New Photography Book Captures Hands of 100 Portlanders
The 60-page collection by Brooke Willow explores community connection and is available for $35 at Up Up Books.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Photographer Brooke Willow and publisher Weathering Press are highlighting Portlanders through a new collection of hand portraits, now available for purchase. The book features images of 100 residents and aims to capture authentic gestures and collective belonging in the city.
Why it matters
The project serves as a creative effort to document how residents gather and connect following the pandemic. By focusing on personal hand movements, Willow explores the nuanced ways community members build belonging in their neighborhoods.
The photography collection features 100 individual subjects printed across 60 pages and is available for $35. It remains unknown how many copies will be produced in the initial run.
The players
Brooke Willow
A photographer who founded the community project to document Portlanders.
Weathering Press
A new publishing company co-founded by Brooke Willow and JP Painter.
Up Up Books
A local bookstore hosting the photography book launch.
The details
Artist Brooke Willow, alongside JP Painter of the new Weathering Press, captured the portraits on 35mm film during conversation sessions at The Historic Overlook House and the Portland Art Museum. To ensure authentic gestures, Willow engaged each participant in dialogue during the photo shoots. The book is printed by Nun Studios and debuted during a launch event at Up Up Books.
Timeline
November 1, 2026: Book launch event at Up Up Books.
Beyond the Bridges
This project acts as an artistic response to the isolation experienced during the 2020-2022 pandemic-era social distancing protocols. It marks a shift from digital separation to a focus on the physical gestures of community connection.
Residents interested in the project can purchase the $35 collection starting now. The book is available for those looking to see a documented slice of Portland community life.
The takeaway
The project illustrates the power of small, authentic human gestures in rebuilding community ties. Readers can view the collection at local bookstores or reach out to the publisher for further information on the limited series.
Further reading
Explore more local retail and artistic ventures in our Openings & Closings section.
More information
Find complete details on the publication at the book launch event information.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Willamette Week.
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