Ave Pildas is a street photographer who lives in Santa Monica, California. He has worked as a successful professional photographer, cinematographer, educator, and more for over 40 years. His wife, Phyllis Green, is a sculptor who just won a Guggenheim award, so you could say creative arts are a family affair.
Pildas has recorded decades of street life in California, especially at his favorite spot for taking street shots, Hollywood Boulevard. He has taken thousands of photographs there and many of his shots were published in ‘Zoom’, ‘Creative Camera’, ‘Photo’, and other popular magazines. He enjoys shooting quirky subjects and unusual situations, turning the streets of California into a wealth of interesting scenes for his viewers.
One of Pildas’ best qualities is his willingness and desire to share his life experiences and his wealth of knowledge about how to succeed as a professional street photographer.
To hear our interview with Ave Pildas click on the audio player below.
A Selection of Ave’s Photos That Spans His Career

Here Comes the Bride – 2012

Girls Girls Girls – 1973
G-Wall Red

Double Phone Booth – 1975

Here Comes The Bus – 2012

Bus Bench Jesus – 1974

Black Beach Boyz – 1978

Bijou Westlake – 1975

Beach Witch – 1984

Cop Salute – 1975

Rabbits – 1982

Converse B&W – 2012

Coltrane – 1962