Israel Castillo's "Among the Supporters" series captures the human element of SDFC games, focusing on fan culture and community.
Castillo documents the diverse fanbase, from tailgaters to the supporter section, reflecting San Diego's cross-cultural environment.
His work highlights the unifying power of sports, bringing people together from different backgrounds.
The series has gained traction on Instagram, with fans sharing their portraits, showcasing the project's impact and reach.
Castillo alternates between film and digital photography to capture different aspects of the fan experience, using black and white film for exterior shots and digital for vibrant in-stadium images.
Israel Castillo, a San Diego native, recognized the opportunity to document the burgeoning fan base of the city’s new Major League Soccer club, San Diego FC. His series, "Among the Supporters," delves into the heart of the SDFC experience, bypassing the on-field action to capture the raw emotion and camaraderie of the fans. Castillo’s approach varies depending on the setting. Outside Snapdragon Stadium, he employs black-and-white film to create stripped-down portraits, removing the visual noise and focusing on the individual. Inside, he switches to digital, capturing the vibrant colors and energy of the crowd, from face-painted fans to beer-soaked celebrations. The series reflects San Diego’s unique cultural landscape, with influences from Liga MX evident in the supporter chants and the diverse backgrounds of the attendees. Castillo shares his work on Instagram, tagging the club and the fans themselves, fostering a sense of community and amplifying the reach of his project. His dedication to documenting the SDFC fanbase highlights the importance of sports as a unifying force, bringing together people from all walks of life to share a common passion.
Q: What is "Among the Supporters"?
It's a photo series by San Diego photographer Israel Castillo documenting San Diego FC fans.
Q: Where does Castillo take his photos?
Both outside and inside Snapdragon Stadium, capturing the pre-game and in-game atmosphere.
Q: What is Castillo hoping to achieve with this project?
To showcase the unifying power of sports and tell the stories of SDFC supporters.
Sports can be a powerful force for bringing diverse communities together.
Fan culture is a significant aspect of the sporting experience.
Photography can be a powerful tool for documenting and celebrating community.
Supporting local artists and their projects can help preserve and promote local culture.
Do you think fan culture is an essential part of the sports experience? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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