Logo for 'Betty's US' with a stylized design in dark maroon and gray colors.
Line drawing of two chairs with grid-patterned seats and backrests, in a minimalist style.

Show up.
Be seen.
Keep the portrait.

Between Us is a 7-week free creative portrait studio in Emeryville, open to anyone. Each week brings a new hand-built set, a new theme, and a new invitation to show up and be seen.

Each theme is intentionally drawn from the full range of what it means to be alive right now: the celebrations and the uncertainties, the milestones and the in-between moments, the quiet weight of becoming and the joy of just being here.

Week by week, portraits accumulate. And what starts as individual images slowly becomes something else - a collective picture of what this neighborhood is carrying, feeling, and celebrating right now, and the realization that most of us are carrying the same things.

At the close of the residency, every portrait comes together as a single installation. A portrait of the community itself. Proof that none of us move through this alone.

Click a week below to learn more and reserve your spot.

Neighbors & Friends

July 17th & 18th

A woman with dark hair, wearing a white sweater and jewelry, is looking at the camera through a small, heart-shaped opening in a golden, ornate decorative surface.
A woman with dark hair, wearing a white sweater and jewelry, is looking at the camera through a small, heart-shaped opening in a golden, ornate decorative surface.

Then & Now

August 14th & 15th

Two men with curly hair and glasses are posing on a tiled staircase with a metal handrail, in front of an orange sign that promotes energy savings for Oakland residents.
Two men with curly hair and glasses are posing on a tiled staircase with a metal handrail, in front of an orange sign that promotes energy savings for Oakland residents.

What Are You Carrying?

July 24th & July 25th

A young man stands outdoors amid green foliage, leaning against a large tree trunk, wearing a black t-shirt, beige pants, black sneakers, and a gold watch. He is posing with both hands raised near his face, looking serious.
A young man stands outdoors amid green foliage, leaning against a large tree trunk, wearing a black t-shirt, beige pants, black sneakers, and a gold watch. He is posing with both hands raised near his face, looking serious.

Fits & Feelings

August 21st & 22nd

A woman with dark hair and earrings standing outdoors next to a potted plant and green foliage, with a concrete wall and glass window in the background.
A woman with dark hair and earrings standing outdoors next to a potted plant and green foliage, with a concrete wall and glass window in the background.

Who Made You?

August 7th & August 8th

Two women are standing outdoors in front of a large white roller shutter door. The woman in the foreground has dark skin, glasses, and a bright blue head wrap, wearing a black jacket and orange pants, holding a smartphone. The woman in the background has medium skin, long dark hair, wearing a black top, light blue jeans, and black boots, laughing with her hands in her pockets.
Two women are standing outdoors in front of a large white roller shutter door. The woman in the foreground has dark skin, glasses, and a bright blue head wrap, wearing a black jacket and orange pants, holding a smartphone. The woman in the background has medium skin, long dark hair, wearing a black top, light blue jeans, and black boots, laughing with her hands in her pockets.

Photo Walks

July 19th & August 23rd

Where to Find THE STUDIO

Located inside the Rotten City Cultural District at Bay Street Emeryville, across from Uniqlo.

Map of a shopping mall showing stores including Barnes & Noble, UNIQLO, H&M, and others, with a red star marking a specific store.

5616 Bay Street
Emeryville, CA 94608