ceiling as the clock strikes midnight and 4/20 was officially welcomed.

Snoop Lion threw pre-rolled blunts into the crowd.

Ricky Powell from Omaha, Neb. watches as Snoop Lion performs at The Fillmore Auditorium Friday April 19 in Denver to kick off 4/20 weekend. “I feel like I’m a part of history right now,” Powell said.

As the clock struck midnight and 4/19 became 4/20 (the much-vaunted marijuana smoker’s holiday), a new year’s eve worthynumber of balloons fell from the ceiling and the party raged on. Today’s 50k+ strong celebrations in the shadow of the Colorado state Capitol should be even more interesting to cover.

Daniel

APAD Front 4/15/13 — Seattle editorial photographer

APhotoADay.org is an amazing community of photographers from all backgrounds who share their daily photographs. It’s a chance to get feedback on new work and projects, or to compare notes on topics like freelancing. Every day, one of the thousands of pictures shared on the discussion list previously is displayed on the front page of the website. And today, one of my favorite pictures from BunnyCon was featured, and that just kind of makes my day. Don’t forget to browse the archives, it’s full of stunning work.

Thanks for looking,

Daniel

BunnyCon Seattle 2013 photos | Seattle editorial photographer

We are blessed, here in the Northwest, to have an abundance of events that unite everyday people around something silly. On Saturday March 30 in Seattle, dozens dressed like bunnies for BunnyCon Seattle 2013 and went on a pub crawl around downtown. They started off their journey in Pioneer Square, wandered over to Fado Irish Pub, (literally) hopped next door to Contour, then surprised people visiting Pike Place Market, drank in the sun on the roof of the Hard Rock Café, flash mobbed the anime convention Sakura-Con happening nearby at the Washington State Convention Center and ended the night with drinks back at the Alibi Room. I followed along on their furry journey on the nicest day yet of spring, and it was an absolute blast. I don’t think I have heard quite so many dirty rabbit jokes, which I will leave to your imagination.

Nora Robertson embraces her boyfriend, Rusty McClellan, at Fado Irish Pub, as dozens dressed like bunnies for a cross-town pub crawl during Bunnycon 2013 in Seattle Saturday March 30, 2013. Daniel Berman 2013

Sam Trout gets his face painted at Fado Irish Pub as dozens dressed like bunnies for a cross-town pub crawl during Bunnycon 2013 in Seattle Saturday March 30, 2013. Daniel Berman 2013

Dozens dressed like bunnies for a cross-town pub crawl during Bunnycon 2013 in Seattle Saturday March 30, 2013. Daniel Berman 2013

Dozens dressed like bunnies for a cross-town pub crawl during Bunnycon 2013 in Seattle Saturday March 30, 2013. Daniel Berman 2013

Dozens dressed like bunnies for a cross-town pub crawl during Bunnycon 2013 in Seattle Saturday March 30, 2013, which included a stop at Contour on 1st Avenue.

Dozens dressed like bunnies for a cross-town pub crawl during Bunnycon 2013 in Seattle Saturday March 30, 2013, which included a stop at Contour on 1st Avenue.

Dozens dressed like bunnies for a cross-town pub crawl during Bunnycon 2013 in Seattle Saturday March 30, 2013, which included a stop at Harbor Steps for a group photo.

Dozens dressed like bunnies for a cross-town pub crawl during Bunnycon 2013 in Seattle Saturday March 30, 2013.

Dozens dressed like bunnies for a cross-town pub crawl during Bunnycon 2013 in Seattle Saturday March 30, 2013.

It’s time for the dozens dressed like bunnies to continue on their cross-town pub crawl during Bunnycon 2013 in Seattle Saturday March 30, 2013.

Dozens dressed like bunnies for a cross-town pub crawl during Bunnycon 2013 in Seattle Saturday March 30, 2013.

Dozens dressed like bunnies for a cross-town pub crawl during Bunnycon 2013 in Seattle Saturday March 30, 2013.

