Strangers in Laveen | robertojacksonphoto.com

“Strangers in Laveen,” is a fine art photography project that illustrates the detective genre in film noir, literature and television set in a part of Phoenix, Arizona called Laveen. We follow Joe, the detective, during his various investigations and the difficulties he encounters in this risky line of work. What was once a sleepy, overlooked part of the Valley known for its large number of dairy cows, is now a robust residential area with peaks in population and crime. Wedged between South Mountain, the Gila River Indian Community reservation, and the endless sprawl of West Phoenix, Laveen is Joe’s livelihood and nuisance.

My intent for this project is to tell a story in an unlikely place with an enigmatic character and supporting cast. Joe’s search is our search, and every town in America has an underbelly, and we find out that Laveen’s is more vulnerable than most.

House on Carson Road Joe adjusts to his retirement as a private investigator. House on Carson Road Joe adjusts to his retirement as a private investigator.	The Girl Who Jogs Alone Something’s not right during one of Danielle’s evening jogs. The Girl Who Jogs Alone Something’s not right during one of Danielle’s evening jogs.	Little Green Faces Claude is upfront about why he needs his help and it has to do with the missing jogger. Little Green Faces Claude is upfront about why he needs his help and it has to do with the missing jogger.
Danielle Goes Camping Danielle prays for a lifeline while the authorities keep looking. Danielle Goes Camping Danielle prays for a lifeline while the authorities keep looking.	A Man’s Job Claude’s offer still stands; could this job be the answer to Joe’s problems? A Man’s Job Claude’s offer still stands; could this job be the answer to Joe’s problems?	I Read the News Today Something catches Joe’s eye while he catches up on the news of the day. I Read the News Today Something catches Joe’s eye while he catches up on the news of the day.
Like Riding a Bike A little digging around couldn’t hurt, while Joe finds his old self. Like Riding a Bike A little digging around couldn’t hurt, while Joe finds his old self.	Game On Joe sniffs around and might have picked up a scent or two. Game On Joe sniffs around and might have picked up a scent or two.	Where There is Smoke Joe is tenser than ever and picks up a familiar habit. Where There is Smoke Joe is tenser than ever and picks up a familiar habit.
Two Footsteps Do Not Make a Path Time is running out as Joe returns to the scene of the crime. Two Footsteps Do Not Make a Path Time is running out as Joe returns to the scene of the crime.	Pit Stop Joe is close to finding Danielle, it’s just a matter of convincing Claude that he’s only inches away. Pit Stop Joe is close to finding Danielle, it’s just a matter of convincing Claude that he’s only inches away.	The Prisoner in Pink There ain’t no pot of gold at the end of the rainbow for Joe, but it’s pretty damn close. The Prisoner in Pink There ain’t no pot of gold at the end of the rainbow for Joe, but it’s pretty damn close.
The Laveen Bounce Joe finds Danielle, now he has to find a way out. The Laveen Bounce Joe finds Danielle, now he has to find a way out.	Leaving Blues If Joe goes down he’s taking someone with him. Leaving Blues If Joe goes down he’s taking someone with him.	Call Me in the Morning Joe’s closes another case, but now must make peace with himself. Call Me in the Morning Joe’s closes another case, but now must make peace with himself.
The Darker the Night, the Nearer the Dawn Joe faces a new day and is at peace with all the shades of his past. The Darker the Night, the Nearer the Dawn Joe faces a new day and is at peace with all the shades of his past.