Across the Fence and Through the Lens

To try to capture the true essence of the U.S.-Mexico border is a monumental task for any journalist.

The intricacies of cross-border relations and the depth of the cultural convergence can’t be captured in a single image or described perfectly in a single story.

But over the years, photojournalists have flocked to the border to try to bring back even a small slice of the stories the region has to offer.

And in recent days, several San Diego photographers have released very telling images of the region.

First off, the Union-Tribune’s Nelvin Cepeda and John Gibbins had this photo gallery that accompanied a story about growing violence in the world of human smuggling.

Then, Sandy Huffaker, the New York Times’ go-to guy for San Diego and Northern Baja coverage, had this remarkably poignant photo of a man using heroin in the streets of Tijuana.

I made it to the border this weekend. I shot these images while on assignment at Friendship Park, where Adrian Florido and I documented a group of people communicating across the border using sign language.

Here are some of the photos that didn’t make it into the story:

— SAM HODGSON