Dozens dressed like bunnies for a cross-town pub crawl during Bunnycon 2013 in Seattle Saturday March 30, 2013.

Not all were in on the joke as dozens dressed like bunnies for a cross-town pub crawl during Bunnycon 2013 in Seattle Saturday March 30, 2013.

Dozens dressed like bunnies for a cross-town pub crawl during Bunnycon 2013 in Seattle Saturday March 30, 2013.

Regular patrons at the Hard Rock Café mixed with those dressed like bunnies for a cross-town pub crawl during Bunnycon 2013 in Seattle Saturday March 30, 2013. Daniel Berman 2013

Dozens dressed like bunnies for a cross-town pub crawl during Bunnycon 2013 in Seattle Saturday March 30, 2013. Some parted ways to flash mob at Sakura-Con at the Washington State Convention Center.

Dozens dressed like bunnies for a cross-town pub crawl during Bunnycon 2013 in Seattle Saturday March 30, 2013. Some parted ways to flash mob at Sakura-Con at the Washington State Convention Center.

Dozens dressed like bunnies for a cross-town pub crawl during Bunnycon 2013 in Seattle Saturday March 30, 2013. Some parted ways to flash mob at SakuraCon at the Washington State Convention Center.

A pair of bunny ears was stuck to the infamous Pike Place Market Gum Wall, as dozens dressed like bunnies for a cross-town pub crawl during Bunnycon 2013 in Seattle Saturday March 30, 2013. Daniel Berman 2013

Thanks for looking,

Daniel

Guns Across America Rally at Washington state Capitol in Olympia | Gun owner portraits | Seattle editorial photographer

I had no idea what to expect when I made the long, early morning drive to Olympia on Saturday for the Guns Across America rally. I knew this is would be an important event to document given current events and the incredible fervor surrounding gun rights in this country.

I decided to focus on making portraits in front of a portable studio setup of some of the 1,500 people to attend the event. About half of the people I asked to photograph were interested and allowed me to do so, the rest rebuffed me, mostly citing their privacy and concerns of how the images might be used. I understood. That is all part of the environment these gun owners live in, and I respected their wishes and moved on. Still, I enjoyed the opportunity to meet and chat with passionate people involved in something they care about and believe deeply in.

A gun supporter raises their gun through the passenger window while heading down Capitol Way as approximately 1,500 gun owners and enthusiasts attended the Guns Across America rally at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013. The organization held events at capitol buildings in many states to show support for the 2nd Amendment and opposition to new gun control measures. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

Former NFL player Clint Didier addresses some of the 1,500 gun owners and enthusiasts attending the Guns Across America rally at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013. Didier told the crowd they should bury food, resources, ham radios and everything you will need to survive independently in an uncertain future. “This president is not my president,” he said. The organization held events at capitol buildings in many states to show support for the 2nd Amendment and opposition to new gun control measures. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

About 1,500 gun owners and supporters attended the Guns Across America rally at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013. The organization held events at capitol buildings in many states to show support for the 2nd Amendment and opposition to new gun control measures. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

Joining a boisterous crowd, Jonathan Swezey, Angela Wilcox, Olivia Perry, 10, Sydney Perry, 13, Abigale Haynie, 13, and Ellie May Haynie, 10, cheer on honking cars driving on Capitol Way past the Guns Across America rally at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013. About 1,500 people attended the event, to show support for the 2nd Amendment and opposition to new gun control measures. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

About 1,500 gun owners and supporters attended the Guns Across America rally at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013. The organization held events at capitol buildings in many states to show support for the 2nd Amendment and opposition to new gun control measures. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

Kris Roadruck, of Olympia, sits with his AR-15 and stepbrother Kris Reeves, of Seattle, near the end of the Guns Across America rally at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013. “This is a bigger crowd than I expected, but I’ve spent time in the military so I’m used to being around this many guns,” Roadruck said. “I think showing up says it all.” Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

