Emmaus: The Nature of the Way is a fine-art coffee table photography book released on May 13, 2017. The two-year project in the making began when creator and director Chris Yates realized that the Jesuits that he had grown to have a fond appreciation of were often very misunderstood.  

By photographing 22 of the Jesuit priests that live at Loyola Marymount University, Chris and photographer Robert Macaisa set out to portray these priests exactly how they are: human. Through the juxtaposition of formal and informal photographs, the book aims to break down some of the misconceptions and barriers that society has placed on priests.  

The book is 166 pages and broken down into five chapters that also include incredible stories encapsulating themes of love, friendship, doubt and the general human condition with over 100 portraits. The book is published by Tsehai Publishers & The Marymount Press Institute.

Chris Yates ’16 encountered LMU’s Jesuits as an undergraduate through his involvement with Campus Ministry and in his courses. In time, the Jesuits he met became not only mentors but also friends. He decided to create a project that would portray the humanity of men he had come to admire. Yates and Robert Macaisa ’14 photographed and compiled the stories of 22 Jesuits who live in LMU’s Jesuit residence in their book, “Emmaus: The Nature of the Way,” published by Tsehai Publishers and The Marymount Institute Press.

BIOs

Creator and Director Chris Yates was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. His faith has always been a prominent cornerstone in his life, which stems from the Catholic education he has received his entire academic career. Moving to Los Angeles and attending Loyola Marymount University was the first time Chris understood that his passion for his faith and his creativity could go hand and hand. 

Chris graduated from Loyola Marymount with a B.A. in Screenwriting and archaeology minor. After completing a year of post graduate service in Chicago, Chris moved back to Los Angeles and is the manager & technician for the Photography Department at LMU. His focus on long-term projects aims to  connect people with those who may be on the margins —either physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually.

Robert Macaisa is a professional portrait photographer and filmmaker, born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. He got his start creating imagery in high school, as lead shooter and executive producer of Notre Dame High School's NDTV weekly news show. There, he found his passion behind the camera and telling people's stories. 

He graduated from Loyola Marymount University in 2014 with a B.A. in Film & Television Production. Now he shoots photos and videos for various clients all over the state of California.  Robert strongly believes light is central to his work. You can use light to really tell one's story. A shadow or a highlight can be its own tale, bringing the soul of a person to the forefront of a single photo. He hopes the photos in this book succeed in telling the appropriate story and maybe even help the reader discover their own as well.