The Julia Dean Photo Workshops

The Julia Dean Photo Workshops Expanding Photography in Southern California <![CDATA[David looks scarier and more confronting than he did when I took this picture. âIt doesnât fit right, too tight, think Iâm growinâ. Howâs it look Chris?â i]]> image-id:133 <![CDATA[A dozen hooded figures slowly walk around the large wooden cross that is planted at the bottom of the hill. They look like a Christian does in a worship service with their arms raised and their eyes fixed on the cross; and these Klansmen say they are Christian. Flames fill the sky as the men in robes exclaim as one, âFor God, Race, and Country. White Power!â]]> image-id:132 <![CDATA[As the fire breaks the darkness, the light it brings represents the light that Jesus brought to this dark world for the Klan. They see it is a warning of the coming disaster that faces the United States if it continues on its Godless course. As the Klansmen and Klanswomen take part in the ceremony, a child rises and exclaims with great joy, âLook, thereâs mommy!â]]> image-id:131 <![CDATA[Accidents of light reveal a small group of men about to take part in a century old tradition. Like ghosts from the past, they stand there while the leader of their group gives a sort of benediction before lighting the cross. They slowly begin to circle the metal structure that is wrapped with burlap bags and doused with kerosene. Together they walk toward the prepared cross, and as a community, a klavern, they all take part in lighting it.]]> image-id:130 <![CDATA[Lisa, the Imperial Wizard's wife, sitting for pictures before a cross lighting.]]> image-id:129 <![CDATA[Tonight men will walk in this field under the moonlight, and they will pick up these kerosene-drenched torches, and they will circle the cross, step forward, and light it. Everyone will stop and stare, as if something tremendous, something spiritual, is happening. The sound of crickets will be in our ears, and a sweat that comes from nervousness will pour down my face, burning my eyes as I try to see through the camera.]]> image-id:128 <![CDATA[They are praying. In Jesus' name they are praying; and, listening to their prayers, you hear their sincerity; you hear their desire for what they think is best for their families, for their country, according to how they see Godâs word. But their understanding seems so far from what really is right.]]> image-id:127 <![CDATA[I sit across from her most of the night listening to the speakers at the Klan National Congress in Arkansas. There are some families here, many men, and this one old lady. During a break she introduces herself as Sarah Eslinger and explains that she is not a member; she lives down the street and is curious, so she comes out every year to listen to the speakers. Sarah does not seem to mind that I am not a member either. After we exchange pleasantries, she asks if I know Jesus; then very sweetly, she explains the Gospel of Christ. It is no different than what I know the gospel to be; but then, narrowing her eyes, she tells me that according to Godâs word, we are to live separately from the blacks.]]> image-id:126 <![CDATA[The Klan seems to be safer than the rest of us as protestors scream behind me and push hard on my back. Standing in their robes, their message is still heard even when the protesters are louder than they are.]]> image-id:125 <![CDATA[There are five of us sitting in Leonard and Tonyaâs trailer watching a tape of their interview on the Jerry Springer Show. Leonard complains that they could not answer any questions without everyone yelling and swearing at them, that the people in the audience were the stupid and ignorant ones.]]> image-id:124