“I just think that the 1st and 2nd Amendments are equally important,” said Matt Richardson, of Sumner. The Navy professor of philosophy and ethics was one of about 1,500 people to attend the Guns Across America rally at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013. “I hope we change the laws as they affect mental illness,” Richardson said. “But 99.9% of Americans who own guns do so legally and they should be left alone.” Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

“I’m here because this was a chance for the people, the law-abiding citizens who don’t have much of a voice, to have their voice heard,” said Seth Guyer, 23, one of about 1,500 people to attend the Guns Across America rally at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013. The organization held events at capitol buildings in many states to show support for the 2nd Amendment and opposition to new gun control measures. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

Carrie Mann and her husband, Craig, of Belfair, were two of about 1,500 gun owners and supporters to attend the Guns Across America rally at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013. Carrie brought her 380 Millenium Taurus .380 ACP Pistol, and Craig brought his .357 S&W Magnum. “We just support open carry laws and want to support the rights of this state’s constitution and our country’s constitution,” said Craig, a member of the Washington state Constitutional Party. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

Craig Mann, of Belfair, was one of about 1,500 gun owners and supporters to attend the Guns Across America rally at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013. Craig brought his .357 S&W Magnum. “D.C. is handing down something that doesn’t agree with Washington, and we want to apply pressure to the state of Washington to preserve state’s rights,” said Mann, a member of the Washington state Constitutional Party. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

“They say no one needs an AR-15, but I needed one to protect myself from overly aggressive poachers on a camping trip last year,” said Darcy Rohde, of Federal Way, who holstered her boyfriend’s handgun during the rally. “Our government is making hasty decisions and we should not be spending money we don’t have.” Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

“I just want people to know that our gun rights are important,” said Kirk Parker, of Tacoma, during the Guns Across America rally that brought about 1,500 people to the Washington State Capitol in Olympia Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013. “I liked what our state Constitution had to say on the matter,” he said, of the sign he brought. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

“I was in Vietnam,” said Rudy Pries, of Mossy Rock, “and I watched what happens when people lose their guns; whenever people lost what they had to fight with they lost their freedom.” Pries brought along his 1100 12-guage shotgun to the Guns Across America rally, which drew about 1,500 people to the Washington State Capitol in Olympia Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013. “Sometimes you feel like your alone in the world,” Pries said. “Then you come to something like this and it does you right.” Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

“The 2nd Amendment is why I am here,” said Marc Hokoana, 25, who brought his AR-15 to the Guns Across America rally that drew about 1,500 people to the Washington State Capitol in Olympia Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013. “It’s important to have this exposure and for the public to see people with guns that don’t fit the stereotype of old white racists who own guns,” he said. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

“There are a lot of politicians who don’t know handguns,” said Lily Hokoana, 25, carrying a Glock 26 9mm pistol, as approximately 1,500 gun owners and supporters attended the Guns Across America rally at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013. The organization held events at capitol buildings in many states to show support for the 2nd Amendment and opposition to new gun control measures. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

“We just wanted to stand in solidarity with people who share our same belief system regarding the 2nd Amendment,” said Cathleen Lombard, of Puyallup, while holding the .357 S&W Magnum she received as a 50th birthday gift from her husband, David, three years ago. The Lombards were two of about 1,500 gun owners and supporters to attend the Guns Across America rally at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

“I own guns for my enjoyment, for my protection and for the protection of our liberty,” said Gary Ehrheart, of Anacortes, wearing a constitution shirt he paid $2.99 for at a local Value Village thrift store recently. The Guns Across America rally drew about 1,500 people to the Washington State Capitol in Olympia Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

Gary Ehrheart, of Anacortes, speaks with his daughter Ellamina, 4, while attending the Guns Across America rally that drew about 1,500 people to the Washington State Capitol in Olympia Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013. “I own guns for my enjoyment, for my protection and for the protection of our liberty,” Ehrheart said while wearing a constitution shirt he paid $2.99 for at a local Value Village thrift store recently. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

