Vader’s forceful photos show soft side of Mission

Adam Mankoski
Published Thursday, May 17, 2012

Diana Vader has always been passionate about photography. Recent local work includes the Simpson University Aspire Program Campaign bus shelter posters. Diana has been awarded Certified Professional Photographer by the Professional Photographic Certification Commission, a distinction achieved by less than 3 percent of professional photographers. With her recent body of work, Diana is raising funds for the Good News Rescue Mission.

Do you remember the first photo you took that inspired your current work?

I was asked by the Good News Rescue Mission to document its guests. My first really poignant photo was of a woman who was celebrating her release from domestic abuse. She literally had a lot of baggage and was super candid about her experience. That’s when I knew that these folks needed a real voice — someone who could share their stories with the rest of the neighbors who are more fortunate.

How can we participate in the fundraiser?

The art pieces are posted on my website, www.dianavader.com. Prints may be ordered in the next 30 days. All orders will benefit the mission.

You recently showed work at Moseley’s Family Cellars Tasting Room. How was that show?

The works shown at the Moseley’s were a compilation of a shoot in 2011 at the Mission and a Walk About in South Park in January 2012. The idea behind the campaign is to show the changing demographics of the homeless in Redding. Women and children are making up more of the population than ever before. The YouTube video made from these images http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kha847C87Ew was created to pull together volunteers for the Mission.

What inspired you to do these particular portraits?

I want Redding’s homeless to have a voice. World class imagery is a significant way to reach our community of people on an emotional level. I want people to get involved with the Mission by volunteering and donating food, clothes and money. Our heart and the heart of the Mission is to reach the hurting people in our community.

What are you working on next?

I am building a commercial brand for regular businesses and nonprofits. The purpose of this arm of the business is to leverage imagery with emotional content for use in marketing campaigns. I work side by side with marketing teams and graphic designers to create the desired effect. I also look forward to working with organizations like Care Net and Women’s Refuge to help them build a presence and a voice for the people they serve.

Go Now:Learn more about Diana’s work and the fundraiser for the Good News Rescue Mission at www.dianavader.com.