Adriano Kalin
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adriano-kalin.bsky.social
Adriano Kalin
@adriano-kalin.bsky.social
Social Justice Photographer 📸🫶🏾💙♿️
Chicago, IL 📍
https://linktr.ee/adriano_kalin
Chicago has been at the forefront of advocating for civil rights, ensuring that everyone is entitled to due process. It breaks my heart. All people deserve constitutional rights, regardless of their status in the country. It’s something guaranteed by the Constitution.

Broadview, IL October 17, 2025
October 24, 2025 at 1:57 AM
This was shot on September 19, 2025, and you can see from the silhouette of the person I photographed the chemical agent residue that is airborne, which was affecting the breathing capacity, skin, and eyes of every peaceful protester while they are in full military grade gear.
September 25, 2025 at 11:47 PM
Outside the ICE detention center in Broadview, IL, ICE is harassing and targeting protesters, media, and activists who speak up for civil rights. Sept 19, 2025

Thank you for standing up against injustice, Rachel! @theangrymathprof.bsky.social

Here is the article: open.substack.com/pub/adrianok...
September 21, 2025 at 8:30 AM
One reason I love black-and-white photography is that I can't use color as a distraction. I simply have to respond to the chaos in front of me and use compositions to translate an emotion through shadows and highlights.
July 6, 2025 at 11:11 PM
If my photos bring even a moment of tenderness to your timeline, then I’ve done my job. I try to photograph the empathy that holds us all together.

Na vida, tem que jogar bonito.
July 6, 2025 at 5:14 AM
Take the photograph, it may not be for everyone, and that is okay.
June 25, 2025 at 5:05 AM
"I am the least racist person in the room." - Trump, 2020 Presidential Debate.

These photographs will be relics of history, showing what life was like in our neighborhoods before we were sanctioned to detention centers.
Albany, NY 2025.
June 16, 2025 at 1:32 AM
Funny how the ones labeled “radical” are the only ones actually defending the Constitution and their fellow neighbors. The people who praise 'Don't Tread on Me' motto are the ones standing with authoritarianism. The irony is not lost on us.
June 13, 2025 at 9:30 PM
I officially renamed my Substack The People's Aperture.
It’s all about photography, social justice, disability, human rights, raw stories told through my BIPOC lens.

Please help support artists fighting for justice.
Link in bio.
April 17, 2025 at 5:09 AM
Writing lets the mind create.
Photography lets the soul breathe.
March 15, 2025 at 3:06 AM
When we invest in our neighborhoods, it’s not just about money—it’s about showing up, showing respect, and lifting each other up. In a time when DEI and basic empathy are on the chopping block, it’s vital to use our skills as photographers to show up for the community. This is Chicago.
March 11, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Chicago is starting to defrost after a long winter. ❄️ 🍃📸
March 10, 2025 at 12:41 PM
Every photograph I take is political. My existence as a minority demands it. 📸✊🏾
March 3, 2025 at 8:02 PM
We’re speaking up, but they’re trying to shut us down. People here and around the world need to know that voices and oppression are rising under authoritarianism. Read, share, and stay aware.

Link to the Substack article:
open.substack.com/pub/adrianok...
March 3, 2025 at 6:40 AM
In times like this, it’s also important to step away and create so you have room to fight injustice. 💙✊🏾
March 1, 2025 at 6:53 AM
Nurse Aqua is taking excellent care of me while I’m recovering from surgery, but she might have fallen asleep on the job. 🤣🥹💙
February 22, 2025 at 3:16 AM
A photograph to let you breathe and slowdown during this chaotic timeline. I hope this helps. <3
February 22, 2025 at 3:09 AM
Protesting is a constitutional right protected by the First Amendment—speech, assembly, and petitioning the government. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
February 20, 2025 at 1:59 AM
Post-surgery ritual:
Eating Ben & Jerry’s because they actually stand for social justice and put their money where their mouth is. Good ice cream & good moral compass. 🍨

Support companies that value your humanity. 💙
#benandjerry's
February 19, 2025 at 5:47 PM
Hey everyone, it’s Adriano’s wife, Rachel. He’s headed into surgery soon and I’ve been tasked with keeping you updated. Here’s a photo of him in prep taken by me. Look at that composition.
February 18, 2025 at 6:11 PM
Aqua is keeping a close eye on me ahead of my surgery tomorrow—she knows something’s off. My mom arrived safely, and I’m so lucky to have family looking after me.

I’ll be pretty absent tomorrow, surgery will take about 4-6 hours.

Fight the good fight. Appreciate you all. ❤️
February 18, 2025 at 3:35 AM
Photography frees my soul in this hellscape of a timeline.
February 17, 2025 at 11:51 AM
If you’re in Chicago, please come out and use your voice. Your voice matters. I’ll be there! 📸✊🏾💙
February 17, 2025 at 3:38 AM
There’s something so pure about seeing kids just being kids—unbothered, free, and in their own world. In times like these, moments like this feel like an escape from the chaos, unless you're the mom getting hit with a snowball lol ☃️

This print is available now. Link in bio. ✨
February 17, 2025 at 2:26 AM
Normalize taking a self portrait of yourself. We are all beautiful inside & out.
February 16, 2025 at 4:00 AM