“They are going to try and take these things away, but they prevent evil on a scale that people cannot even comprehend,” said Jesse Maxwell, of Yakima, who works for the gun supply store, Tactical Supply. In his backpack, Maxwell brought along a .416 Barrett, a 30-pound rifle that can propel bullets up to 3,050 feet per second, according to the manufacturer’s website. The Guns Across America rally drew about 1,500 people to the Washington State Capitol in Olympia Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

“My friends and I walked into the Capitol today with our signs and our AR-15s and someone told us we can’t have protest signs inside,” remarked Tim Carson, of Spokane. “I told her, ‘Umm, we have semi-automatics on us.’ That’s liberalism for you.” Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

The photos are available for license.

Thanks for looking,

Daniel

Washington legalizes marijuana photos — Seattle Dec. 6

Just after midnight, Washington legalized possession of up to an ounce of marijuana for recreational use for those over 21 under Initiative 502, which took effect Thursday, Dec. 6. 2012. A public celebration hailed as Legalization Day in Washington State attracted about a hundred people to toke up at Seattle Center’s International Fountain Thursday evening, after a similar event at 12:01 a.m. near the Space Needle. Public smoking is still against the law, and marijuana remains counter to federal law. Colorado passed a similar measure.

All photos available for licensing at http://seattlephotographer.photoshelter.com/gallery/Washington-legalizes-marijuana-photos/G0000..eNFpzfHOc/C0000fzMTw_NAP.c

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Legalization Day in Washington State photos:

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12:01 AM celebration

Click to view

Tulalip Tribe member Dennis Boon

I had a recent assignment for Northwest Leaf to photograph Tulalip Tribe member Dennis Boon, who uses medical marijuana to control his seizures. The seizures were debilitating, and used to leave him out of commission and unable to attend school or work. The only thing that helps this condition, Dennis said, is medical marijuana, and he hasn’t had a seizure in years. But his Tribe does not recognize legal medicinal marijuana, even though the state does. Last year, local authorities acting on a tip that a felon was living at his home, confiscated his authorization to have cannabis and took his collection of pipes. He’s still fighting the possession and paraphernalia charges, he said. In the mean time, he said he knows that this is the only thing that works and he will continue to use it — whether the Tribe recognizes his state status remains unclear. Check out this compelling story by Ray Flores.

Thanks for looking,

Daniel

Cannabis attorney Hilary Bricken

I had an assignment for Northwest Leaf last month to photograph Cannabis attorney Hilary Bricken. Hilary has been tenaciously representing businesses embarking down this legal gray area, and her track record proves it. The shoot was to accompanying a piece in the magazine on “best practices” for those in the medical marijuana field, and what the reality of city enforcement looks like out there.

Thanks for looking,

Daniel

City redevelopment for Cityvision Magazine | Seattle editorial photographer

Auburn, Wash. has worked to revitalize its downtown through a program called Storefronts, where local artists’ work is displayed in unoccupied commercial retail spaces, such as the creations of Julia Haack. L-R, Storefronts director Matthew Richter, artist Julia Haack and Auburn Mayor Pete Lewis stand outside a space at 1st and Main Street across from City Hall Tuesday, July 2nd. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

Auburn, Wash. has worked to revitalize its downtown through a program called Storefronts, where local artists’ work is displayed in unoccupied commercial retail spaces, such as the creations of Julia Haack. L-R, Auburn Mayor Pete Lewis, Storefronts director Matthew RIchter, and artist Julia Haack, stand outside a space at 1st and Main Street across from City Hall Tuesday, July 2nd. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

Auburn, Wash. has worked to revitalize its downtown through a program called Storefronts, where local artists’ work is displayed in unoccupied commercial retail spaces, such as the creations of Julia Haack. L-R, Storefronts director Matthew Richter, artist Julia Haack and Auburn Mayor Pete Lewis stand outside a space at 1st and Main Street across from City Hall Tuesday, July 2nd. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

