UNION STATION HOMELESS SERVICES
CAPTURING CONNECTION AND COMMUNITY THROUGH THOUGHTFUL EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY
Client Overview
Union Station Homeless Services is a nonprofit organization committed to ending homelessness and rebuilding lives across the San Gabriel Valley. With a holistic, housing-first approach, they provide outreach, shelter, housing, and supportive services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Their mission is to help people transition from the streets to permanent housing and stay housed with dignity, compassion, and long-term support. With a remarkable 97% housing retention rate, Union Station has become the largest homeless services provider in the San Gabriel Valley.
The Challenge
Union Station hosts events annually at the Rose Bowl Stadium. In 2024, after the fires in Los Angeles, they opted to switch from their main event, Masters of Taste, and have a pared down version called Generous Plates, a fundraising event that brought together LA's top chefs, restaurants, and community supporters for an evening of culinary excellence and philanthropy.
But the venue presented a unique challenge: difficult lighting conditions that had plagued previous events. Past photography had been inconsistent, with some images shot with flash and others without, creating a disjointed visual story that didn't reflect the polish and impact of the event. Union Station needed a photography team who could navigate the technical demands of the space while capturing the warmth, connection, and mission-driven heart of the evening.
The Solution
Solhaus Media led a two-person photography team to document Generous Plates with a focus on consistency, quality, and storytelling. We approached the event with a strategic eye, ensuring every element was captured:
Thoughtful coverage of the space and decor to showcase the atmosphere and attention to detail
Candid moments of connection between attendees, donors, and community members
Restaurant owners sharing their culinary creations, highlighting the generosity of participating chefs
Sponsor activations that demonstrated partnership and support
Union Station executives and special guests engaging with the community
By mastering the challenging lighting of the Rose Bowl Stadium and maintaining a cohesive visual style throughout the evening, we delivered a polished gallery that reflected the sophistication and heart of the event.
The Impact
The results spoke for themselves. Union Station's team noted a significant improvement over previous event photography, praising the consistency and professionalism of the final images. The photo gallery has become a cornerstone asset for the organization, now being used across:
Marketing materials and campaigns
Donor pitch decks and sponsorship proposals
Social media content and ongoing storytelling
Internal presentations and impact reports
Through careful attention to lighting, composition, and story, Solhaus Media gave Union Station the visual tools they needed to showcase their mission, honor their supporters, and amplify their impact in the community.
Featured Deliverables:
Comprehensive event photography gallery
Detailed coverage of space, decor, and atmosphere
Candid guest and attendee photography
Chef and restaurant owner portraits
Executive and sponsor activations
Social media-ready imagery
Your mission deserves media that moves people.
