What drew you into photography?
Back in high school, I decided to buy a camera simply because I wanted to capture some of the purest moments that I spent with my friends. The images weren't high quality. They weren't necessarily sharp or framed properly. But they were raw (not RAW hehe) - genuine times when we were just teenagers enjoying each other's company.
Where do you look for inspiration?
I think that inspiration exists in every sort of realm. I'm drawn to patterns and textures of the things around me. Whether it be food, architecture, landscapes, etc, I think to myself, "How can I incorporate the design and feeling of this into a portrait of mine?" So everyday, as I walk through the city, I keep an open mind and take in all the details around me.
What type of cameras do you use?
I use the Canon 6D Mark II with the 17-40mm f/4.0 and 50mm f/1.4. I use this camera in particular because of the creative "Multiple Exposures" functionality that it has.
How is print part of your creative process?
When I think of concepts, I would sometimes jot down how the image may come out in my journal. After having the shoot, editing the images, and having them printed out, it's interesting to see the draft and final product.
How do you tell stories through your photographs?
My main platform that I showcase my photography is through Instagram. This day and age, social media is huge and can be so influential to your audience. When people think about Instagram, they usually think a picture or a photo. When I think about Instagram, I think about the grid, the carousel features, or the 15 video limitation on stories. I want to be able to use all the functionalities available to communicate and interact with my audience through my photography. I want them to have that feeling of "Whoa, I never thought of it this way" and for them to take that feeling and have more of an open mind to whatever field that they're pursuing.
What is your favorite genre of photography and why?
Street photography would be my favorite because I love how ephemeral the images that are captured can be. Never can someone reproduce that same moment in time in the streets with so many different factors going on around them. Street photography is about patience and having a sharp eye. It's about noticing things immediately and being fast enough to take the shot before the opportunity disappears.