Had an assignment last month to photograph two stories on city redevelopment projects for Cityvision Magazine. The first shoot was a last-minute one on Auburn, Washington’s efforts to redevelop unused commercial spaces into art galleries. A sweet idea, especially when you have art like Julia Haack’s to fill the rooms. They looked great from the street, too. Wish we could have had more sunshine to really make the art pop but alas, it was a gusty overcast day. You can tell the wind is blowing if you look at her hair, but all things considered, I was happy with the way the shoot went down. And we did it in under the time allotted which is always great!

I was very pleased with tearsheets that came from these shoots! This was one of my first full-page magazine portraits, so that’s pretty special. The second shoot was way north in Mount Vernon, Wash., to photograph Mayor Jill Boudreau and Public Works Director Esco Bell. The city is redeveloping the promenade into a cool multiuse commercial space and making the waterfront a more attractive place for the community to hang out. I liked the view of the bridge and Skagit River — not everyday you get to have those in an environmental portrait.

Mt. Vernon, Wash. Public Works Director Esco Bell and Mayor Jill Boudreau have been essential to a flood protection plan that transform a parking lot running along the Skagit River into a pedestrian promenade maintaining safety and allowing for expanded business redevelopment in the area. Officials have completed the first of three phases scheduled to be completed by late 2013. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.comMt. Vernon, Wash. Public Works Director Esco Bell and Mayor Jill Boudreau have been essential to a flood protection plan that transform a parking lot running along the Skagit River into a pedestrian promenade maintaining safety and allowing for expanded business redevelopment in the area. Officials have completed the first of three phases scheduled to be completed by late 2013. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

Thanks for looking,

Daniel

Seattle Tattoo Expo 2012 photos | Seattle editorial photographer

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Today I went down to the Seattle Tattoo Expo at Seattle Center with the hopes of setting up a mini studio — somewhere. You see, I didn’t have a backdrop at my disposal, and I didn’t think they would let me in with one anyway — so I set out to make somewhere work. As I wandered, it became clear that the indoors areas of the festival would be packed. That’s of course where hundreds of artists and subjects were tattooing and getting tattooed. Outside wasn’t much better; a metal sliding door that seemed promising was occupied by a vendor. Then I saw the backside of some vendor tents and I thought, that just might work. A single strobe popped at high enough power blew out the wrinkles on the tent enough to make a suitable backdrop, and the beauty dish boomed out overhead did the rest. It was a hot day, but I’m pleased by the frames I made in this improvised situation.

Charliegrll, from Seattle, poses for a portrait at the Seattle Tattoo Expo Saturday August 11, 2012 at Seattle Center. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

Charliegrll, from Seattle, poses for a portrait at the Seattle Tattoo Expo Saturday August 11, 2012 at Seattle Center. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

Shane Gardner, from Burlington, Wash., poses for a portrait at the Seattle Tattoo Expo Saturday August 11, 2012 at Seattle Center. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

Amber Rothrock, from Seattle, poses for a portrait at the Seattle Tattoo Expo Saturday August 11, 2012 at Seattle Center. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

Taking a break from being tattooed, David Owens, of Seattle, poses for a portrait at the Seattle Tattoo Expo Saturday August 11, 2012 at Seattle Center. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

Ursula Major, from Seattle, poses for a portrait at the Seattle Tattoo Expo Saturday August 11, 2012 at Seattle Center. “This is my normal drag look,” he said. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

Ursula Major, from Seattle, poses for a portrait at the Seattle Tattoo Expo Saturday August 11, 2012 at Seattle Center. “This is my normal drag look,” he said. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

Ursula Major, from Seattle, poses for a portrait at the Seattle Tattoo Expo Saturday August 11, 2012 at Seattle Center. “This is my normal drag look,” he said. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

