What drew you to street photography initially?
Seeing different styles of photography – fashion, architecture, nature and portrait. I like all kinds of photography, but in the end, I discovered that what really touches my heart is photography in which there are people, the human factor, and the most touching images for me are the ones made in the street, of unposed strangers. Plus, the only thing you have to do (and you only need yourself to do it) is to hit the street, observe and shoot. 😉
How would you describe your street photography style?
I think it is a “classic” street photography style. I am interested in people on the street, how we interact unconsciously, how the light affects us in a fraction of a second, how others might perceive us and how a single moment can change the way people perceive one another from one instant to the next.
I love the way you capture areas of light and shadow with great contrast. Where do you go to capture this kind of image and what time of day do you prefer to shoot?
Normally, because of the life I lead, I take pictures in the afternoon, when the sun is going down and there is that very special color, when the shadows (a fundamental aspect of photography) begin to stretch and grow, when you can play with these things.
Where do I go? Lately, I’ve been heading to la Gran Vía, en Madrid. It’s a very concrete location. I’m attracted to the idea of being in a place that physically is always the same, but every time is distinct because the light, the people and the street itself are always changing. Time, which photography is intimately bound up with, becomes more evident.
I love this image:
Can you tell us a little about it?
First of all, I’m so happy you like this one. It is a pretty dynamic photo, with the motion of the girl’s hair, the way it looks like we might lose view of her because she is moving towards the shadow, and the direct gaze of the fellow in the back. Direct looks are always powerful. I think this image is attractive because of these elements and because of the color and light, fundamentals.
Do you have any tips for shooting in crowds?
Enjoy it. Control your fear and try to get close to people. It’s more gratifying up close.
What has street photography taught you?
Photography in general teaches me how ephemeral life is. How fast things happen and if we aren’t paying attention, we miss them. Some moments are more interesting than others, but they all form a part of life, your life and the lives of others. It teaches me to see the beauty in the day-to-day, in the color of a ray of light, in a shadow that gives shape or that hides us or exposes us, and all of that is there, on the street. If you stop to look you’ll see it.
Let me say something else. More and more, I am worried about the behavior and thinking of the society we live in. When you go to an exposition, you’ll notice that there is a large public that enjoys this kind event. They enjoy being seen at an exposition, but when they are on the street, a good portion of the same people, if a street photographer takes their picture will get upset. People are getting more and more upset about street photographers, not to mention if there are children as protagonists.
Families love it if there is a TV camera filming them in the middle of the street, they don’t care about their “privacy,” but if a street photographer takes their photo – you better watch it buddy! Each day there is more suspicion.
It’s a shame. The day we stop doing street photography, we will lose an important cultural resource. Doesn’t anyone notice?
You can see more of Moises’ work by giving his Flickr account a follow.
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