VALERIE J. BOWER (b. 1986) is a Los Angeles based photographer. She uses the visuals and experiences of growing up in the working-class Harbor Area of L.A. as influences in her work. Her dream-like, monochrome street photography show a softer, feminine point of view on typically masculine themes and subjects. Focusing primarily on POC, she documents various street cultures and everyday life in Los Angeles. She has also explored the influences of West Coast and lowrider culture in other parts of the U.S., Tokyo, Japan, and Tijuana, Mexico. Her work also includes a collection of self-published books, zines, and other printed items such as letter writing and postcard sets. 

In 2017, Valerie's photography book "Homegirls" was archived into the Thomas J. Watson Library at the Met Museum in New York. Valerie is currently teaching photography to incarcerated youth at Orange County Juvenile Hall.

Full CV is available upon request.

valeriejbower@yahoo.com | @valeriejocelyn (Instagram)