Adrienne Bjorgum, from Missoula, MT., poses for a portrait at the Seattle Tattoo Expo Saturday August 11, 2012 at Seattle Center. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

Slim from Seattle poses for a portrait at the Seattle Tattoo Expo Saturday August 11, 2012 at Seattle Center. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

Jeff McKay from Seattle poses for a portrait at the Seattle Tattoo Expo Saturday August 11, 2012 at Seattle Center. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

Jeff Christenson and girlfriend Kristina Armbruster, of Lake Stevens, Wash., pose for a portrait together at the Seattle Tattoo Expo Saturday August 11, 2012 at Seattle Center. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

Jake King from Seattle poses for a portrait at the Seattle Tattoo Expo Saturday August 11, 2012 at Seattle Center. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

Jake King from Seattle poses for a portrait at the Seattle Tattoo Expo Saturday August 11, 2012 at Seattle Center. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

Steven Villalobos from Mount Vernon, Wash. poses for a portrait at the Seattle Tattoo Expo Saturday August 11, 2012 at Seattle Center. “Seattle is my home and I wanted to honor it,” Villalobos said. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

Blue Bear Wharton from Seattle poses for a portrait at the Seattle Tattoo Expo Saturday August 11, 2012 at Seattle Center. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

Thanks for looking!

Daniel

Seattle medical marijuana for The Daily Telegraph of London

Seattle medical marijuana photos for The Daily Telegraph of London. Photos by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

New Approach Washington Campaign Director Alison Holcomb, who heads the group seeking to legalize, tax and regulate marijuana in the state of Washington through Initiative 502, stands on the roof of their headquarters in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle May 22, 2012. Photo by Daniel Berman.

New Approach Washington Campaign Director Alison Holcomb, who heads the group seeking to legalize, tax and regulate marijuana in the state of Washington through Initiative 502, stands on the roof of their headquarters in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle May 22, 2012. Photo by Daniel Berman.

In a sign of what has increasingly become a new niche for my editorial photography in Seattle, I got an email from The Daily Telegraph of London asking if I would like to photograph a story on medical marijuana.

For two days, I worked with the Telegraph’s U.S. Editor Peter Foster, based out of D.C., to tell the stories of a handful of people to whom this issue is so important. In Washington state, medical marijuana has been legal since 1998 — but remains illegal under federal controlled substance laws.

Muraco Kyashna, founder of The Green Budha medical marijuana collective in Seattle, Washington, poses for a portrait with pet Moluccan cockatoo, Big Bird Bubba, May 22, 2012 alongside volunteer Layla Bush, center. Bush was shot and injured in the 2006 Jewish Federation shooting in Seattle, an incident claiming one life and wounding five others. The bullet remained lodged near her spinal cord where intractable pain continues to plague her, requiring use of a crutch. Photo by Daniel Berman.

Layla Bush, a volunteer at The Green Buddha medical marijuana collective, vaporizes cannabis in a dedicated room of the shop in Seattle, Washington May 22, 2012. She said it is her preferred way to medicate because it is quickly felt and isn’t harsh on her lungs the way smoking is. Bush was shot and injured in the 2006 Jewish Federation shooting in Seattle, an incident claiming one life and wounding five others. The bullet remained lodged near her spinal cord where intractable pain continues to plague her, requiring use of a crutch. Photo by Daniel Berman.

A pro-marijuana legalization poster is seen hanging in a back room where vaporizing cannabis is allowed at The Green Buddha May 22, 2012 in Seattle, Washington. Photo by Daniel Berman.

A cannabis patient in a well-to-do suburb, about a half-hour north of Seattle, tends to his medical marijuana crop growing in his home garden May 22, 2012. Photo by Daniel Berman.

A cannabis patient in a well-to-do suburb, about a half-hour north of Seattle, Washington, tends to his medical marijuana crop growing in his home garden, May 22, 2012. The single plant of the Blueberry strain is housed in his upstairs bathroom tub, and can be expected to produce at least one pound of cannabis. Photo by Daniel Berman

A cannabis patient in a well-to-do suburb, about a half-hour north of Seattle, Washington, tends to his medical marijuana crop growing in his home garden, May 22, 2012. The single plant of the Blueberry strain is housed in his upstairs bathroom tub, and can be expected to produce at least one pound of cannabis. Photo by Daniel Berman

Peter wrote a nicely nuanced piece on the likelihood of cannabis legalization occurring across the U.S. Please check it out: Is the Prohibition of ‘Pot’ coming to an end in the US?

I did not have long to work on the story, but was fortunate enough to meet and photograph the owners of medical cannabis access points, people heading a legalization initiative in the state, and even patients and vendors at a daily cannabis farmers market in Seattle, and an older patient north of there, whose identity remains anonymous due to the sensitivity of his professional life.

That is the reality of medical marijuana in this state. It is used for a variety of reasons by people from every walk of life, yet remains castigated by the federal government and law enforcement — it’s a challenging line to tow, but these patients live it every day.

Steve White volunteers at The Green Buddha medical marijuana collective in Seattle May 22, 2012. Both White and Bush have been medical marijuana patients for four years now. Below are a couple dozen different strains or types, in small bagged amounts. Photo by Daniel Berman.

Muraco Kyashna, founder of The Green Buddha medical marijuana collective in Seattle, Washington, with her pet Moluccan cockatoo, Big Bird Bubba, May 22, 2012 at the access point. Photo by Daniel Berman.

Sean Moore, center, who operates the medical cannabis collective Vivus Vivandi, helps a patient calling himself Dragonfli May 22, 2012 at the NW Cannabis Market in Seattle, Washington. Moore, a medical cannabis patient for two and a half years, said he was motivated to help people at the marijuana farmers market after seeing his girlfriend, who has Chron’s Disease, deal with constant pain. Photo by Daniel Berman

Patients and vendors at the NW Cannabis Market in Seattle, Washington mingle and donate medical cannabis and edibles to each other May 22, 2012. The market serves a few hundred medical marijuana patients on a daily basis. Photo by Daniel Berman

A medical cannabis patient takes a closer look at large piece of medical marijuana at the NW Cannabis Market in Seattle, Washington May 22, 2012. The market serves a few hundred medical marijuana patients on a daily basis. Photo by Daniel Berman

Mario Richburg, who has been a medical marijuana patient for two years, smokes a cannabis joint in the medicating room of the NW Cannabis Market in Seattle, Washington May 22, 2012. A few hundred visit the daily cannabis farmers market, where qualified patients can network with others and obtain medicine, edibles and hardware. Photo by Daniel Berman

Medical marijuana patients smoke cannabis in the medicating room of the NW Cannabis Market in Seattle, Washington May 22, 2012. A few hundred visit the daily cannabis farmers market, where qualified patients can network with others and obtain medicine, edibles and hardware. Photo by Daniel Berman

My experience and previous access to those in the medical marijuana community was key to illustrating the piece, as was Peter’s guidance. He informed me of the level of knowledge surrounding medical marijuana in Britain, and how that differed dramatically from those living in the States, for whom this has been a newsworthy topic for the last few years.

One of the most interesting parts of the assignment was exploring the cannabis farmers market. The daily market boasts several dozen regular vendors, and patients are free to use their cannabis in a separate part of the facility. The entrance to the area notes: 15-minute limit. I joined them inside, and was drawn to how the community aspect of medical marijuana has increased over time. Luckily, once the patients got over the strangeness of a Seattle photographer shooting for a British paper, they opened up.It was a jam-packed schedule but I feel fortunate to be able to work with wonderful clients like The Daily Telegraph to tell stories like these.

Seattle medical marijuana photos for The Daily Telegraph of London. Photos by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

Thanks for reading,

Daniel